Diabetes Foundation to Hold Annual Gala Fundraising Event May 1

HACKENSACK, NJ – March 4, 2019 – The Diabetes Foundation, New Jersey’s premier not-for-profit organization that empowers individuals living with diabetes, has announced it will hold its annual Visions of Hope gala fundraising event on May 1, 2019 at the Venetian in Garfield, NJ. Karl Nelson, former professional football player and Super Bowl champion, will serve as honorary chairperson and Patricia Stark, television host and contributor, will serve as the event chairperson and emcee. All proceeds from the evening will go to fund ongoing Diabetes Foundation programs throughout New Jersey.

Each year, Visions of Hope recognizes an exemplary corporation, a community partner, and healthcare provider dedicated to moving the needle in diabetes care in the State of New Jersey. At this year’s event, BD (Becton Dickinson and Company) will receive the Foundation’s Corporate Champion Award, in recognition of their substantial charitable donations to the Foundation’s medication program and their commitment to diabetes care and research. Holy Name Diabetes Center, located in Teaneck, NJ, and the North Hudson Community Action Corporation will be recognized as Healthcare Honorees.

“Visions of Hope gives the Diabetes Foundation an opportunity to thank all of our supporters and honor those organizations whose generosity has translated into positive health outcomes for our program participants,” said Ginine Cilenti, Executive Director of the Diabetes Foundation. “Those living with diabetes come to us for consultation and moral support at one of the most vulnerable part of their lives, so the evening also allows us to celebrate the vital services we provide to help our participants lead healthier lives.”

The Diabetes Foundation is the only regional non-profit organization providing direct tangible support to individuals living with diabetes through access to free or reduced cost diabetic medication, coordination of health and wellness services, and one-on-one coaching.

Karl Nelson, a retired New York Giants player and Super Bowl champion, will serve as the honorary chairperson. Currently, the Illinois native, resides in northern New Jersey and works in the financial industry. In addition to the Diabetes Foundation, Nelson is an outspoken advocate for many other charities.

Patricia Stark, President of Patricia Stark Communications, is a communications expert and public speaking trainer with television experience as a news anchor, health and wellness television host, and had a recurring role on the hit television program, Law & Order Criminal Intent. She has done commercials for companies such as Hoover, Olay and Ovaltine, and regularly appears on television as a guest communication expert.

The Diabetes Foundation is actively seeking to recruit host committee members and sponsors for Visions of Hope. Interested parties can contact Ginine Cilenti at gcilenti@diabetesfoundationinc.org or call (201) 444-0337. Individual ticket prices will range from $200 to $500 and will be sold on the foundation’s website, www.diabetesfoundationinc.org, or at the dedicated sale site: https://secure.donationpay.org/diabetes/visionsofhope.php.

About Diabetes Foundation

The Diabetes Foundation is a 501(c)(3) foundation started in 1990 with the goal of empowering individuals struggling with prediabetes, Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes. The Foundation is committed to providing access to critical resources and medication necessary for people living with diabetes to remain healthy. The Foundation provides a number of programs serving children, parents, adults, caregivers and their families regardless of income or healthcare coverage. The generous support from patrons and sponsors allows the Diabetes Foundation to continue to offer their services to the community for free. You can learn more about the foundation at www.diabetesfoundationinc.org or by calling (201) 444-0337.