More than 400 guests and supporters turned out for Joslin Diabetes Center’s 17th annual black tie High Hopes Gala at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel Saturday evening. Emcee and WCVB-TV (Channel 5) anchor J.C. Monahan shared her own story about her father’s diagnosis with adult-onset type 1 diabetes and how receiving care at Joslin has helped him continue to live a healthy and active life. The event raised over $1 million for Joslin’s High Hopes Fund, which supports the center’s clinical care, research, education, and community outreach. Auction items included a signed David Ortiz jersey and bat and an exclusive WCVB station tour. Joslin researchers Dr. Gordon Weir and Dr. Susan Bonner-Weir, who have been married for nearly 50 years, were honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, while sisters Sarah Peterson, 5, and Clarissa Peterson, 10, Joslin patients and diabetes advocates, received the 2016 Spotlight on Hope Award. Notable attendees included Monahan and hubby Jim Farrell (a Boston TV news director); Jerome Rossi, senior EVP and group president of TJX Companies, Stefany Shaheen, Joslin trustee and daughter of US Senator Jeanne Shaheen; Audax honcho Geoff Rehnert; CEO of The Partnership Inc., Carol Fulp; PR guru George Regan; and gala chairs Emily and Gerard Branka, among others.
Correction: Due to a reporting error, an earlier version of this story misstated when the High Hopes Gala took place. The event took place on Saturday.
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