The Southwest Ohio chapter of JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) will celebrate its 31st annual Cincinnatian of the Year Gala on Saturday, May 9.
The Duke Energy Convention Center is expected to be packed with nearly 900 supporters striving to aid JDRF in its goal of finding a cure for Type 1 diabetes. The event is expected to raise nearly $1 million as it did in 2014.
Volunteer Susan Mustian of Hebron is co-chair of the event along with Mara Wolf of Wyoming, Ohio. The event this year will honor Ralph “Mike” Michael as Cincinnatian of the Year and Mara Wolf as Volunteer of the Year.
The JDRF gala is known in Cincinnati as an event that is always fun and creative, and this year is no exception. Themed “The Magical Mystery Cure,” the 2015 gala will feature tunes from Beatles cover band the Mahoney Brothers. Starting at 6 p.m., guests can enjoy cocktails and silent auction items that will feature exclusive products from the Greater Cincinnati area.
The main portion of the evening will be spent in the grand ballroom enjoying a three-course gourmet dinner. This year, the gala will honor Michael, president and CEO of Fifth Third Bank’s Cincinnati affiliate. Fifth Third is also a platinum sponsor of the event.
“I am thrilled to be honored by such a worthwhile organization and know that the funds we raise on and before Saturday, May 9 will be instrumental in helping us find a cure for type 1 diabetes,” says Michael.
In addition to honoring the Cincinnatian of the Year, each year, JDRF recognizes one volunteer who goes above and beyond in supporting the chapter as the recipient of the Cynthia Marver Marmer Volunteer of the Year award.
“JDRF Southwest Ohio is privileged to honor Mara Wolf this year with this prestigious and well-deserved award,” says Melissa Newman, executive director of JDRF. “Mara’s professionalism, warmth, creativity and leadership stand as a model for other volunteers and we are honored to have her as part of our JDRF family.”
After the plates from dinner have been cleared, the after-party will follow. Beginning at 10 p.m., the night will be filled with live music, specialty cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a photo booth and coffee bar.
More information about this year’s Cincinnatian of the Year Gala, including ticketing information, can be found at swo.jdrf.org.