Oh what a night!  $2 million and counting!
On Saturday, May 9, 700 guests gathered at the Boston Marriott Copley Place for One Night, the 33rd Annual JDRF Boston Gala in celebration of how far we have come toward the One Day when we will celebrate a cure. The evening was a true testament to the support of our honorees, champion,

sponsors, patrons, donors and volunteers who graciously contributed their time, energy, and resources. Thank you to all who helped us to raise more than $2 million for research to cure, treat and prevent type 1 diabetes (T1D)!

We were delighted to honor Shari and Robert Cashman for their longstanding commitment to JDRF. The power of community coming together in honor of their dedication to JDRF was inspiring. The Nancy Jones Diabetes Champion Award was presented to Marshalls for their 21 year partnership and lasting commitment to raise funds in their stores. Rebecca Leonard, Associate Vice President and Director of Public Relations for TJX Corporation, accepted the award and conveyed the strong spirit of Marshalls’ employees to help raise funds for JDRF.

The momentous evening began with a cocktail reception and guests bidding on more than  150 special and unique silent auction packages and taking their chance at winning an exquisite sapphire ring—courtesy of Hannoush Jewelers.

As guests were seated they were treated to a special performance by Tony Award Winner and two-time Grammy Winner, the original star of Dreamgirls, Jennifer Holiday who  wowed the audience with her tremendous talent. Following dinner guests enjoyed an

exciting live auction of one of a kind opportunities and special excursions. To cap of the formal program, Honorees Shari and Robert Cashman’s daughter Alyssa shared a glimpse into her life with T1D as the evening’s Fund A Cure speaker.  Alyssa shared that since her diagnosis her birthday wish has been to find a cure and she asked all guests to help fulfill her lifelong dream—which they did in spades, with more than $1 million given directly to JDRF’s renowned research efforts! Guests then danced the night away with entertainment by One Step Ahead and a decadent dessert reception.

Thank you to all who generously supported our 33rd Annual Boston Gala. Your contributions are making a difference in the lives of the millions of children and adults with type 1 diabetes. We want to offer a special thanks to our 2015 One Night Chair, Mindy Maines, and the entire Gala Committee for their tireless efforts to make the evening a success!

The Cashman Story
In January of 2001, the Cashman family’s life was forever changed when Alyssa, their spunky, warm, compassionate daughter was diagnosed with T1D as she was looking forward to her 11th birthday. In an instant, the family’s daily routine consisted of constant finger pricks, injections at all hours of the day and night, counting every carbohydrate consumed and dealing with the physical and emotional roller coasters of high and low blood sugars. At first it was daunting but Alyssa quickly showed the family that taking control and owning the situation with this disease was their only option.

It was then that they decided changing the future for the millions who live with T1D would be their calling. It was this that brought them to JDRF. They quickly formed Alyssa’s All-Stars, a Boston Walk Team, and set to work raising the funds necessary to advance treatment options and find a cure. For the past 14 years the Cashmans have become increasingly engaged. Both Shari and Robert have served on the Board of Directors, and chaired and worked on the event committees for the Walk and Gala—JDRF’s top signature events. They have also shared their voices as advocates to assure the U.S. Government is focusing dollars to research.

At every turn of their 14-year journey with JDRF they say they have become more convinced that JDRF has the plan to find a cure for Alyssa and the millions of people around the world living with T1D. They have seen real changes in her treatment options. In the past year alone they have seen progress that assures them she will live a long and healthy life with progressively less burden from this horrific disease. It has been a labor of love from which the entire Cashman family firmly believes they have taken more than they have given.

To recognize their outstanding support and commitment to our mission, JDRF honored Shari and Robert Cashman.  The Cashman Family video can be viewed here.

Fund A Cure: Alyssa Cashman
We want to extend our special thanks to Alyssa Cashman for not only sharing her personal story but for inspiring us with her strength and candor. Alyssa’s speech can be viewed here.

If you would like an opportunity to contribute, please call the JDRF New England Office at 781-431-0700 or send in a check to 60 Walnut Street, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481.

Nancy Jones Diabetes Champion Awardee, Marshalls
What began with two friends agreeing to a small campaign in a handful of stores in California has grown into one of JDRF’s greatest partnerships engaging the masses and bringing not only funds to JDRF’s mission but hope to our families. JDRF is honored by Marshalls’ enthusiasm and heartened by their allegiance.

For the past 21 years, Marshalls has supported JDRF through an annual in-store fundraiser and store support of local JDRF chapters. These combined efforts have resulted in a contribution of more than $25 million to JDRF’s mission to find a cure for diabetes.  The Marshalls Thank You video can be viewed here.

THANK YOU to our amazing volunteers!
A huge thank you to all of the wonderful and dedicated JDRF volunteers that made the night possible! Your assistance at registration, with the silent auction, greeting guests, in the ballroom, and during check out made this night magical.

To view photos from the evening please visit our JDRF New England Facbook Page.