Breakthrough T1D Grand Rapids Gala 2025

April 25, 2025, Grand Rapids, MI
6:00 pm (Eastern Time)

Breakthrough T1D Grand Rapids Gala 2025

April 25, 2025, Grand Rapids, MI
6:00 pm (Eastern Time)

About

The 2025 Breakthrough T1D Grand Rapids Gala will take place at the Goei Center and will include an open bar with hors d’oeuvres, plated dinner and dessert, a premier silent and live auction, and our signature Fund A Cure where all donations go directly to T1D research. Sheri Jones — WLNS News Anchor— will be the evening’s Emcee.  Evening entertainment details coming soon.

Honoree
Max & Becky Barnes for their unwavering support of Breakthrough T1D and the West Michigan community.

Fund A Cure Family
Lipinski Family – Don, Crystal, Josie & Jackson

Breakthrough T1D works every day to change the reality of T1D for millions of people—and to prevent anyone else from ever knowing it—by funding research; advocating for government support of research and new therapies; ensuring new therapies come to market and are recommended by healthcare providers; and connecting, engaging, and educating the T1D community.

Event Leadership

Barnes Family

Honorees

Max & Becky Barnes

Josie Lipinski

Fund A Cure

Don, Crystal, Josie & Jackson Lipinski

Ben Greemann

Becky Barnes

Crystal Lipinski

Becky Tiano

Gary Grahs

Sean Lockwood

Andrea Johnson

Shelby Cutler

Stacie Winker Wiltzer

Marc Sharaf

Jodie DeVries

Traci DeVowe

Event Details

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Sheri Jones

Emcee

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Sheri Jones

Emcee

Sheri Jones is a reporter and anchor who is respected and beloved by the Mid-Michigan Community for her warm, steady and compassionate presence.   Mid-Michigan trusts Jones, which is evident because the newscasts she anchors are top-rated in the Lansing market.   When people are with Sheri, her ability to connect with them in her reporting and to the community makes each one feel that they are the most important person in the room.  Sheri Jones has changed journalism in Michigan by humanizing it.  Her innovation and leadership in reporting has made Mid-Michigan safer.  Since 1994, Jones has been the spokesperson for the Mid-Michigan Crime Stoppers program. She has produced segments that have aided in the capture of many of the area’s most wanted fugitives.
Jones is highly awarded for her work in broadcast journalism.  In 2023, she was inducted into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame. In 2018, she became the third female anchor in Michigan to be inducted into the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.   In 2014, Sheri was recognized by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences with the Silver Circle Award for her dedication to excellence and the significant contribution she has made to the industry.
Her many awards include: 3 Emmy nominations for her work as a script writer and anchor, the D. Tennant Bryan Outstanding Journalism Award, honors from the Associated Press, Michigan Association of Broadcasters, Central Michigan Crime Prevention Association and Crime Prevention Association of Michigan.
Beyond her professional achievements, Sheri is a global citizen with a heart for service. She has ventured to places like Japan as part of Lansing’s Sister City program, contributing to cultural understanding and international relations. She’s also traveled to China, actively participating in economic development efforts for Lansing and the State Of Michigan.
Sheri‘s altruistic spirit shines through her involvement with the Habitat for Humanity Capitol Region, where she led a team to Kenya, Africa, to build a home for a deserving family in Homa Bay, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
In the Capitol City , Sheri has championed vital causes such as the opioid crisis, mental health, gun safety, and sex trafficking through her role at the station. She’s taken the lead in organizing station initiatives, hosting debates and telethons, fostering community engagement and awareness.
Sheri Jones is not just a news anchor; she is a dedicated journalist, a global ambassador, and a compassionate advocate, leaving an indelible mark on both the field of journalism and the communities she serves.
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Carrie Hesney

Auctioneer

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Carrie Hesney

Auctioneer

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!

For those who are not able to join us in person but would like to still bid on silent auction items, please complete this form: 2025 Grand Rapids Gala – Remote Bidding Interest

The week of the event, you will receive an email to complete your remote bidding registration.

Grand Rapids Gala Event Volunteer SignUp

Tickets
Sponsorships
Donate to Fund A Cure
Auction Donation
April 25, 2025
Starts: 6:00 PM
Goei Center
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
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Jillian Crane
Email | 616-258-0861
Michigan and Northern Ohio Chapter
Mail donations to:

PO Box 5069
Hagerstown, MD 21741-5069

Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Platinum Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors