33RD ANNUAL CAROUSEL BALL SUPPORTS PATIENT CARE AND RESEARCH AT THE BARBARA DAVIS CENTER On Saturday, October 19, 2019, the Children’s
Diabetes Foundation hosted the 33rd annual Carousel Ball at the Hyatt Regency Denver. The elegant event was hosted by celebrity emcee Mario Lopez and featured a show-stopping performance by the one and only Reba McEntire. Attendees bid on more than 300 items in the silent auction including a trip to Hawaii and a Darth Vader mask autographed by James Earl Jones. Proceeds from the gala benefit the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. During the program, CDF proudly presented Dr. Richard Abrams with this year’s Founders Award in recognition of the instrumental role he has played in advancing diabetes care over the past four decades, with special respect to pregnant women with diabetes. Dr. Abrams was introduced to the stage by Dr. Marian Rewers, Executive Director of the Barbara Davis Center and Professor of Pediatrics. One of Dr. Abrams’ proudest accomplishments was his role in demonstrating that women with type 1 diabetes could become pregnant and safely deliver healthy babies thanks to contemporary diabetes care. He edited the first editions of the American Diabetes Association books Diabetes During Pregnancy and Gestational Diabetes. He has also written and edited five medical books and numerous articles. Dr. Abrams commented that a highlight of his professional life has been serving on the CDF Board of Directors and Scientific Advisory Board for more than 30 years. Following Dr. Abrams’ acceptance, Fundaneer Halie Behr took to the stage to kick off the evening’s live auction with packages including a vacation to Tuscany, tickets to the Ellen DeGeneres Show, and a golden pearl necklace from Trice Jewelers. Leading into the fundraising portion of the program, attendees saw the short film, “Olivia’s Journey” produced by Silver Halide Pictures. The video followed the story of two-year-old Olivia from Dallas who finally found hope and adequate treatment at the Barbara Davis Center following her diagnosis with type 1 diabetes.
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CDF also presented Lisa & Tom Corley with the High Hopes Tribute Award in honor of their 20 years of service and support of our Colorado community and the CDF. The Corleys were introduced by their longtime friend and CDF board member, Arlene Hirschfeld.
