Foundation board members Gary
Hall, Jr. and Diane Beber enjoyed
the morning with event honorees
Chris Dudley and Steven Sawitz.
Ten-time Olympic swimming medalist Gary Hall, Jr. and his wife, Elizabeth, filled Miami Beach’s famous Joe’s Stone Crab with supporters of diabetes research on Sunday, November 12. The third annual Circle of Champions Charity Brunch benefited The Gary Hall, Jr. Foundation for Diabetes, which supports cure-focused research, including the work underway at the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI).
“Diabetes doesn’t have to stand between you and your dreams, and that is why we are all here,” said Hall. “Thank you to the DRI Foundation for helping us put on this event. And to the DRI, you do such incredible research; I know it will help us find the cure one day.”
At the beginning of the event, Hall mingled with approximately 250 guests as they sipped mimosas and wine, while perusing an extensive silent auction. Interested parties bid on fabulous vacation packages and sports memorabilia, as well as several pieces of beautiful diamond jewelry by Hana Stern, a collection which filled an entire room.
During the program, Hall inducted Chris Dudley into the Circle of Champions for excelling as an athlete despite having diabetes. Diagnosed with type 1 in 1981 as a high school student, Dudley went on to play for Yale before completing 16 seasons as a center in the NBA.
“When I was shell-shocked with my own diagnosis, I heard about a basketball player with diabetes who had succeeded in the NBA, and a message of hope came across,” Hall said with recognition of the inspiration Dudley gave him. “Chris’ story allowed me to get back in the pool and swim, and here and now, I want to say thank you to him.”
After founding The Dudley Foundation in 1994, the event honoree also established The Chris Dudley Basketball Camp, the only camp of its kind for kids with diabetes.
“My focus is empowering kids with diabetes,” Dudley said as he accepted his award. “I want them to know that they can do whatever they want to do, provided that they take care of themselves.”
Making a second presentation during the program, Hall gave the Olympus Award to Steven Sawitz, the owner of Joe’s Stone Crab, for going the extra mile to contribute to the community. It was Sawitz’s generous idea that gave birth to this event, and his cooperation and support have made it the success it is.
“I am humbled and honored to be a part of this,” said Sawitz. “We are all contributing to something that means a lot.”
Michael Aller, known to most as Mr. Miami Beach, served as Master of Ceremonies, making a surprise presentation of the key to Miami Beach to the Hall family.
The Halls gave special recognition to top sponsor Becton, Dickinson and Company. Attendees were treated to a generous serving of stone crabs with coleslaw, hash browns and creamed spinach, followed by Joe’s famous Key lime pie. A live auction ended the event with excitement.
The Gary Hall, Jr. Foundation for Diabetes supports diabetes research by allocating funds to research facilities, such as the Diabetes Research Institute. It also provides funding for needy families who are affected by diabetes and have no insurance to cover the related expenses. In the world of swimming, Hall has earned the title, The Fastest Man in the World. When he is not training or competing, he is working tirelessly within the diabetes community giving insight, support and friendship to those with the disease.
The Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine is a recognized world leader in cure-focused research. Pioneering many of the techniques used in islet cell transplantation since the early 1970’s, the DRI has successfully reversed diabetes in patients involved in ongoing clinical trials. The Institute’s research is now directed at improving transplant processes and developing new biomedical technologies and cell-based therapies to restore insulin production. For the millions of families already affected by diabetes and who are looking to the world of science for answers, the Diabetes Research Institute is the best hope for a cure.
Michael Aller, AKA Mr. Miami Beach,
presented Elizabeth and Gary Hall, Jr. with a key to Miami Beach. |
Former pro-athletes Rick O'Shea (golf), Bob Beamon (Olympic track and field) and Mike Cline (Green Bay Packers) showed support, along with Ronda Beamon (left.) |
Dr. Juan Dominguez-Bendala of the DRI and his wife, Xiomara Mordcovich (left) chatted before brunch with the DRI's Dr. Elizabeth Fenjves, Robert D. Hertzberg, Esquire and Donald P. Goodstein (far right). |
The entire Hall family helped make the event a success. From left to right, they are: Bebe, Elizabeth, Gary Jr. and daughter Gigi, Mary, Gary Sr., Amy, and Maria with Miguel Diego. |
Six-year-old Matthew Sanchez told Gary and the audience that he tests his blood twelve times per day. |
Flanked by committee members Stephanie Rosen (far leftl) and Bianca Oakes (center), Hana Stern posed with guests Lori (2nd from right) and Catherine Davis (far right.) |