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

“We are thrilled for Mario Lopez to join us at this year’s Carousel Ball as our celebrity emcee. He understands that the search for a cure to type 1 diabetes is important work, and we are grateful for his support,” said Dana Davis, Executive Director of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation.

In addition to being a successful actor and television host, Mario is also an accomplished author. In September 2014, he released his first autobiography, “Just Between Us,” where he shares his successes and disappointments, never before-told stories and family values. Mario became a New York Times best-selling author with his healthy eating guide, “Extra Lean.” In May 2011, he released the follow-up to “Extra Lean,” entitled “Extra Lean Family.” Additionally, Mario penned “Mario Lopez’s Knockout Fitness,” a best-selling fitness book that offers readers a look into his impressive workout regime and co-authored “Mud Tacos,” a vibrant children’s book with his sister Marissa; and “Mario & Baby Gia,” a children’s book he wrote for his daughter Gia.

Even with all his other ventures, Lopez is still in love with acting. He has recently appeared on the NBC hit drama “This is Us” and the CW series “Jane the Virgin.” Lopez has also appeared on “Brooklyn 99,” “The Rookie,” and a recurring voice on “Elena of Avalor” with his daughter Gia. He played ‘Dr. Mike Hamoui’ on eight episodes of F/X network’s popular show “Nip/Tuck,” Lopez’s run on the series bringing an instant and well-deserved cult following. Lopez previously starred in the highest-rated program in ABC Family history, “Holiday in Handcuffs” and also starred opposite Mark Consuelos in the made-for-TV movie, “Husband for Hire,” the most-watched program ever on the Oxygen Network.

The Carousel Ball’s featured performer Reba McEntire, Country Music Hall of Fame member, has won 16 ACM Awards, 15 American Music Awards, nine People’s Choice Awards, six CMA Awards, three GRAMMY® Awards, and a GMA Dove Award. The Grand Ole Opry member has also received the Andrea Bocelli Foundation Humanitarian Award, the Music Biz Chairman’s Award, and the National Artistic Achievement Award from the U.S. Congress, in addition to other philanthropic and leadership honors.

McEntire is an acclaimed actress with 11 movie credits to her name, a lead role on Broadway in Irving Berlin’s “Annie Get Your Gun,” and a starring role in the television sitcom “Reba.” In 2005, she launched her own lifestyle brand with Dillard’s and most recently launched the REBA by Justin^TM western footwear collection. Throughout 2019, she will be in Las Vegas for “REBA, BROOKS & DUNN: Together In Vegas” at Caesars.

The Carousel Ball will present Lisa & Tom Corley with the High Hopes Tribute Award and Richard Abrams, M.D. with the Founders Award.

Richard Abrams, M.D. will be presented with the Founders Award 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.

Richard Abrams, M.D.

Tom and Lisa Corley, both Colorado natives, will be presented with the High Hopes Tribute Award 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.

Tom and Lisa Corley

The annual Carousel Ball events have raised more than $110 million to date, with proceeds benefitting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, which are fighting every day to improve patient lives by providing the best possible patient care, hosting support groups, educating the public, and doing research to prevent diabetes, reduce its complications, and eventually find a cure.

When the organizations were created more than 40 years ago, blood testing didn’t exist, synthetic insulins were unheard of, and syringes had to be boiled in water before injecting large needles. Today, artificial pancreases, continuous glucose monitors, and the choice between insulin pumps or injections are among many medications and therapies that help those with diabetes manage the disease. The Barbara Davis Center is a major contributor to these advancements, continually working on cutting-edge technology and medications.

This year marks the 33^rd annual Carousel Ball, where guests will enjoy cocktails, silent and live auctions, dinner, exciting entertainment, and an intimate musical performance. Since its inception in 1978, the iconic event has been a Hollywood favorite, uniting entertainment industry leaders from all areas 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 is Dexcom. The Official Media Sponsor is 5280 Magazine. Underwriting Sponsors are Tina & Rick J. Caruso – The Grove and Iris & Michael Smith. Supporting Sponsors include The Corley Legacy Foundation, The Crazy Merchant, Inc., Empower Retirement, RBC Wealth Management, Viacom & Paramount Pictures, and 7 Cellars Elway’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. 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. Tickets and sponsorships are available at www.ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org.

Event Hashtag: #CarouselBall
Facebook:      Children’s Diabetes Foundation
Twitter:           @CDFdiabetes
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About the Children’s Diabetes Foundation
The Children’s Diabetes Foundation, located in Denver, was established in 1977 by Barbara and Marvin Davis after their daughter, Dana, developed diabetes at the age of seven. The non-profit organization is dedicated to the support of research in diabetes and to providing the best possible clinical and educational programs for people with the disease. The Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to support the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes and its world-renowned research programs, where thousands of patients with type 1 diabetes, children and adults alike, receive the finest diabetes care available. Thanks to the generous funding provided to the Center, all patients are welcome, regardless of their financial status. For more information please visit: www.ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org