Gala to benefit juvenile diabetes research

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Southeastern Wisconsin will host its 14th annual fundraising gala, “Follow the Yellow Brick Road to a Cure on Saturday, March 13 at the Pfister Hotel in downtown Milwaukee.
Type 1, an autoimmune disease, is the most severe form of diabetes and can strike children as young as only a few months old when their pancreas ceases to produce life-sustaining insulin. Type 2 is usually diagnosed in adulthood; however increased obesity has led to a recent rise in children and young adult cases.
“Along with the family-oriented Walk to Cure Diabetes fundraiser at the zoo in the fall, the gala is our most important local fundraiser of the year,” said Wendy Hanisch, executive director. “We want people to know there is still time for companies and individuals to sponsor and attend this worthwhile event.”
Diabetes affects 285 million people worldwide. That number is expected to almost double in 20 years, Hanisch said.
The event will feature the “Fund A Cure” auction in which donations are made directly to fund diabetes research, and Marjorie Clark Takton, local philanthropist and board member of the Emory T. Clark Foundation, will be presented with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 2010 Living and Giving Award. 
The optional black-tie dinner includes dinner, dancing, and exciting silent and live auctions. 94.5 Lake FM DJ Lips LaBelle, will emcee the event. For ticket or sponsorship information, contact the Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter of JDRF at (414) 453-4673.