THE SPRING BRASS RING

THE 45TH ANNUAL BRASS RING LUNCHEON & FASHION SHOW RAISES AN ASTOUNDING $425,000!

On March 31, 2023, The Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation (CDF) held their annual luncheon and fashion show benefiting patient programs at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes (BDC). This year marked numerous debuts for the event! The event took place at a new location, the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, that featured an open airy space for the silent auction and registration area, as well as a grander ballroom that allowed for an expanded runway and stage.

CBS News Colorado’s Michael Spencer led the event as the Master of Ceremonies; Michael was charming, funny, and passionate for the cause. He spent time gathering fun facts from the kids during the morning rehearsal that added a bit of surprise for the parents watching the show. It was truly a moment to remember! Presentations included a compelling speech from Co-Chairs Lori Finch and Carol Hamer, finishing with the powerful quote “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, I will try again tomorrow.”

The prayer given for lunch was written and delivered by CDF Advocate, Emerson Weis, who was diagnosed at three years of age. She wrote “Living with diabetes can be really hard so, give us patience and grace as we deal with the highs and lows.” Everyone in attendance can relate to this statement. Great job Emerson, you were so brave and gave the perfect prayer!

This year pioneered the rebranding of the hero walk in honor of Dr. Robert Slover, one of our own heroes, to “Slover’s Heroes” The kid’s walk features type 1 children and adolescents that embody Dr. Slover’s life’s work, care, and dedication to advocating for those living with type 1 diabetes. The format for the kid’s walk featured two type 1 heroes walking side by side with a few fun facts shared for each hero; it was followed by a heart-warming video in honor of Dr. Slover and his service to the BDC and the patients he saw throughout the years he served as the Director of the Pediatric Clinic. Dr. Slover’s video ends with a message that will live on forever for all of us, as he says, “in many ways these kids are my heroes”

Attendees enjoyed lunch while auctioneer, Halie Behr, kicked off the live auction with four unique packages that raised $39,000 alone. Packages included a wonderful trip for six guests to attend a live filming of America’s Got Talent, a wine tasting party for 12 from celebrity chef Troy Guard and Napa's VGS Château Potelle, an exquisite 14-karat white gold chain link necklace from GNAT Jewelry Atelier, as well as several Inspirato luxury travel packages that included a 6month membership giving guests expert pre-trip travel planning, enabling them to stay at Inspirato properties with daily housekeeping, and to utilize onsite concierge services while visiting other vacation destinations.

Following the live auction was an emotional video telling the story of two sisters, Anna and Ellie Belz, whose family shared their story and struggle of their daughter having type 1 diabetes while knowing their second daughter has the markers to get type 1 diabetes later in life. During the special appeal, attendees raised their paddles to make donations ranging from $500 to $50,000. At each level, Behr explained specific opportunities that could be funded, such as groundbreaking research, providing continuous glucose monitors to a pregnant type 1 moms in need, helping patients upgrade to an automatic version of their insulin pump who otherwise could not afford it, holiday assistance for families, depression screenings, and supplies, insulin, or travel costs for clinic visits for those who live out of town.

Featured fashion brand, Club Monaco, closed out the event with their inaugural runway show with over 35 different looks from their 2023 spring collection. The collection included suits, sets, separates, dresses, outerwear, and accessories for men and women.

In total, the event welcomed nearly 600 attendees and raised over $425,000 through ticket sales, sponsorships, live and silent auctions, and the special appeal. Benefiting The Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, to help fund research, diabetes awareness and education, assist families in need, provide scholarships for T1D students, host year-round T1D soccer camps, and sponsor activities for children and their families.

CDF would like to extend special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, Eva Schoonmaker, for her tremendous support of the Brass Ring Luncheon & Fashion Show and The Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. We are also incredibly grateful to our Premier Sponsors Boomi and MDC/Richmond American Homes Foundation, our Official Wine Sponsor Acrobat & Foley Family Wines. In addition, we would like to thank Jay’s Valet, Gina Comminello from THE LOOK Salon & Med Spa, and Charlie Price for their continuous support of the event. Brass Ring Luncheon’s Official Media Sponsor was Colorado Expression and the Broadcast Partner was CBS News Colorado.