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STAND UP FOR A CURE
November 4, 2007
Comedian George Lopez brought
the house down at 2007's Stand
Up for a Cure...
 
And Host Andy Garcia shared his
personal connections to diabetes and
his dedication and commitment to
the cause.
>>Watch TV coverage of the event
>>Watch the video played at the event
Boasting a hilarious performance by comedian George Lopez, a longstanding connection with actor/director Andy Garcia, and an appearance by television’s John Ratzenberger, the fifth annual Stand Up for a Cure event raised more than $230,000 for the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), a world leader in cure-focused research. Held during National Diabetes Awareness Month on November 4 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles, the evening was presented by Turner Construction Company, which has generously sponsored the event for the past three years. According to Event Co-chairs Hope Bolois and Paula Wilson, the affair was more successful than ever, attracting 340 guests.
Throughout the evening, an underlying theme of family and togetherness emerged as guests, committee members, sponsors – and even the celebrities – realized many deep and personal connections among them. Lopez extended a heartfelt thank you to Stand Up Sponsor Stu Bloomberg, a television producer who brought the “George Lopez” sitcom to ABC. Bloomberg and his wife, Mary Farrell, have dedicated themselves to finding a cure for diabetes. Garcia, who served as the evening’s emcee, gave a poignant speech about his nephew and a dear childhood friend who both suffer with the disease. That friend, Gary Kleiman, was in the audience and is currently the DRI’s executive director of medical development. Ratzenberger, who serves on the DRI Foundation’s California board, has a son with type 1 and has been an activist for diabetes research for many years.
The theme struck a chord during the dinner program with the debut of a special video, featuring many of the faces of those sitting in the room – faces of those affected by diabetes. It drove home the message that everyone seems to know someone with diabetes and underscored the need for a universal cure.
The event continued with a thrilling experience of magic and illusions by Danny Zzzz, followed by Lopez’s hysterical comedy. Another evening highlight included a live auction of one-of-a-kind items, such as four front row seats to the spring 2008 season premiere of ABC’s hottest show, “Dancing With the Stars,” a walk-on part in another ABC hit, “Ugly Betty,” plus an amazing autographed collage of golfing greats like Tiger Woods, which was purchased by Lopez himself, an avid golfer.
Special thanks were extended to top sponsors Turner Construction Company, Mary Farrell and Stu Bloomberg, Marion and Bob Wilson, Arciero Bros., Inc., Health Net, Union Bank of California, Warner Bros. Television and Paula and Tom Wilson, among others.
California Board member John Ratzenberger, Presenting Sponsor Turner Construction Company's Rory DeJohn, Co-chairs Paula Wilson and Hope Bolois, Andy Garcia and DRI's Gary Kleiman |
California Board members Ken Bernstein and Kiara Walbridge with Mel Marks (center) |
Ed and Lily Sais (left), Stand Up Sponsors Stu Bloomberg (center) and Mary Farrell (right) with Gary Kleiman |
Wilson family members: Martin and Carol, Colleen, Tom and Paula, and Nicole (Not pictured Stand Up Sponsors Marion and Bob Wilson) |
National Board member Sandy Fox and California Board member Gail Ellis, sponsors |
Heather, Doug and California Board member Linda Boyd, sponsors |
Chris and Lou Desser of Union Bank of California, Laugh Sponsor |
Lori Dolce and Edwin Chua, sponsors |
Allison and Steve Martini, sponsors |
Ryan Liebling and Katie Scott, committee members |
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