The 32nd annual Cincinnatians of the Year Gala was held on May 6 at the Duke Energy Center. This event is held in conjunction with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Southwest Ohio Chapter. The Gala is held each year in May and attracts nearly 900 attendees. The Cincinnatian of the Year Gala #1 among nonprofit fundraising galas in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. The Gala consistently raises an average of $1,000,000 for JDRF. The 2016 Gala honored Cincinnatians of the Year, Kim and Dave Dougherty. Dave is a Proctor & Gamble alumni and CEO of Education at Work. He serves on the board of JDRF. Kim worked as an exercise specialist at Jewish Hospital.
The theme of this year’s gala was “Happily Ever After...The Story of a Cure.” Many of the female attendees were adorned with diamond tiaras and sequined gowns, enjoying an evening of feeling like a princess. Even Frozen’s Kristoff and Elsa were found walking through the lovely Grand Ballroom. Large towers of hand-made oversized fairytale books and statues of knights in armor added to the magic of the event. The evening began with cocktails and a silent auction. Guests then entered the truly breathtaking decor of the ballroom to enjoy a three-course gourmet dinner, program and live auction. Event chairs were Susan Mustian and Lara Cramer. It was a night of enchantment as donations to this very important event were generously given.
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is the leading charitable funder and advocate of type 1 (juvenile) diabetes research worldwide. The JDRF Mission Statement is simply this: To find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research.