Breakthrough T1D Philadelphia Gala 2026

Honoree

To be announced soon!

Fund A Cure Family

To be announced soon!

Gala Committee

Emcee

Auctioneer

Auctioneer Shelby Stokes

Shelby Stokes

Auctioneer

Shelby Stokes has a rich history as a multi-generational auctioneer. His grandfather and father are both well-established auctioneers both with successful auction companies.  Shelby began his journey at a young age attending and volunteering with a variety of auctions. In the summer of 2002, he attended the Western College of Auctioneering to officially attain the title as Auctioneer.

 

With a personality that exudes positivity, Shelby is able to connect with guests and create a charitable environment that is filled with humor. For Shelby, each event is a brand new opportunity to bring people together to support their cause. He believes that it’s important to treat each event as if it is the first and only opportunity to raise funds and so he strives to put on the best show guests have seen at an auction.

 

Shelby doesn’t only share his mastery of the stage with organizations, he also shares his expertise with the future generations of auctioneers at Western College of Auctioneering.

 

When he is not celebrating with organizations or teaching the next generation of auctioneers, Shelby is celebrating life with his wife Kayla and their two daughters. He greatly enjoys being able to teach his girls about life and the world around them.

Timeline

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel.

5:30 p.m. – Doors Open & Cocktail Reception
Step into the excitement as you enjoy our cocktail hour. Savor signature drinks, mingle with fellow guests, and bid on exclusive items in our silent auction.

7:15 p.m. – Dinner & Program
Take your seats for a delicious dinner, followed by our program of Live Auction and Fund A Cure. Raise your paddles for a chance to win extraordinary packages while directly supporting breakthrough T1D research. Then take part in the pillar of our event – Fund A Cure – where you will hear from our inspiring Fund A Cure speakers & 100% of your generous support will go directly to our mission.

9:30 p.m. – Live Entertainment & Dancing
Cap off the evening with live music from the Heartbeats, dancing, and celebration as we toast to hope and progress.

10:15 p.m. – Auction Pickup 
Our night concludes with picking up your amazing auction items!

11:30 p.m. – Event Conclusion
Our last song of the night ends another wonderful gala!

We can’t wait to see you there!

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!

Tribute Ads

Tribute ads are a special way to show your support for the Breakthrough T1D Gala while celebrating someone special or sharing a meaningful message. Featured digitally during our event, these ads are an ideal way to honor a loved one. By purchasing a tribute ad, you not only add a personal touch to the gala but also directly contribute to its success and the mission of driving breakthroughs. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to make a statement, show your support, and leave a lasting impression on our guests.

You can purchase your ad on our sponsorship page!

Sponsorship

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 Amanda Vincent, avincent@breakthrought1d.org or (267)-374-4216.

Silent & Live Auction

Check back in for auction announcements!

Check out some highlights from 2025 below: