Diabetes Foundation to Hold a Major Fundraising Gala at The Venetian in Garfield on April 10, 2024
Contact:
Pamela Weber-Leaf
P: 201-444-0337 x105
pweber-leaf@diabetesfoundationinc.org
MAHWAH, NJ – January 16, 2024 – The Diabetes Foundation, Inc. (DF), New Jersey’s premier not-for-profit organization that empowers individuals living with diabetes, is pleased to announce its upcoming gala, scheduled for Wednesday, April 10 at The Venetian in Garfield from 6 to 10 p.m. The event, the DF’s biggest fundraiser of the year, supports the organization’s programs that provide children and adults across the state at risk and living with all types of diabetes with free services and programs such as financial assistance (including short-term diabetes medications), accredited education and personalized guidance to promote diabetes prevention and delay complications.
The gala will be an unforgettable evening celebrating the contributions of five organizations and individuals whose expertise, innovation and dedication to those living with diabetes provides an opportunity for our neighbors to achieve help, hope and better health. Entertainment, a sit-down dinner, auction and inspiring stories from some of the many people the DF has helped will be showcased. We are excited to bring together DF’s stakeholders to highlight how together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need access and support to achieve better health,” said Ginine Cilenti, Executive Director of the DF. “It’s an opportunity to commemorate the progress we’ve made and the impact we have had throughout New Jersey. It’s also a chance for us to raise awareness about the diabetes epidemic and generate support for screenings and education.”
Founded in 1990, the DF is New Jersey’s only care-focused nonprofit 501c3 offering services to individuals of all ages and all types of diabetes, regardless of insurance coverage. It was then, and remains, dedicated to providing a short-term supply of diabetes medication entirely free of charge. All programming and materials are offered in Spanish as well as English.
At the dinner, embecta will receive the organization’s Diabetes Champion Award. “embecta is honored to be recognized as Diabetes Champion,” said Dev Kurdikar, the company’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our strong, long-term relationship with the DF is based upon a shared belief in the importance of education to support individuals with prediabetes, type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes. Together, we can make sure everyone with diabetes has access to the knowledge and tools necessary to live a better life with fewer limitations.”
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey has been named the Healthcare Honoree; Jack Daniels Motors, the Corporate Honoree; RWJ University Hospital’s (RWJUH) Community Health Promotions Programs, the Community Partner Honoree; and longtime DF Diabetes Care Guide Jack Bickel will receive the agency’s Samuel C. Fusco Jr. Service Award. Representatives expressed appreciation for the accolade, and enthusiasm for the DF’s work ensuring access to critical resources and tools.
Jonathan Pearson, Executive Director, Corporate Social Responsibility, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, called the DF “an essential nonprofit community-based organization that’s done terrific work not only for our 3.8 million members, but also the community that they serve statewide.”
Director, RWJUH Community Health Promotions Program & Social Impact and Community Investment Lead at RWJ Barnabas Health, Mariam Merced, is thrilled with her organization’s partnership with the DF. “The community that we work with is vulnerable, with limited finances, no health insurance and English as a second language,” she explained. Further, “so many people don’t have the resources needed to address their health needs. Our partnership with the DF allows us to offer services that our patients would be unable to access without their support.”
The Chief Operating Officer at Jack Daniels Motors Auto Group, John Nunley, noted that the company’s longstanding relationship with the DF began many years ago. “The team at Jack Daniels Motors is thrilled to accept this honor for our dedication to people living with diabetes. We believe strongly in the work of the DF, as they offer a unique service that helps so many of our neighbors to remain healthy. Together, we have increased available funds for DF services from $250,000 to $800,000 over the last few years through our Porsche raffle. There’s nothing more important to our leadership and our brand than to support the needs of others.”
Jack Bickel, who will receive the agency’s Samuel C. Fusco Jr. Service Award, named for its co-founder, has had type 1 diabetes for 42 years. Bickel said, “I love being a volunteer at the DF. It’s amazing to be able to help so many individuals with their blood sugar management. Talking, listening and encouraging people to achieve lower A1C is very meaningful.”
About the Diabetes Foundation
The Diabetes Foundation is a 501(c)(3) foundation, incorporated in 1990 with the goal of empowering individuals struggling with prediabetes, type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes. The Foundation is committed to providing access to critical resources and medication necessary for people living with diabetes or prediabetes to remain healthy. The Foundation provides a number of programs serving children, parents, adults, caregivers and their families, regardless of income or healthcare coverage. The generous support from patrons and sponsors allows the Diabetes Foundation to continue to offer services to the community for free. You can learn more about the Foundation at www.diabetesfoundationinc.org or by calling (201) 444-0337.
