The 32nd annual JDRF Annual Promise Ball will be held on Friday, May 5 at the MGM Grand Detroit to raise money for Type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. DBusiness Daily News interviewed Sandra Pierce, senior vice president, private client group and regional banking, and chair of Michigan, at Huntington Bank, about her work as corporate chair for the event and what guests can expect that evening.
- DDN: What’s something that people might not know about T1D or JDRF?
SP: It’s really important to clarify that T1D can happen to anyone at any time, and it happens when the pancreas stops making insulin. It’s something that they’ll have for the rest of their lives, and it doesn’t have anything to do with their diet or lifestyle, there’s nothing they could have done to prevent it. Without a cure, a lot goes into managing daily life for the millions of people with this condition.
2. DDN: Why did you decide to get involved with the Annual Promise Ball?
SP: I decided to get involved as corporate chair because T1D impacts more than 30 million people nationwide in some form, and I wanted to do whatever small part I could to help raise money and awareness that could lead to a cure.
3. DDN: Has there been anything about the planning process that you didn’t expect?
SP: I think the thing I was really pleasantly surprised by was the outpouring of support; there has been an incredible number of people, volunteers, and leaders who have given their time and energy for the cause and it’s been inspiring to work with so many people who care.
4. DDN: How much does JDRF plan to raise and how will the money raised be used?
SP: Between the proceeds from tickets and the auctions, JDRF is planning to raise $1 million, all of which will go back into research to improve the lives of those living with T1D through new treatments and therapies, as they work to eventually find a cure.
5. DDN: What can people attending the ball expect?
SP: It’s going to be a wonderful evening. First we’re going to have a cocktail reception, followed by a sit-down dinner, and a live auction and our auction of passion, which is called Fund A Cure, and the night will continue with music and dancing. Because it’s on Cinco de Mayo, the theme is “Uno Step Closer to a Cure,” and there will be traditional music and décor as well, so we’re expecting to have a great night for a really good cause.
More information about the event can be found here.
