JDRF Cincinnatian of the Year Gala

Raising $3.7M at a nonprofit fundraising gala is a big deal, and doesn't happen often, but JDRF Southwest Ohio achieved just that this past Saturday, May 12 at its Cincinnatian of the Year Gala. Honoring Rich Boehne, Chairman of E.W. Scripps, JDRF hosts this annual black-tie event to raise money to find a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D). Chaired by Petra Vester, the "Carnivale for the Cure" theme brought a colorful, Brazilian flavor to the event with sequins, feathers and live Samba performances. Long-term chapter volunteer Mark Kacher was honored as the Cynthia Marver Marmer Volunteer of the Year. In total, JDRF achieved yet another goal fundraising record for the second consecutive year, with over $3.7M raised. This remarkable total was due in part to a $2.4M planned gift left by the estate of the late Wayne and Marty McDaniel. JDRF Southwest Ohio Executive Director Melissa Newman announced the gift at the event, and this contribution marks the largest single gift ever made to the chapter. Says Newman of the gift, "We are incredibly appreciative of the McDaniels for leaving a legacy to JDRF throught this transformational gift. As someone who was personally impacted by diabetes, Wayne knew the importance of finding a cure."

To see more photos of the event, click here.

For more information about Southwest Ohio JDRF, please visit swojdrf.org.