from staff
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s (JDRF) North Florida Chapter hosted its seventh annual “Miracles in the Moonlight Gala” on Sept. 22 at the Hyatt.
More than 470 guests from across North Florida attended the gala, which raised $313,000 for research to find a cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications.
Tim Finchem, Commissioner of the PGA TOUR was this year’s Miracles in the Moonlight Gala Honoree. Tom Palmer, President of the JDRF North Florida Board, presented Finchem with the 2007 Living and Giving Award for his outstanding commitment and contributions to the North Florida community and for his help in progressing toward a cure of diabetes.
Also recognized at the Gala was Leslie Burkhalter with the Board Member of the Year Award and David Head as the Volunteer of the Year.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Vistakon and CBS Corporation were the event’s lead sponsors. Additional sponsorships, donations, ticket sales, auction activity and Fund A Cure contributions made up the remaining revenue.
Michael Litt, a JDRF Youth Ambassador, spoke at the gala about his life with type 1 diabetes, saying that while his disease sets him apart from other teenagers his age, he is so grateful to the PGA TOUR and to all the individuals and corporations who are supporting JDRF to find a cure. A stellar basketball player, the 17-year-old closed his speech expressing confidence that a cure for diabetes will be found.
Miracles in the Moonlight Gala Co-Chairs Jennie Scott of Scott Alarm and Kristen Booth of Aetna, stated in agreement, “The success of this year’s Ball is the result of many people working together for a singular cause that we believe in so strongly. It is only through continued efforts to support vital scientific research that a cure will be found for the millions who desperately need it.”