About
The Breakthrough T1D Illinois Gala is the largest global type 1 diabetes (T1D) fundraiser. This year, we raised $18.5 Million for T1D research and broke fundraising records for the ninth consecutive year. We couldn’t have done it without you.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for an unforgettable evening that featured an expansive silent auction, one-of-a-kind live auction, seated dinner, award-winning live entertainment, and a night of fundraising all in support of the diabetes community.
Event Leadership

Joe and Marisue Lacher
Gala Chairs

Glen Tullman
Fundraising Chair

Anne Pillion
Auction Co-Chair

Barbara Lincoln
Auction Co-Chair

Chris Scoggins
Corporate Chair
Table Sponsors
Ahead
Aldridge Electric Co.
Michael & Sarah Alter
Aon
Ashley Capital
Marc & Sheri Bassewitz
Matt & Kate Bialecki
Bridge Industrial
James & Jennifer Brooks
David & Carrie Carlson
Clarius Partners
Curran Group
DLA Piper
Steve & Megan Dragich
Laura Dunne
Josh & Wendy Dunnington
EXL Service
Alex & Catherine Feld
Louise & Craig Flagg
Field Family
Joe Flanagan
Robert & Amy Garber
Ginsberg Jacobs
Kayne & Alicea Grau
Karl & Sara Greiter
Matthew & Colleen Grubb
Max & Kristine Heiter
Higi
Jerry & Emily Hoffman
Homethrive
David Hyser & Nancy Werner
Illinois Tool Works
Dr. Anita Swamy & Dr. Andre Ivy
Michael J. Kilbane Family and Friends
Mark & Nanci Knipfer
Joe & Marisue Lacher
Latham & Watkins
Lynn Lipsig
Lyman Family
Colin & Jessie MacLean
Magellan Corporation
The McDonnell Family
Kevin & Laurie McGraw
Barry & Caryn Mendel
Miller Cooper
Barry & Beth Mitchell
Frank Naeymi-Rad & Theresa Kepic
NOCD
Old National Bank
Dennis & Stella Olis
Dave & Megan Pack
John & Catherine Peterman
Anne & Bob Pillion
The Pritzker Organization
Tom & Melissa Reedy
RMK Management Corporation
Michael & Linda Roche
Schulze & Burch Biscuit Co.
Scott & Heather Schuster
ServiceNow
Steve & Susan Shute
Sloan Valve Company
Steve & Patti Winegar
Syndicated Equities
John Treece & Marci Eisenstein
Tullman Family
Bob & Dianne Wasieleski
The Well Advertising
William Blair
Event Details

Train
Event Entertainment
Read more here
Citrus & Whipped Feta Salad
figs, pepitas, orange, watercress, red veined sorrel, whipped feta cheese, balsamic vinaigrette
*Rosemary Grilled Beef Filet & Sauteed Shimp entree
romesco sauce, haricot verts, truffled potato pave, sherry vinegar reduction
Dessert
red velvet cake pop, and mini apple pie
*The standard entree will be served to all guests, unless otherwise requested prior to the event by November 27. A pescatarian, or vegan entree is available and we can accommodate any other dietary restrictions with advanced notice.
If you have dietary restrictions or need alternative entree accommodations, please inform your table host and/or email Melissa North, mnorth@breakthrought1d.org
Saturday, December 14 – Timeline
5:30 | Registration, Cocktail Reception, and Silent Auction Open – Lakeside Center Level 2 Lobby
7:00 | Dinner served – Lakeside Center Level 3 Ballroom
8:00 | Gala Program Begins – Arie Crown Theater
9:00 | Silent Auction Bidding Closes/Sweepstakes Winner Announced
10:00 | Auction Item Pick-Up Opens; Live Entertainment by Train
11:15 | Event Ends – Thank You!
Night-of Guest Check In
Starting at 5:30 PM, all guests will check in by last name at registration, and receive an event LED-wristband which will light up at certain times throughout the evening to signal guests to move to different event functions/floors. Bid Cards and Theater tickets will be on dining tables in the Ballroom. Do not forget to bring your bid cards and tickets down to the Theater after dinner.
Please note, McCormick Place is comprised of four buildings, the North, South, East/Lakeside Center, and West Buildings. The Breakthrough T1D Gala is in the Lakeside Center building and adjoining Arie Crown Theater, 2301 S. Jean Baptiste Point DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago.
Self-park on the east-side of C Lot for access to the Lakeside Center. Parking is $25 in the McCormick Place underground garage. Please note that C Lot will not accept inbound parking after 10:15 PM. The lot closes at midnight.
Valet parking is also available for $38. Please follow directions and traffic aids for the valet location near Gate 38.
Ride Share (Uber, Lyft, limos, etc.) pick-up and drop-off for pre-arranged rides are located outside Gate 38. Please look for the signs at the end of the evening and choose the Gate 38 location on your phone’s Ride Share app.
All Transactions
Registering your credit card before Saturday allows you to breeze through check-in upon arrival at the Gala and be one step ahead – pre-register your credit card today! Please note that your credit card will not be charged unless you make a purchase/give a gift at the Gala.
All outstanding table/ticket balances and all transactions made on Gala night (Auction, Sweepstakes, Mystery Balloons, and Fund A Cure) will be charged in full on Tuesday, December 17. If you do not wish to remit payment of your night-of transactions, and outstanding balance on your credit card registered for the event, you must alert Breakthrough T1D by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 13, by emailing Melissa.
Mobile Bidding and Silent Auction
The Silent Auction is OPEN! All guests with registered mobile numbers have received a text message and email to begin bidding in the silent auction. If you do not receive a text to access your own personal bidding link, please email Melissa your mobile number for access.
Here are some helpful tips for successful bidding:
- Create a Favorites List by starring packages and keep an eye on the competition.
- Set your maximum bids to ensure you don’t lose your favorite items!
- Search for packages by category. Be sure to check out the Super Silent category.
- Preview the five Live Auction packages that will be available in the theater on December 14.
Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors