Jericho, NY (April 15, 2015) – Benefiting the critical research being conducted at the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), the elegant Crystal Ball (DiabetesResearch.org/CrystalBall) will again bring together Long Island’s most generous and dedicated in the effort to find a cure. The black-tie affair, to be held at the Garden City Hotel on Saturday, May 2nd at 7 p.m., will feature a cocktail hour, exquisite food and wines, plus dancing and entertainment. One of the evening highlights is expected to be a special auction featuring unique items ranging from artwork and designer jewelry to a Rolex Watch Grand Sweepstakes prize provided by London Jewelers.
This year, the event will pay tribute to Gary Kleiman, senior director of medical development at the DRI. For more than four decades, Mr. Kleiman has supported and been intimately involved in the cure-focused research at the Institute. His family is among the small group that defined the mission and provided the seed funding to establish the DRI at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and he is also a recipient of an islet cell transplant, which is a procedure that holds promise for a cure. He will be recognized as the Rowland and Sylvia Schaefer Honoree. The Schaefers will always be remembered as two of the DRI’s most generous donors.
“Since the early 1970s when my family got involved with what would become the Diabetes Research Institute, there has always been a sense of urgency and a deep shared belief that we could make it happen and find the cure,” stated Mr. Kleiman, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 6. “Rowland and Sylvia Schaefer shared that same passion, determination and vision to find a cure for their granddaughter. I am truly honored to receive an award that bears their name.”
Also being recognized for their outstanding support are Bruce and Rachel Siegel, who will be receiving the Gillin Family Humanitarian Award. The Siegels strongly believe that the DRI is the best hope for a cure for their daughter, Sara Siegel, who has type 1 diabetes. Mr. Siegel, a Long Island attorney, has served on the DRI Foundation’s regional board since 2011 and is currently Co-chairman of the Northeast Board. He also serves on the National Board of Directors and the National Planned Giving Committee. The couple has supported several local events, including the Crystal Ball, Dreams in the City, and the Fall into Fashion Luncheon, plus a signature Miami event, the Love and Hope Ball, among other major fundraising campaigns.
Co-chairing the event once again are National Board member Bruce Waller, son-in-law of Rowland and Sylvia Schaefer, and his sister, Wendy Waller.
Among many things, the Crystal Ball has become recognized for the outstanding and active sponsors it has drawn year after year, and this year is no different. Presenting Sponsors are Bruce and Roberta Waller & Family, who also participated at this level last year. The Sparkling Sponsor is The Manocherian Family; Platinum Sponsors include Mr. and Mrs. Alan L. Pashcow, Rachel and Bruce Siegel, and Robert Moss/Long Island Pipe Supply, Inc.; and the Gold Sponsor is Wendy Waller. Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available.
To reserve a table or seats at $375 per person, visit DiabetesResearch.org/CrystalBall or call the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation at 516.822.1700.
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 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 shrink the timeline toward the discovery of a biological cure for this disease. Having already shown that diabetes can be reversed through islet transplantation, the DRI is building upon these promising outcomes by bridging cell-based therapies with emerging technologies. The Diabetes Research Institute was 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 people affected by diabetes, the DRI 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