On February 28, 350 guests brought the San Francisco City Hall to life for the annual Breakthrough T1D San Francisco Gala, to raise money for type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy. This year, the gala’s theme was ‘A Magical Night Beneath the Cherry Blossoms.’
Two community members were presented with this year’s Impact Award for their dedication to Breakthrough T1D’s cause: Sandra and Alan Silvestri. Their recognized contributions include building a walk program in Monterey in honor of their son Joey, who was diagnosed with T1D in 1992. In 1999, Sandra helped establish and chaired the first Breakthrough T1D Children’s Congress in Washington, DC, and as an award-winning film composer with multiple Grammys and Emmys under his belt, Alan composed the Children’s Congress original theme.
The evening also included a speech from Abby Hitchcock and her uncle Brian Colmery on behalf of the millions that live with T1D; Hitchcock — now 11 — was diagnosed with T1D herself at age 7, and Colmery was diagnosed when he was 11.
“A cure would mean freedom — for me, for my uncle, and for everyone living with T1D” Hitchcock said to the crowd. “Tonight, you have the power to help make that future possible. Your donations fund research. Research brings answers. And answers bring hope to kids like me who are tired of being brave all the time.”
Also at the event were co-chairs Amy Lewis and Tyler Fischer-Colbrie, plus NBC Bay Area News reporter Bob Redell who served as master of ceremonies. Sutter Health was the presenting sponsor, and Dr. Gnanagurudasan Prakasam, Medical Director of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at the Sutter Children’s Center of Sacramento, spoke about T1D research and management.
Over $1.5 million was raised by the end of the night, thanks to both silent and live auctions, plus a Fund A Cure program. Auctioneer Mark Schenfeld presented prizes including: luxurious getaways to Sonoma, Maui and Puerto Vallarta; exclusive sports packages with the San Francisco Giants and Golden State Warriors; an instant wine cellar featuring more than 30 premium bottles from California’s wine country; a European river cruise; and an exclusive experience with honorees Sandra and Alan Silvestri.
In addition to the speeches and fundraising activities, other entertainment included a cocktail soiree with performers from Velocity Arts & Entertainment, a gourmet dinner and dancing to Hip Service.
