About

Thank you for joining us for the 31st year at the Sheraton Grand Seattle as we celebrated the holiday season with joy and creativity through Gingerbread Village, a cherished tradition benefitting Breakthrough T1D and type 1 diabetes (T1D) research.

The process begins each year months in advance. Architects submit detailed schematics before the Sheraton chefs bake the gingerbread foundation for these 6-foot-tall masterpieces. The Breakthrough T1D Elves bring their unique perspectives to the designs, with some using AI tools, and others drawing from their cultures, and incorporating elements of their families and identities. The result is a breathtaking collaboration that showcases creativity, teamwork, and the spirit of the season. 

When/where will Gingerbread Village occur this year?

Address: Sheraton Grand Seattle 1400 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101

Date: TBD

Time: TBD

Can we volunteer?

Absolutely! We love having volunteers to help with this great event. More details to come!

Get your company involved!

Community support of this event goes toward Breakthrough T1D, with a life-saving mission of a world without type 1 diabetes. We are incredibly grateful for your generosity! Interested in participating or sponsoring? Please reach out to Breakthrough T1D Pacific Northwest Chapter at  pacificnorthwest@BreakthroughT1D.org.

What is type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone people need to get energy from food. T1D strikes both children and adults at any age and suddenly. Its onset has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. Though T1D’s causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers play a role. Breakthrough T1D is the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization. 

My child has type 1 diabetes. How can they be a part of this?

Stay tuned for your chance to become a Breakthrough T1D Elf! Applications to come this Spring!

Find ways to get involved in the local T1D Community: Breakthrough T1D Greater Northwest

Get the latest updates on this year’s Gingerbread Village by following us on social media.

Instagram: BreakthroughT1D Greater Northwest

Facebook: Breakthrough T1D Greater Northwest

LinkedIn: Breakthrough T1D Pacific Northwest

I have another question!

Please email: GreaterNorthwest@BreakthroughT1D.org

Highlights from this past year:

Elf Emery with 4D

Elf Fisher with MG2

Elf Lucy with Milbrandt Architects

Elf Sri with Arcadis