JDRF Metro Saint Louis/Greater Missouri Chapter Oceans of Hope Dream Gala Hauls In $1 Million

May 11, 2011 - PRLog -- “It’s Better Down Where It’s Wetter”  - The Little Mermaid

JDRF Oceans Of Hope Dream Gala
Spectacular Evening That Transported Guests
To The Depths of the Deep Blue Sea
And Hauled In $1,000.000 for Diabetes Research

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation hosted 600 guests on Saturday, May 7th to an underwater adventure at the Kemp Auto Museum as they raised close to $1,000.000 for the research to treat, cure and ultimately prevent diabetes.

Guests were greeted with the evening’s signature Blue Ocean cocktail (with vodka and curacao) as they entered the reception tent to begin their undersea adventure.

Media moguls, business heavyweights and long time JDRF supporters enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres as they bid on a fabulous selection of silent auction items.

Upon entering the Kemp for dinner, a large and very friendly sea anemone tenderly embraced guests.  A stunning seascape of coral, sea horses, mermaids and undulating greenery set the mood for a lively evening filled with deep sea fairies and stilt walking jelly fish.  Guests were stunned by silks performers who swam down from the rafters and water sprite contortionists who twisted and turned with the tide.  Celebration continued into the wee hours with music from the Groovethang.

Before the spectacular meal was served, Russell Kinsaul evening’s master of ceremonies and KMOV-TV News Anchor and Investigative Reporter honored the evening’s award recipients:

Arash Amini (CEO Amini's Home, Rugs and Game Room and Jaffe Lighting – Living and Giving Award
•        Ray Hartmann (CEO St. Louis Magazine) – Star of Hope Award
•        Carlos Perea (Senior VP and Chief Human Resources Officer of BJC Healthcare) – Diabetes Champion Award

“Our Dream Gala continues to get better and grow each year.  This year’s success is due to the extraordinary leadership of our co-chairs, Emily and Derek Rapp and Laura and Bob Roeder.  We’re celebrating the  $1.000,000 we raised in one night to sustain the scientific commitment to research needed to ensure we reach our goal of eliminating type 1 diabetes and its complications,” said Marie Davis, Executive Director JDRF Metro Saint Louis/Greater Missouri Chapter.

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Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Metro Saint Louis/Greater Missouri Chapter...raising money and awareness for the treatment, cure and prevention of diabetes.