Breakthrough T1D Grand Rapids Gala 2025

Max and Becky Barnes became involved with JDRF over 20 years ago in Indianapolis where Max served as a member of the JDRF Board of Directors and Becky volunteered for the annual JDRF Gala. In 2010, after moving to Michigan, Max joined the Board of Directors for the Grand Rapids Chapter.

In 2015, their oldest son Jack was diagnosed with T1D at age 11. As a family, they formed a JDRF Walk Team (Jack’s Attack on T1D) which has raised over ____ for T1D research. From 2016-2024, Max and Becky served as Michigan Advocacy Team Chairs and met annually with U.S. Representatives and Senators both in-district and in Washington, D.C., to educate lawmakers about T1D and to advocate for continued federal funding of T1D research.

Since his diagnosis, Jack has been an active advocate and volunteer. Jack served as a Youth Ambassador from 2016-2022. Since 2016, Jack has participated in the biennial Promise to Remember Me Campaign. In April 2017, Jack and his family were the Fund-A-Cure speakers at the annual JDRF Promise Gala. In July 2017, Jack represented West Michigan as part of JDRF Children’s Congress in Washington, D.C.

Carrie is a full-time professional benefit auctioneer with Hessney Auction Co. in the Finger Lakes region of New York, specializing in fundraising auctions throughout NYS and beyond. She is the 2023 NYS Auctioneer of the Year and the 2024 International Auctioneer champion 1st runner up. Her commitment to fostering positive change within her community strengthens her belief in the power of auctioning to make a difference!

Brena Band is a one-stop-shop when it comes to entertainment. Their six member band, featuring guitars, drums, horns, violin, keyboards, and tight vocal harmonies, will keep your guests dancing all night long. Their wide variety of songs offer a little something for everyone; ranging from oldies, to current top 40 hits, classic rock to smooth R&B, country to high energy dance music, and everything in between.