Rob Giardinelli
Formerly Known As Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Organization Looks Ahead With Grand Gala
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by: Daniel Ortiz and C.J. Martinez
THE SCENE: The Hilton Americas-Houston was the setting for one of the city’s most successful fundraising events of the Spring Season. A sold-out crowd featuring over 650 of Space City’s most notable community leaders, medical advocates, sociables, and philanthropists was on hand for the BreakThrough T1D™ Houston Promise Ball. The organization, formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, dazzled guests with a Mariposa: Spread Your Wings theme and an astonishing fundraising total that had guests talking about the event long after it ended.
THE VIBE: The black-tie crowd featured an elegant mix of tuxedos and ball gowns. Among the guests, one could spot traditional formal fare alongside others wearing bright colors and prints, with many offering twists and nods to the Mariposa butterfly through their ensembles and jewelry. The result was a warm and welcoming environment for all attendees.
The festivities began in the Hilton Americas-Houston ballroom foyer for a lively cocktail reception. As attendees sipped on their favorite beverage of choice, they mingled with other guests, perused an impressive silent auction, participated in a sold-out wine pull, and purchased tickets in a sweepstakes to win a ladies’ 14 karat white gold, sapphire, and diamond ring.
Revelers then gathered in the Hilton Americas-Houston ballroom for the main program. More than a few jaws dropped as the space was donned with plenty of beautiful fresh flowers in a spring color palette, as well as mobiles of butterflies that made guests feel like they were entering a lovely garden oasis.
Partygoers then took to their seats for the main program. Houston Texans TV host Drew Dougherty served as emcee, keeping the festivities light and fun throughout the night. Guests enjoyed a multi-course meal while being treated to words from event and organization leaders. During the program, several longtime supporters of T1D™ were honored, including Erin and Chris Dyer and Ronda and Dan Feeney. Additionally, Patricia Wright was honored with the Meredith and Fielding Cocke Visionary Award.
Next, Johnny Bravo took to the stage to helm a spirited and highly successful live auction. During the live auction, paddles went up for an array of luxury experiences, including the Ultimate Houston Sports Package, a Colorado Package with an opportunity to see music legend James Taylor at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater, and a trip to South Africa, which proved to be the most popular.
Before the Fund A Cure portion of the evening began, the audience watched a touching testimonial from a family experiencing Type 1 diabetes, which encouraged people to give generously. The room responded and then some, raising over $1.7 million from that part of the evening, all of which will go toward research funding to find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes.
The night was capped off with an after-party where revelers partied well into the night. Some tried their luck at the casino tables, playing roulette, poker, blackjack, and craps. Others could be seen at the beautiful butterfly-adorned dance floor, cutting a rug to the tunes of the Undercover Band.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 2025 BreakThrough T1D™ Houston Promise Ball, co-chaired by Kellie and Randy Johnson, raised over $2.5 million for Breakthrough T1D™. Proceeds raised from the event will go toward funding research and program initiatives to improve everyday life with Type 1 Diabetes, supporting research initiatives, and providing tools that educate and empower individuals and their families living with this condition.
