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DIABETES RESEARCH INSTITUTE HAROLD KART GOLF CLASSIC
November 12, 2007
DRI Foundation President and CEO
Robert A. Pearlman (center)
congratulates Chairpersons Gary
Studley (left) and Lou Steiner (right)
on the success of the 6th annual
DRI Harold Kart Golf Classic.
Monday, November 12, was a beautiful day for the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) Harold Kart Golf Classic, held at the esteemed Boca West Country Club. Co-chairs Lou Steiner and Gary Studley were thrilled to raise close to $300,000, more than ever before, for the cure-focused research underway at the DRI with the sixth annual event.
“All of our work would mean nothing without your participation,” Steiner said to the crowd of 320, seated at dinner, after a fun-filled day on the golf course and a lively cocktail reception.
In turn, thanking the committee on behalf of the DRI scientists, DRI Foundation President and CEO Robert A. Pearlman added, “It is events like this that allow us to do the work we do.”
Pearlman then recognized the top event sponsors, including: Natalie and Harry Olstein, Marilyn and Gary Studley, Ruthann and David Beckerman, Sandy and Ed Gollob, Gloria and Howard Hirsch, Myra and Allen Jacobson, Debra and Jerry Kramer, and Debbie and Lou Steiner.
Appreciation was evident, but it was the personal stories of two South Florida residents that struck guests with emotion as they heard firsthand about the dire significance of the cause and the hope that the DRI offers.
Michael Bodner, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes nine years ago at age 5, asked the audience members to snap themselves with a rubber band for each time he generally checks his blood sugar, per day. The demonstration resulted in severely red wrists and saddened faces. He explained the precautions he will have to take when he receives his driver’s permit this year, and he lightened the room with a joke to his grandfather, Committee Member Sandy Bodner, regarding his need for a new car.
Randi Caster, who has had diabetes for as many of her 50 years as she can remember, explained how the disease had taken control of her life until she underwent an islet cell transplant at the DRI.
“It’s a miracle,” exclaimed Caster, who now calls herself a healthy diabetic. “It’s been 20 months, and I haven’t had one insulin reaction!”
In response to Caster, 14-year-old Bodner said, “It is because of your determination and courage that I have hope for a cure.”
The overall thanksgiving spawned even more generosity during the live auction, and bidding wars ensued over such coveted prizes as exotic vacation packages, beautiful diamond jewelry and a new top of the line golf cart.
Tournament winners included: Ronni Freeman, Arlene Karyo, Harriet Locke, and Fern Rod for the women’s division; Paul Miller, Harry Olstein, Ronald Rosenzweig and Wally Shapiro for the men’s division; and Mary Ann and Stuart Miro and Gail and Barry Weiss for the couple’s division.
The tournament is played in memory of Harold Kart, a friend of the committee, who passed away from complications of type 1 diabetes. It is dedicated to everyone who suffers from the effects of the disease. If you would like to get involved in next year’s DRI Harold Kart Golf Classic, please contact the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation at 954-964-4040.
Harry Olstein (2nd from left), who along with his wife, Natalie, served as Grand Dinner Sponsor again this year, also was a member of the winning men's golf foursome.
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Platinum Sponsors Gary and Marilyn Studley were instrumental in starting the tournament six years ago. |
Gold Sponsors (l-r): Jerry & Debra Kramer, Lou & Debbie Steiner, Ruthann Beckerman, and Myra & Allen Jacobson. Gold Sponsors not shown: David Beckerman, Sandy & Ed Gollob and Gloria & Howard Hirsch.
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Featured speakers included Michael Bodner (far left) and Randi Caster (2nd from right.) TJ (far right) and Alex Kalosky, who also have type 1 diabetes, volunteered to help out at the cocktail party and awards dinner. |
Tina Kart and her son, Darren, golfed with memories of the late Harold Kart, beloved husband, father and dedicated supporter of the DRI. |
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