Jericho, NY (February 12, 2015) — Twelve year old Disney star Skai Jackson of the hit series Jessie will be joining hundreds of young supporters, parents and families at the Kids’ Carnival for a Cure, benefiting the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI). The small and big screen phenom will join the family-oriented event at Dave & Buster’s at The Source Mall, 1504 Old Country Road in Westbury, on Sunday, March 15 from 1 pm to 4 pm.
“I am proud to be part of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation because diabetes hits close to home for me. My grandmother on my dad’s side passed away from it and I would do anything I could to help,” said Jackson.
In addition to a meet and greet with Skai, included in select sponsorships, the afternoon will feature fun for kids of all ages, including the latest video and arcade games, inflatables for jumping, bowling, billiards and more. Adam Buchwald will be on hand, spinning sounds as the DJ. Guests will also have a chance at sweepstakes prizes and a prize auction of sports memorabilia and other unique items.
Co-chairs for the event are Sheri Donaldson, Lauren & Steven Field, Frankie Lam, and Susan Rubenstein.
Beyond the wide variety of games featured at the Kids’ Carnival, there will be an exceptional array of diabetes friendly food and beverages suitable to guests of all ages. Goody bags will be provided to kids on their way out the door.
Generous sponsors include The Field Family, Super Shot Sponsor, Astoria Bank along with Susan and Mitchell Rubenstein & Family at the Bowling and Billiards level, and Firstrade Securities, Inc., Frankie and Jacqueline Lam and Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Mandel at the Power Card level.
Those interested in attending Kids’ Carnival for a Cure can purchase tickets at a variety of levels. Adult tickets are $100 each, kids run $50 each, and a family pass (2 adults/2 children) is $275. Children under 2 are free, and all children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, contact the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation at 516-822-1700 or neregion@drif.org.
About Skai Jackson
Twelve year-old Skai Jackson plays the role of Zuri on the Disney hit series Jessie. On the big screen she can be seen in films such as G.I. Joe 2: Retaliation, Arthur, and The Smurfs Movie. Skai also had a lead role in the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, The Watsons Go to Birmingham, and a principal role in the film, My Dads a Soccer Mom, which can be seen on UpTV. She also had starring roles in episodes of Royal Pains, Rescue Me and the Louis CK pilot. Skai excels in voice-overs and has lent her voice to different characters in the Nickelodeon Series, Dora and Bubble Guppies. Skai has booked numerous commercials, including her most famous “Band-aid Brand,” in which her charm and charisma shine through the screen as she sings the infamous Band-aid song. Skai is a native New Yorker and when she is not acting she enjoys fashion designing, Nintendo DS and playing with her friends.
About the Diabetes Research Institute and Foundation
The mission of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation is to provide the Diabetes Research Institute with the funding necessary to cure diabetes now. The Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine leads the world in cure-focused research. As the largest and most comprehensive research center dedicated to curing diabetes, the DRI is aggressively working to develop a biological cure by restoring natural insulin production and normalizing blood sugar levels without imposing other risks. Researchers have already shown that diabetes can be reversed through islet transplantation, with some study patients living without the need for insulin injections for more than a decade. The Institute is now building upon these promising outcomes by developing the DRI BioHub, an integrated “mini organ” that mimics the native pancreas, containing thousands of insulin-producing cells that sense blood sugar levels and produce the precise amount of insulin needed in real time. The Diabetes Research Institute and Foundation were created for one reason – to cure diabetes – which is and will continue to be its singular focus until that goal is reached. For the millions of children and adults affected by diabetes, the Diabetes Research Institute is the best hope for a cure. For more information, please visit DiabetesResearch.org or call 800-321-3437.
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Media Contact:
Lauren Schreier
lschreier@drif.org
954.964.4040