More than 450 guests came out to support JDRF Delaware at the annual Hope Ball on Saturday, April 27th at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington. The event helped to raise more than $350,000 to support JDRF’s mission of curing, treating and preventing type 1 diabetes. The theme was Port of Call: A Cure, and attendees were welcomed with glasses of champagne as they embarked upon their adventure and entered the event. Once aboard, guests enjoyed the signature drink of the event, the Type 1-tini, and perused the silent auction using their electronic bidding devices – a favorite gadget of many attendees which allows guests to bid with the ease of their fingertips and an iPod touch! Once the silent auction was over, guests entered the Ballroom to the theme from the “Love Boat” and were dazzled by the creative centerpieces – nautical ice sculptures – made possible by Ice Concepts of Wilmington.
During the evening program, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware and its president Tim Constantine were honored for their commitment to JDRF and diabetes research. During his speech, Tim recognized JDRF Delaware Chancellor Marie DiPrinzio and her family for their contributions to JDRF. The live auction proved to be a lively affair and to close the evening, guests raised their paddles to give to Fund a Cure – where 100% of the donations go directly to diabetes research and JDRF’s efforts to cure, treat and prevent type 1 diabetes.