One Dream Gala 2024

Honoree

Three Generations of the Cohn Family

Suzanne & Norman Cohn

Lea & Matthew Cohn

Sydney Cohn

Mackenzie Skylar Cohn

The Breakthrough T1D Greater Delaware Valley Chapter is proud to announce that we will be honoring The Suzanne and Norman Cohn Family with the Breakthrough T1D Living and Giving award at the 2024 One Dream Gala on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Suzanne and Norman Cohn, Lea and Matthew Cohn, Sydney Cohn, and Mackenzie Skylar Cohn have made a significant impact on the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community through their long-time support of Breakthrough T1D.

Suzanne and Norman became involved with Breakthrough T1D in the 1970’s when they were one of the first Gala Chairs. Their tie to Breakthrough T1D became more personal and even stronger when their granddaughter, Sydney was diagnosed with T1D at the age of 7 in 2007 and Sydney’s sister, Mackenzie Skylar was diagnosed 18 months later at the age of 7.

It was at that point that Lea and Matthew Cohn immediately jumped in to support Breakthrough T1D in whatever way they could. They, along with their daughters, created the Cohn Sisters walk team and led the team for over 10 years as the top walk team in the country year after year, and continue to comfort newly diagnosed families and advocate for Breakthrough T1D. Matthew has served two terms on the Eastern Pennsylvania Board and also led the board as board president from 2018-2021. He has held roles for the International Board of Directors and currently is the Vice Chair for the Breakthrough T1D Global Mission board. He has also been a mentor for other board presidents. Sydney and Mackenzie Skylar volunteered as Youth Ambassadors supporting walk, gala and advocacy efforts. They also were Children’s Congress delegates and had the opportunity to share their voice in D.C. to move forward Breakthrough T1D’s advocacy priorities. Together, they have been a part of key clinical trials that have helped research advancements come to fruition, such as the artificial pancreas or closed loop system. Since the Cohn’s involvement 16 years ago, their family has raised more than $3 million for T1D research as well as continues to inspire countless others to join them in this fight.

“Our dream is that in our lifetime type one will become type none and Breakthrough T1D is working to make our dream a reality.” – Suzanne & Norman Cohn

We are so grateful for the incredible impact the Cohn Family has had on the research being done at Breakthrough T1D. They have been a part of our past, our present and will continue to move Breakthrough T1D into the future until the cures are found.

Fund A Cure Family

Fund A Cure Family The Stankavage Family

Gala Committee

Timeline

6:00 p.m. Silent Auction and cocktail reception in the Millenium Ballroom

7:15 p.m. Doors to open with the grand reveal of the Regency Ballroom

7:30 p.m. Opening remarks followed by a seated dinner

8:30 p.m. Live auction and Fund A Cure

9:30 p.m. The party continues with live entertainment by the Heartbeats and dancing

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Image shows sugar polymer spheres being attacked by immune cells. Image Credit: Andrew Bader, Omid Veiseh, Arturo Vegas, Anderson/Langer Laboratory, Koch Institute at MIT

Event Entertainment

Emcee Karen Rogers

Karen Rogers

Emcee

Karen Rogers is the meteorologist for Action News Mornings and Action News at 10 A.M. Karen earned her seal of approval from the American Meteorological Society. She holds a certificate in Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University following three years of studies in atmospheric sciences and geosciences.

Karen also holds degrees in Communication and Sociology from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, where she was valedictorian of her communication class and the class speaker for commencement. Karen is listed in “Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities”. After graduating with honors, Karen traveled to the United Kingdom as a Rotary International Scholar where she pursued her graduate studies in Broadcast Journalism. After graduation, Karen briefly worked at WHSP-TV in Vineland, NJ where she anchored daily news cut-ins, interviewed political leaders for her monthly show, Congressional Report, and hosted weekly talk shows.

Karen was born and raised in New Jersey along with her nine brothers and sisters. She says she grew up watching Action News and never imagined she would one day be a member of the Action News Team. She joined the station in 1996 as a reporter and producer for the show AM/Philadelphia. Karen quickly joined the AccuWeather team and found her true passion in weather forecasting.

Along with her role in news, Karen was a longtime host of FYI Philly, and is part of 6abc specials including The Auto Experience, the 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Philadelphia Flower Show Special. In addition to her work at 6abc, Karen is active in supporting young people. She says one of her most rewarding experiences was working with the Child Assault Prevention Program teaching elementary school students empowerment skills for reporting and preventing abuse. Karen says she drives to work every morning feeling blessed to work.

Auctioneer Steven Katz

Steven Katz

Auctioneer

Steve Katz is not your typical auctioneer. Known for his colorful tuxedos and his charismatic auctioneering skills, Katz channels his talent into philanthropy. He conducts over 50 charity auctions each year, firmly believing in the generosity of the community.

Katz’s commitment to charitable work doesn’t end with auctions; he actively serves on boards and engages in philanthropic endeavors, embodying the spirit of giving that was passed down to him from his parents. His journey began at a young age when he discovered his entrepreneurial spirit, and his ability to engage audiences made him a sought-after auctioneer in the world of charity events.

Steve Katz’s daily mission is all about giving back with a smile and a positive outlook, serving as an inspiration in the world of charitable auctions.

Event Entertainment The Heartbeats

What is Fund A Cure?

FUND A CURE

Raise your paddles with enthusiasm, show your dedication, and join in the celebration that will pave the way for a brighter future for those living with type 1 diabetes (T1D)!

Fund A Cure is a unique opportunity for you to donate directly to the mission of Breakthrough T1D: accelerating life-changing breakthroughs that cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its complications.

HOW DOES FUND A CURE WORK?

Fund A Cure is the cornerstone of the Breakthrough T1D Gala program and it is our goal at every event to orchestrate an experience for our gala patrons that inspires, educates and motivates generous giving. During our program, attendees have the opportunity to raise their bid paddles and make a donation directly towards T1D research.

Fund A Cure donations will be invested in Breakthrough T1D’s effective and focused research agenda aimed to progressively remove the impact of T1D from people’s lives until there is a cure.

YOUR DONATION CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

Through your generous contribution, we can provide the essential funding needed for vital research that aims to enhance treatment options, advance scientific progress, and ultimately find the cures. Every dollar raised through Fund a Cure is directed toward research and our mission goals.

THE BENEFIT TO YOU:

100% of your Fund A Cure Gift is tax-deductible!

THANK YOU for your support! Together we can create a world without T1D!

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Image shows sugar polymer spheres being attacked by immune cells.

Image Credit: Andrew Bader, Omid Veiseh, Arturo Vegas, Anderson/Langer Laboratory, Koch Institute at MIT

How Can We Sponsor?

Sponsoring One Dream Gala

 We are so appreciative of the amazing support and generosity our community provides to the Breakthrough T1D mission. Breakthrough T1D is continually grateful for the impact our sponsors have made on the progress of type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. For more information on sponsorships, please contact Allison Tropea at atropea@BreakthroughT1D.org or call 856-563-4295.

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Image shows sugar polymer spheres being attacked by immune cells.

Image Credit: Andrew Bader, Omid Veiseh, Arturo Vegas, Anderson/Langer Laboratory, Koch Institute at MIT

Auction Sneak Peek!

Get ready for an exclusive silent auction featuring a handpicked selection of coveted items. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the extraordinary items that will be up for bidding:

Experience the magic of late-night television with two tickets to “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” Get ready to laugh, cheer, and enjoy when you join the live studio audience for an unforgettable evening filled with celebrity interviews, hilarious sketches, and musical performances.

Escape to a world of serenity and joy at Rose Bridge Farm & Sanctuary, a haven for rescued animals. Bid for a chance to experience the magic of this sanctuary with in-person bottle feeding, animal snuggle sessions, glamping with goat yoga, piggy parties, and so much more. Don’t miss the opportunity to create heartwarming memories with their lovable, furry friends.

Discover the world of literature with a virtual meet and greet with Mallory Kass, editor, and young adult fiction author of ‘The 100’ series. In this exclusive one-on-one opportunity, she’ll share her expertise in writing and editing, making it a must-have experience for book enthusiasts and aspiring writers.

Elevate your surroundings with the creative works of an accomplished illustrator or a gifted photographer. Their inspiring artwork, filled with unique perspectives, is your chance to enrich your home and adorn your walls with captivating visuals.

Don’t miss the chance to bid on these extraordinary items and many more at our silent auction. Your opportunity to acquire these exclusive treasures awaits! 

In Person VS. Remote Bidding

Whether you’re attending the One Dream Gala this year or cheering us on from afar, get ready to indulge in our exclusive Silent Auction! But what is the difference between in-person bidding and remote bidding?

In-Person Bidding:

• Attend the gala and immerse yourself in the action by bidding on live and silent auction items.
• Get up close — see, touch, and feel each item before you bid.
• Walk away with your winnings at the end of the night – instant gratification!
• Participate in the night’s festivities, including reflections from our Honoree, heartwarming stories from our Fund A Cure Family, and live music from The Heartbeats.

Remote Bidding:

• If attending the gala isn’t possible, no problem! You can still participate remotely by placing virtual bids on our one-of-a-kind silent auction items.
• Be a part of the excitement until the final bid is in – the thrill lasts until we close bidding.
• Pick up your winning auction items at our office in King of Prussia post-event.
• Don’t miss out on the chance to make a difference, no matter where you are.

Let the bidding wars begin!