Breakthrough T1D East Tennessee Promise Gala 2026

Fred Trainer is the owner of FE Trainer Construction and a dedicated member of the Breakthrough T1D Board since 2021. Alongside his wife, Amy, Fred has become a passionate advocate for Breakthrough T1D’s mission following their daughter Bella’s diagnosis with type 1 diabetes.

For Fred, the fight against T1D is deeply personal. When Bella was diagnosed at just 12 years old, it marked a day he’ll never forget. Now a high school senior, Bella continues to thrive, pursuing her dreams while managing a disease that demands constant attention and strength. Watching her courage and resilience has fueled Fred’s unwavering commitment to advancing research, raising awareness, and supporting innovation that can change the future for everyone living with T1D.

Through his leadership and advocacy, Fred works to drive progress toward a world where kids like Bella can live freer, healthier lives with fewer limitations, fewer worries, and, one day, a cure.

Kyle is a Project Executive at Messer Construction and has been a dedicated member of the East Tennessee Breakthrough T1D Board since 2022. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes eight years ago, Kyle brings both professional expertise and a deeply personal perspective to the organization’s mission.

Living with T1D as an adult, Kyle often reflects on the daily challenges that come with the disease: the constant calculations, the questions about insulin, sensors, and numbers that never quite fade into the background. His hope for the future is simple yet powerful: to quiet that noise. He dreams of a day when he can be fully present, to laugh and play with his kids without distraction, cheer on the Vols, and continue building community with his friends, without diabetes stealing the spotlight.

Kyle’s commitment to Breakthrough T1D is fueled by this vision. Through his work in construction management and his lived experience with T1D, he is passionate about supporting research, advocacy, and community initiatives that bring us closer to a world without type 1 diabetes.

Rooted in gospel and grown into one of East Tennessee’s favorite classic rock bands, The Chillbillies have been bringing people together through music since 1988. What began as a few friends jamming after a Friday night gig has evolved into a powerhouse group of local legends: judges, counselors, CEOs, and lifelong musicians, united by their shared love of performing and community.

Guests at the East Tennessee Breakthrough T1D Promise Gala will enjoy a special performance by The Chillbillies during cocktail hour, setting the tone for an evening filled with energy, connection, and purpose. Proof that when passion meets purpose, great things happen.

Known for his boundless energy, style, and heart for service, Dino is deeply rooted in community giving, a value instilled by his parents’ lifelong dedication to volunteerism. Today, he’s involved in more than 75 events each year, lending his talents to causes across East Tennessee through his work with the White Family Foundation.

Whether emceeing galas, designing event spaces, or championing local charities, Dino embodies the spirit of generosity and community that makes East Tennessee shine.