WINTER PARK, August 2023 — Breakthrough T1D Northern Florida is proud to announce our partnership with Chris and Dawn Shee for this year’s Jacksonville Party with a Purpose: Into the Blue. As a longtime partner of Breakthrough T1D, we are excited to have Chris and Dawn Shee join us as both the honorary chairs and presenting sponsors this year.

Their connection to Breakthrough T1D stems from Chris’ oldest son, Brandon, being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) just three weeks before turning 15 years old. Now 23 years old, Brandon has been a true champion managing his diabetes.

Chris is the Founder and CEO of MasterCraft Builder Group, which was started in 2012. In addition to building high-quality and beautiful homes, MasterCraft is known for its generosity — the pillars of the company are called “The 4 C’s,” which stand for Craftsmanship, Customer Service, Choice (semi-customization), and Community; “Community is what I’m most proud of as it’s about giving back, and we do this radically,” says Chris. “Aside from the various donations we make throughout the year, MasterCraft has raised more than $1.1 million dollars for local charities by hosting a sporting clay tournament (Clays For A Cause) the last ten years.”

When asked what it means to have his dad supporting him in this way, Brandon said, “Amidst the challenges of diabetes, my family’s unwavering support has been the backbone of my journey. Their encouragement and support have propelled me to successfully manage my health and strive to help others similarly.” 

Through serving as the honorary chairs for Jacksonville’s Party with a Purpose, Chris and Dawn hope they can convey the message that money is needed so that scientific advancements can continue for this great cause. They think that it would truly be so incredible and such a blessing if this disease didn’t feel like a curse for children, adults, and their families. “I often speak to folks about money and the true wealth that comes along with giving. I speak of the difference between being rich and being wealthy.  Rich has everything to do with money, but not necessarily happiness—for money doesn’t create happiness like most folks think,” explains Chris. “Wealth can involve money, but it doesn’t necessarily need to.  Wealth comes from love, joy, and giving.” Both Chris and Dawn are excited to see the community come together for Breakthrough T1D’s worthy cause on November 9.

Breakthrough T1D is grateful for their continued support and look forward to advancing our mission of creating a world without T1D together. For more information about Into the Blue, please visit jaxjdrfparty.com.

About Breakthrough T1D

JDRF’s mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, Breakthrough T1D has invested more than $2.5 billion in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally and globally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a global stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout the United States and our five international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement, and our vision of a world without T1D.

For more information, please visit jdrf.org or follow us on Twitter (@JDRF), Facebook (@myjdrf), and Instagram (@jdrfhq).

Media Contact:

Jennifer Sifrit

Breakthrough T1D Northern Florida Chapter

JSifrit@BreakthroughT1D.org

407-280-3089