2024 Hope Gala

Jayna is a partner in the Indianapolis office of Taft, and the past Chair of the Indianapolis Litigation practice group. Jayna’s practice concentrates in the areas of complex commercial, civil, and white-collar criminal litigation, as well as regulatory investigations by state and federal agencies. She is a trial lawyer with significant courtroom experience in both criminal and civil matters. Jayna is currently serving on the Breakthrough T1D Indiana Community board and leading Indiana Gala sponsorship efforts as Revenue Committee Chair.

Jennifer Sullivan is a National Director at Experis Health Solutions and serving in her fourth year as Auction Committee Chair. Jenny served on the Breakthrough T1D Indiana Community Board for over 6 years and her family has participated in numerous One Walks throughout her 20-year history with T1d.

A mother of 5, Jenny’s son Aidan was diagnosed with T1D in 2004 at the age of 2. Ten years later, her son Chris, would also be diagnosed at age 10. Jenny remembers the early days of insulin injections and manually calculating Aidan’s insulin injections using pencil, paper, and an algebra equation. By the time Chris was diagnosed, injections were given using pre-loaded insulin pens. The last 20 years have been spent worrying about blood sugars, but the advancements in T1D treatments and technology have been tremendous. Today, both boys wear Tandem TSlim insulin pumps and Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitors.  It has been life changing for the boys and for Jenny.

Breakthrough T1D has been instrumental in her family’s journey with type 1 diabetes. Jenny believes that she will see a cure in her boys’ lifetimes and continues to support Breakthrough T1D through her volunteer efforts.

Dr. Jim Malone, a distinguished professional with roots from Butler University and Indiana University School of Medicine, has devoted his career to making a lasting impact on those with type 1 diabetes. With 12 years private practice experience in Indianapolis as a diabetes specialist, Dr. Malone seamlessly transitioned into a 21-year career at Eli Lilly & Company, contributing significantly to clinical research in diabetes products and insulin delivery device development.

After retiring from Lilly in 2018, Dr. Malone began consulting with several companies in the diabetes field and part-time teaching Endocrinology at the Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine. In 2020, he joined a biotech start-up in California, Bigfoot Biomedical, as Chief Medical Officer to further develop and commercialize a connected insulin pen system for patients on Multiple Daily Insulin Injections. Bigfoot Biomedical was recently acquired by Abbott Laboratories and Dr. Malone joined Abbott Diabetes Care as Medical Lead – Insulin Delivery Devices to continue the work he began with Bigfoot. Dr. Malone’s passion lies in harnessing innovative opportunities within diabetes technology, foreseeing the transformative impact on individuals living with diabetes.

In addition to his exemplary professional pursuits, Dr. Malone has been a pivotal figure in the leadership of the Breakthrough T1D Indiana and Kentucky chapter. His 12-year service on the Breakthrough T1D Indiana Community Board, including a term as President from July 2020 to July 2021, showcased his adept guidance during the challenging pandemic years. Today, Jim actively supports Breakthrough T1D’s mission as a dedicated cyclist in the Breakthrough T1D Ride to Cure Program. Recognized for his inspirational role, he received his 10-year Breakthrough T1D Ride to Cure participant jersey in September 2023 at the Grand Rapids, MI Ride to Cure. Dr. Malone consistently embodies encouragement and support, making him an invaluable asset to his fellow riders and the diabetes community at large.

Jim Jungers has become a leading auctioneer in the Northwest since starting in the business in 1984. He began his career working with his father, Mike Jungers, conducting commercial auctions along the west coast. A 1986 graduate of Western College of Auctioneering, Jim joined the Stokes Auction Group team in 1992 to help meet the need for experienced charity auctioneers.

Fun, laughter, enthusiasm…these are just a few words to describe Jim’s auction style. There is none other who brings as much energy to the stage as Jim. He commands his audience’s attention and guarantees an enjoyable event. Underneath his merriment lies a compassionate nature that breaks down barriers and encourages others to join him in supporting the cause.

We are thrilled to have Scott Hoke joining us again as our Hope Gala emcee. As a 32-year voiceover veteran, you are familiar with Scott Hoke even if you don’t know it.  2023 marks Scott’s 16th year as host of the popular Mecum Collector Car Auctions, now televised on MotorTrendTV.  Prior to that, he was on the Indiana Pacers broadcast team, and spent nine years in the sports department at WRTV-6 (ABC.)  He has worked with a wide variety of local and national clients including  Turner Classic Movies, NCAA, CBS Sports, NBC Sports, The US Olympic Team, IndyCar, The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and more.

In his spare time, Scott is an avid musician who gigs on upright and electric bass in several jazz bands.  When he’s not in the booth, you can find him on his bicycle, on the golf course, or wetting a fishing line.