Congratulations to the 18th annual Walsh Golf Outing for a wonderful event on Monday, September 21st!

Every golfer who participated in the outing received a gift, but the largest gift was the donation to Breakthrough T1D. The $75,000 raised this year increases the total amount the annual event has contributed for T1D research to more than $1.1 million.

For the past 18 years, Martin “Art” Walsh, founding shareholder at Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh, P.C., has hosted a golf outing to raise funds for Breakthrough T1D. The annual event is dedicated to the memory of Art’s late brother, John Walsh, who was diagnosed with T1D at the age of 5. This year, 141 golfers turned out to play golf at Westwood Country Club in Vienna, Virginia.

 

“I know first-hand that T1D is a terrible disease,” Art said as he
addressed the golfers prior to tee off. “It’s my great pleasure to host this event and do whatever I can to support Breakthrough T1D.”

Among the 24 teams playing that day was Washington Wizards play-by-play announcer Steve Buckhantz, who has participated in nearly all 18 golf outings since its inception.
Steve also acted as the evening’s guest auctioneer following a reception and buffet dinner held in the club’s ballroom overlooking the 18th hole. Steve led the friendly but fierce bidding as guests vied for auction items that ranged from a three-night stay in a golf villa at The Homestead, to six tickets to the Washington vs. Dallas football game with limo included.

Plans for next year’s event are in the making. Please contact Michelle Stapleton at 703-528-4700 for more information.

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Congratulations to Cars for the Cure for a beautiful event on Sunday, October 11^th!

Held in Great Falls, VA, the 3rd annual car show raised over $60,000 for Breakthrough T1D – almost doubling the amounts raised the first two years combined! Benefitting from near perfect weather, the event showcased classic and unique cars, a silent auction, raffle, live music and awards. This event was started by 15 year old, Michael Sevila, and was born from his love of cars and his desire to find a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D).

The idea for a car show to raise money for T1D research was hatched late one night in September of 2012 at Fairfax Hospital.  A then 12 year old Michael Sevila had just been rushed to the hospital with a diagnosis of T1D – a disease that neither he or his family knew much about.  The result of long sleepless nights and late night discussions with Dad in that hospital led Michael to proclaim one night – “We need to fix this thing!”

But how?  Knowing nothing about the disease, or fundraising, or even who to raise funds for Michael turned to something he knew and loved.  He had helped his dad, brother, sister, uncle, and grandfather work on old cars, trucks and motorcycles from his very earliest years. The family’s love of classic and antique cars (blame it on Granddad) had grown into a small collection (or addiction according to Michael’s mom!) and a car show could be a fun way to educate people about T1D while having a great day listening to great music, enjoying great food,  and seeing some really cool old cars, trucks, and motorcycles.  Cars for the Cure VA was born!

Following his diagnosis, a little over 3 years ago, Michael and his family have hit the ground running ever since! Michel has served as a Breakthrough T1D Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Chapter Youth Ambassador – working at Breakthrough T1D’s annual fall black tie Hope Gala, representing the chapter at various events, and organizing a walk team for the Breakthrough T1D One Walk this past spring. He even biked 100 miles 2 summers ago with his dad in the Breakthrough T1D Ride to Cure Diabetes in Vermont, raising nearly $8,000 along the way.

We thank Michael and the entire Sevila family for their devotion to Breakthrough T1D’s mission. They look forward to holding this event again next year, so be on the lookout for more details. You will not want to miss it!

Thank you again to the Sevila Family and all sponsors for all of their incredible hard work.