Every year the Alberta Diabetes Foundation hosts a gala event that is responsible for a large portion of their annual commitment of raising $1 million for life-changing diabetes research. Friday, September 23 saw the 2016 Hummingbird Gala embark on a new partnership between the Alberta Diabetes Foundation and the Canadian Diabetes Association with the unified goal to strengthen collaboration in a time of uncertain economic climate in Alberta.
The 2016 Hummingbird Gala raised almost $250,000 towards life-changing research and programming here in Alberta. However, the impact of the Hummingbird Gala, and other related events supporting diabetes research here in Alberta, go well beyond the financial contribution that the event brought in. It was an evening to share stories, learn about exciting breakthroughs in research and bringing people together who share a common goal-seeing an end to the destructive disease that is diabetes.
The view of the river valley was in full autumn glory as guests arrived at the Shaw Conference Centre. Live acoustic guitar, played by Marc Beaudin, welcomed close to 500 guests from both of organizations' guest lists. Graham Neil of CTV was the Master of Ceremony and guests were delightfully entertained by comedian Andrew Grose. Also in attendance were researchers from the Alberta Diabetes Institute, representing diabetes research from across University of Alberta faculties including Medicine and Dentistry; Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences; and Physical Education and Recreation, as well as from the Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine Department at the University of Calgary. Researchers were there to share their current research and support the cause that has driven it.
Over 140 items were donated to the silent auction which raised over $30,000 which included some exciting items such as the train ride for two, round trip to Jasper from VIA Rail; VIP tickets to see the Alan Alda presentation Getting Beyond a Blind Date with Science from the Department of Medicine in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry; and Researcher for a Day from the Alberta Diabetes Institute.
Brad Fournier, Executive Director of the Alberta Diabetes Foundation shares his message thanking all the support that brings an event like this possible. "Thank you to our amazing corporate sponsors for stepping up this year - especially to Nordic Mechanical Services for becoming our presenting sponsor. All things considering, it was a truly exceptional evening and the 330,000 Albertans living with diabetes and 700,000 at risk for type 2 diabetes will benefit immensely.
Peter Light, Director of Alberta Diabetes Institute, thanks everyone involved for making the Hummingbird Gala a success. "On behalf of everyone at the Alberta Diabetes Institute, I thank the donors for their generous gifts in support of groundbreaking diabetes research."