More than $1.3 million was raised at the 17th Annual Dreambuilders’ Ball to benefit diabetes research at Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason (BRI). The popular gala sold out weeks before the May 10 event at the Seattle Westin Hotel. More than 900 attendees participated in the black-tie event featuring entertainment by The Pointer Sisters.
This year’s patient speaker was Gaylia Meitzen, owner of CEM Development Company and BRI board member. She also provided a generous matching donation during the Spotlight on Giving.
"I’ve had diabetes for 39 years, so this cause is very important to me," said Meitzen. "Our dream is a cure for diabetes. BRI is doing fabulous work in unlocking the immune system and we are close. Throughout the night, people said they were inspired by my story. Personally, I am inspired by the energy of people who truly gave from the heart. It was a privilege for me to be included in Dreambuilders’ Ball in such a significant way."
This year’s event honorees were Becky and Jack Benaroya, who have long believed in giving back to the community and improving the quality of life for community members and future generations. Through the course of their lives, the Benaroya family has served as a powerful example of what great things can be accomplished when individuals and families support important causes and projects. The Benaroya Research Institute (BRI) is named in recognition of the Benaroya family’s leadership in the development of a world-class research institute that focuses on unlocking the mysteries of the immune system.
"At BRI, the phrase ‘unlocking the immune system’ reflects the work of teams of scientists and clinicians who have pioneered an era in which we are conducting multiple clinical trials of immune system modulation in children and young adults with diabetes as well as in adults with other autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease," says Gerald Nepom, MD, PhD, Director of BRI. "The time gap from laboratory discoveries to clinical testing has never been shorter and the theme of this Dreambuilders’ Ball--Dream, Inspire, Discover-- provides a roadmap for our work. Philanthropy is essential for research progress and we thank all of our generous donors for their support during this remarkable event."
About Virginia Mason Medical Center
Virginia Mason Medical Center, founded in 1920, is a non-profit comprehensive regional health care system that combines a primary and specialty care group practice of more than 400 physicians with a 336-bed acute care hospital in Seattle. In addition, Virginia Mason has a network of clinics located throughout the Puget Sound area, and manages Bailey-Boushay House, a nursing residence and Adult Day Health program for people living with HIV and AIDS. Virginia Mason also has an internationally recognized research center, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason. For more information, visit VirginiaMason.org.
