Georgetown University’s Annual Diabetes Gala

Washington, DC- Be a part of the cure! Diabetes can be a challenge for millions of Americans living with this metabolic disease everyday. According to the American Diabetes Association, in 2010 there were 1.9 million new cases in the U.S. alone, but we can take steps to lower the number of new cases. Join the Diabetes Research & Educations Program, as it hosts the Georgetown University Diabetes Gala on Saturday, May 5th at 5:30 p.m. at the Georgetown University Conference Center, 3800 Reservoir Road, NW Washington, DC 20007.

An evening for the entire family, the gala will provide support for educational programs in prevention and treatment options and funding for biomedical research that may result in a cure one day.

Ken Beatrice, former radio sports personality best known for his show, Sports Call, on WMAL-AM based Washington, D.C., and David Nelson, MD, FAAP Chairman, Department of Pediatrics will host the annual fundraising event that benefits the Diabetes Research & Education Program at Georgetown University Medical Center.

The educational programs offer free resources for those living with the disease throughout the United States. White the Diabetes Research programs are aimed at:

• Curing diabetes through gene therapy;
• Preserving the ability of the pancreas to make insulin;
• Preventing the development of diabetes; and,
• Evaluating methods to transplant insulin-producing tissues.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, over 300 million people live with diabetes around the world. In the United States, there are over 25 million Americans with this disease, for which seven million of those Americans go undiagnosed.

At this year’s gala, guests will enjoy a dinner and live auction with sports memorabilia and vacation destinations around the world. Special guests include Washington, DC-based ambassadors, from countries such as Denmark, Mexico, Trinidad, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, whose presence underscore the need to increase awareness in their own countries and ultimately find a cure for all. Many of the ambassadors are also Honorary Diabetes Co-Chairs for the Congressional Diabetes Caucus, which educates and supports diabetes research and treatment.

The gala will also feature fun activities for the whole family and music for all. Beverly Cosham, a vocalist at Blues Alley, Docs of Dixieland Jazz Band, TMD & The Brass SOULution Dance Band, Rashida Jolley, Harpist for Lady Gaga, and Resonant Essence Live, will perform.

Tickets are $40 for adults, $15 for children under 17, $125 per family and $300 to reserve a table. To become an even greater diabetes contributor, benefactors that donate $1,000 will be given 10 tickets and recognized in the program. Media are invited to attend. For more information, please contact Katherine Brazauskas, (202)-687-2679 or e-mail her at kcb39@georgetown.edu