This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Arts & Entertainment

Friends United Presents "THE VOICE for THE CURE"

A Musical Extravaganza at Resolution Digital Studios in Chicago To Fund Juvenile Diabetes Research

(Chicago, IL – August 23, 2012) Nothing says VIP quite like getting your name on an exclusive guest list at one of the hottest parties in town. Friends United for Juvenile Diabetes Research’s “THE VOICE for THE CURE” fundraiser offers access to an ultra-chic musical soiree that will help to fund research to find a cure for juvenile diabetes. Set for Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 6:30 p.m., this not-to-be missed musical extravaganza will be held at Resolution Digital Studios, a 32,000 square foot, fully equipped, multi-media studio at 2226 West Walnut Street in Chicago. 

A highlight of the evening will be internationally renowned action artist Michael Israel, who will dazzle guests as he creates his masterpieces live, showing off his jaw-dropping artistic talents and theatrical showmanship, all set to music. Four pieces of Michael’s artwork created that evening will be featured in a live auction. 

Ryan Baker, CBS 2’s lead sports anchor, will emcee the evening as guests enjoy designer cocktails and delectable gastronomy, all while dancing the night away to music by Danny Chaimson & the Gold Coast All Stars.  A Highland Park native, Chaimson has shared the stage with legendary acts such as Etta James and The Neville Brothers, made appearances on Jay Leno and Craig Ferguson, and had his music featured in the film “The Lincoln Lawyer” starring Matthew McConaughey. 

The recipient of the first-ever Shirley Mandell Quest for the Cure Award 2012 - named in honor of Friends United President and Founder Susan Mandell’s late mother-in-law - will be presented to Marvin and Elaine Gottlieb for their generous support and commitment to the organization since its inception in 1999.

“We started Friends United for Juvenile Diabetes Research around my kitchen table together with a small group of friends and family, all of whom had a personal connection with diabetes, and an unwavering commitment to finding a cure,” said Mandell whose Highland Park-based organization has promoted diabetes awareness over the past 13 years and donated more than $1 million to support the work of researchers at prestigious institutions such as the Mayo Clinic and Harvard University Medical School. “When a child is diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, also known as Type 1 diabetes, the entire family is profoundly and forever changed. It strikes suddenly, leaving them dependent on injected or pumped insulin for life and facing the constant threat of devastating complications.”  

Fifty-percent of the proceeds raised at ‘THE VOICE for THE CURE’ event will support the groundbreaking research being done at the University of Chicago’s Kovler Diabetes Center, and the remainder will go to other cutting-edge research programs across the nation. “Like the world-class doctors and researcher experts we support, we will not quit until the job is done!” said Friends United’s Mandell.  “I dream about the day that I can say to my son, ‘you’re free’!”  

“Our fundraiser is going to be a fabulous party with cuisine from Jordan’s Food of Distinction and top-notch entertainment that will keep everyone going strong throughout the night,” said Co-Event Chair Pam Spritz. “We wanted to have a high-profile event to draw attention to this disease because awareness is the key to raising money for a cure, which we believe is just on the horizon,” added Co-Event Chair Nancy Gottlieb Bauer. 

Tickets for this all-inclusive evening in Chicago’s hip West Town studio district are $175 per adult, $75 for guests under age 30.  Valet parking is available.   Space is limited, so be sure to reserve tickets in advance by visiting friends-united.org or calling 847.831.5558.   

About Friends United 
Friends United is a 501(c)3 non-profit, grassroots organization that began as a small group of volunteers, most from Chicago and surrounding suburbs, with a clear mission - to help fund research that will significantly improve the lives of people with juvenile diabetes and eliminate the disease through a cure.  For more information and to learn how you can make a difference, visit friends-united.org/how-we-help.html.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?