By Julie Yolles
CORRESPONDENT
When you attend the American Diabetes Association’s Commitment for a Cure Gala, you don’t have to gamble on the fact that you’re having a fun time while raising money for a very important cause.
While most MGM Grand Detroit partiers come clad in jeans, armed with cash for the slot machines, ADA guests came in gowns and tuxes, armed with cash for the silent and live auctions and scholarships for children and teens with Diabetes to attend ADA’s Summer Camp Midicha in Fenton.
They also received faux cash and coins for a private gaming extravaganza in the MGM Grand Ballroom, enjoyed a lavish Rat Pack Vegas show by Happenstance Productions and had a chance to mingle with pink feathery showgirls throughout the night.
“I was a camper at Camp Midicha 39 years ago,” said Birmingham resident Mike McNutt who received the Diabetes Champion Award that evening. “Part of this event is to raise money to send kids to camp who might not otherwise be able to go.”
McNutt has had Type 1 Diabetes since he was seven years old. He has worked tirelessly on just about every ADA leadership position for the past 20 years — including 16 on the Golf Committee. (Save July 25th for Swing Away Fore A Cure Golf Outing at Red Run Golf Club in Royal Oak.)
This was the 19th year for the Commitment for a Cure Gala — a sell-out with over 500 guests. ADA raised $257,000 with just over $31,000 in camperships. Art Van Furniture has committed to matching all donations made for Camp Midicha — up to $10,000 — in the Art Van Million Dollar Charity Challenge.
The Red Diner Program was new this year. People with Diabetes who attended the Commitment for a Cure Gala were recognized with red corsages and Stop Diabetes pins.
“Being a Red Diner means that you are not alone,” said ADA Associate Director of Special Events Kelli Dobner who created the program. “It takes so much to overcome the obstacles of Diabetes — courage, determination, and sometimes, the boost that recognition brings. Red Diners inspire our work and our mission, and richly deserve our recognition.”
Gear up for ADA’s Tour de Cure cycling event on June 11 at Brighton High School. For more information, call the ADA Bingham Farms office at (248) 433-3830 or go online to www.diabetes.org.
