Carousel Ball Supports Diabetes Care and Research

Graham Daugherty • October 20, 2019

Annual Ball Raises Funds for Patient Support and Research for Type 1 Diabetes


(DENVER — Oct. 20th, 2019) – The 33rd Annual Carousel Ball was a huge success with more than 900 attendees on October 19, 2019 at the Hyatt Regency Denver. Featured performer Reba McEntire and emcee Mario Lopez helped to raise funds for patient support, awareness, and research of type 1 diabetes. This year’s honorees were Lisa & Tom Corley, who were presented with the High Hopes Tribute Award, and Richard Abrams, M.D., who received the Founders Award.

Proceeds from The Carousel Ball benefit the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, the fundraising arm of the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. Diabetes, which afflicts more than 30 million people in the United States alone, is on the rise. It is estimated that one in three babies born today will have diabetes in their lifetime.

Guests were welcomed to the event by “Advocates,” children with type 1 diabetes, before enjoying cocktails and a silent auction. Items included donated products and experiences in sports, cuisine, entertainment, beauty, travel, fashion jewelry, art, home décor, and children-specific categories. Duke Beardsley, a local artist, painted one of his iconic cowboy pieces in-person, while DJ CYN provided music.

Several special opportunities and exciting vacation packages were auctioned live by Halie Behr, followed by an outpouring of support during the donation section of the program. Advocates thanked each donor individually with hugs, high fives or a rose to show their appreciation.

Mario Lopez kicked off the dinner program with Dana Davis, Children’s Diabetes Foundation Executive Director and the 2019 Carousel Ball Chairman, who thanked Barbara Davis Center employees and celebrated the huge leaps forward that have already been made. Gracie Lambrecht, a 12-year-old with type 1 diabetes, and her sister Mia, said a prayer and touching videos featuring patients of the Barbara Davis Center were shown throughout the night.

Dr. Richard Abrams was presented with the Founders Award by Dr. Marian Rewers, Executive Director of the Barbara Davis Center, in honor of his instrumental role in advancing diabetes care. Dr. Abrams has practiced internal medicine for more than 40 years at Rose Medical Center, where he founded Colorado Preventive Medicine in 2006. He played a major role in demonstrating that women with type 1 diabetes could become pregnant and safely deliver healthy babies.

Tom and Lisa Corley were presented with the High Hopes Tribute Award by Arlene Hirschfeld in honor of their 20 years of service and support of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, and for their unwavering support of the Colorado community. While on stage, Lisa shared her personal connection to type 1 diabetes, speaking about the cousin she lost due to complications.

Once dinner was finished, Mario Lopez introduced featured performer, Reba McEntire, for an exciting 75-minute show. Advocates and attendees rushed to the stage to hear hits like “Turn on the Radio,” “Whoever’s in New England,” “Going Out Like That,” and from her new gospel record, “Back to God.” Reba sparkled in black cowboy boots with her full band behind her as she told stories, waved to the crowd and closed the night by raising an additional $10,000 for the opportunity to sing with her on stage.

The annual Carousel Ball events have raised well over $110 million, with proceeds benefitting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. Since its inception in 1978, this iconic event has united entertainment industry leaders for a night dedicated to raising awareness and, ultimately, finding a cure for diabetes. Previous Carousel Ball performers and honorees include Lenny Kravitz, Usher, Neil Diamond, Paige and John Elway, Gladys Knight, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sharon Magness Blake & Ernie Blake, Bob Newhart, Tony Bennett, Smokey Robinson, Katherine McPhee, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, and many more.

The Lead Sponsor of the 2019 Carousel Ball was Dexcom. The Official Media Sponsor was 5280 Magazine. Underwriting Sponsors were Tina & Rick J. Caruso – The Grove and Iris & Michael Smith. Supporting Sponsors included The Corley Legacy Foundation, The Crazy Merchant, Inc., Empower Retirement, RBC Wealth Management, Viacom & Paramount Pictures, and 7 Cellars Elway’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Media Partners included KBCO, Colorado Homes & Life-styles Magazine, and CBS4 Denver. For the latest news and information regarding the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and The Carousel Ball, be sure to follow on social media and join the conversation using #CarouselBall.


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