Contact: Natasha Norris

Diabetes Research Institute Foundation

nnorris@drif.org  954-964-4040

STARS COME OUT TO SUPPORT DIABETES RESEARCH INSTITUTE

FOR DRI WELLINGTON GOLF CLASSIC AT THE WANDERERS CLUB

Committee gears up for signature gala, An International Affair, to be held March 5.

Presented by Ashley and Joe Maguire, the DRI Wellington Golf Classic was held on December 13 at The Wanderers Club.  Despite the chill in the air, the day was enjoyed, especially by those who won the opportunity to play alongside celebrities including LPGA golf pros Michelle McGann and Anna Grzebien, professional polo players Brandon Phillips, Mike Azzaro and Kris Kampsen, and former MLB first basemen Andrés Galarraga and Brad Wilkerson.  The 18-hole tournament and awards reception raised more than $20,000 for the group’s signature event, An International Affair, which will take place March 5.  Proceeds benefit the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), a Center of Excellence at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Located in the heart of North America ’s premier Equestrian Community, The Wanderers Club is an exclusive, invite-only destination.  Besides playing on a top-notch course, participants of this event were also entered into a drawing to play alongside one of the seven surprise celebrities in attendance.  Everyone present was also privy to a clinic led by Michelle McGann, a Palm Beach County native who has nine professional wins on the LPGA tour and in international competition.  Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 13, she was introduced to the DRI early on and now serves as its Patient Ambassador.

After playing the course, golfers warmed up in Dukes Bar with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while perusing a fantastic silent auction.  A money board offering exciting prizes stirred up the crowd before Presenting Sponsor Joe Maguire, Gala Chairman Bob Cavanagh, and Tournament Chairman Scott Armand thanked nearly 100 people present for their attendance and support.

“We have such a great group here willing to do what it takes to help the DRI find a cure.  I’d like to extend sincere appreciation to our committee, generous sponsors, celebrity participants and everyone else who contributed,” Armand said.  “I hope to see each of you again in March at An International Affair!”

Chaired by Karen and Bob Cavanagh and presented by Marie and Michael Bianchini, An International Affair will be held at Wycliffe Golf & Country Club in Lake Worth on Saturday, March 5.  Guests will be jet-setting around the world without ever leaving Florida as they enjoy décor, delicacies, and entertainment from countries far and near.  The event will feature a tapas dinner, dancing, silent and live auctions and lots of surprises!  Tickets cost $225 per person, and sponsorships are available.  Register online at www.DiabetesResearch.org/IA2011 or call 800-321-3437.

Winners of the DRI Wellington Golf Classic were Scott Armand, Michael Armand, Terri Wescott, and Glenn Wescott.  Ed Labario and Ginny Orthwein, who won the Closest to the Pin contest, took home gift certificates to The Wanderers Club Pro Shop, as did Rusty Lamm and Hanneke Vandenboomen, who won the Longest Drive contest.  On the course players enjoyed fresh fruit from The Produce Connection and libations from Pabst Blue Ribbon.  Tee Sign Sponsors included: Baker Concrete Construction, Chief Deputy Mike Gauger, and Vincent Pezzino of Cornerstone Contracting Group.   

The mission of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation is to provide the Diabetes Research Institute with the funding necessary to cure diabetes now. The Diabetes Research Institute, a center of excellence at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, is a recognized world leader in cure-focused research. Since its inception in the early 1970s, the DRI has made significant contributions to the field of diabetes research, pioneering many of the techniques used in islet transplantation. The DRI is now building upon these achievements by bridging cell-based therapies with emerging technologies to restore insulin production. For the millions of families already affected by diabetes, the Diabetes Research Institute is the best hope for a cure.  Visit DiabetesResearch.org or call 800-321-3437 for more information.