About
Join us for the 25th Anniversary One Night in the Magic City Gala, benefiting Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF, as we celebrate the amazing breakthroughs in type one diabetes research and the supporters who have made them possible.
This special anniversary engagement will capture the elegance of a black-tie soiree infused with the enchantment and wonder of a luxe carnival experience, bringing philanthropic-minded corporate and prominent citizens of Alabama together for an evening of impact and fun that will include a lively cocktail reception, competitive silent auction, gourmet dinner, spectacular live auction, and inspiring Fund A Cure message. Breakthrough T1D is grateful for the support of our past and present leadership and will be honoring those past presidents of the Alabama Board throughout the evening.
Your participation means that Breakthrough T1D can continue to provide support to families in Alabama by investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with the government to address issues that impact the T1D community, and helping educate and empower individuals facing this condition.
Evening Festivities
6:00 PM – Check-in & valet parking // cocktails, entertainment, silent auction, and more!
7:30 PM – Dinner, program, live auction, and Fund A Cure
Attire
Dress to Dazzle – Where elegance meets the extraordinary!
Event Leadership
Dr. Nicole Johnson and Ava Johnson
Gala Emcees
Read MoreDr. Nicole Johnson and Ava Johnson
Gala Emcees
Nicole and Ava Johnson have been long time T1D advocates, supporters, and leaders. Nicole has lived with T1D for 32 years and became a national figure when she was named Miss America 1999, the first person with diabetes to win the title. Ava’s earliest memories are related to her mom’s diabetes. At 2 years old she learned to call for help if mom had a low blood sugar and she has been a participant in clinical research trials since she was born. Today, Nicole and Ava live in Birmingham, AL and are authors of a children’s book series on how to help others. Ava is a nursing student at the University of Alabama and a proud member of the Million Dollar Band! Nicole serves the diabetes community with Sanofi.
Cameron Crouse
Fund A Cure Honoree
Read MoreCameron Crouse
Fund A Cure Honoree
Cameron Crouse, who is from Tuscaloosa, AL, is a 24-year-old PhD student at the University of Florida. His family became involved with Breakthrough T1D, then JDRF, when Cameron was diagnosed with type one diabetes on May 30, 2003, just a month before his third birthday. Throughout most of his life, Cameron has been a fundraising and advocacy rockstar and continues to amaze his friends and family with his determination to find a cure for type one diabetes.
Rachel and Cristian Santiago
Gala Auction Chairs
Matt Godbehere
Gala Auctioneer
Read MoreMatt Godbehere
Gala Auctioneer
Matt Godbehere is a 3rd generation auctioneer from Hot Springs National Park, AR. A 2004 graduate of the Missouri Auction School, and one of the few auctioneers to hold the prestigious Benefit Auctioneer Specialist (BAS) designation. He also completed the esteemed Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI) designation from Indiana University in 2018. He is a two-time International Auctioneer Championship finalist; as well as the 2016 Arkansas State Champion. Currently, he is a full-time professional fundraising auctioneer, and travels worldwide conducting benefit events. His passion lies in the fundraising industry where he has raised millions of dollars for nonprofit organizations.
Aimee Miklic
Gala Event Chair
David Goff
Gala Director
Duane Wells
Audio Visual Expert
Sponsors
Breakthrough Sponsor
Vision Sponsor
Inspiration Sponsor
Dream Sponsor
Entertainment Sponsor
Believe Sponsors
