The Empire State Building & Four Other Notable NYC Buildings Turn Blue For The Empire Ball And A Diabetes Cure

News provided by

Diabetes Research Institute Foundation

Nov 28, 2018, 15:46 ET

NEW YORK, Nov. 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- On Wednesday, December 12, the New York City Skyline will have five buildings light up for one night to support one cause! In this historic event, the iconic, world-renowned Empire State Building; One Bryant Park and the building at 151 West 42^nd Street; The Pyramid at 65 East 55^th; and The Bloomberg Tower at 731 Lexington Avenue will illuminate in sparkling blue to commemorate the 35^th annual Empire Ball, New York City's most anticipated event of the year for the real estate and construction industries that raises needed funds for the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) and its mission to find a biological cure for diabetes.

On Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018, the Empire State Building and four other notable New York City buildings will #LightTheSkyforDRI in celebration of the Empire Ball, NYC's most anticipated event of the year for the real estate and construction industries, which raises needed funds for the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) and its mission to find a biological cure for diabetes.

Blue is the international color of diabetes. When these five buildings turn blue to #LightTheSkyforDRI, it will shine a spotlight on the DRI's singular mission to find a cure for this devastating disease that has become one of the biggest health concerns in the U.S. today. Supporters are encouraged to take photos and videos as one of the most recognizable symbols of New York, the Empire State Building, along with several other skyscrapers that make up the New York City skyline, go blue on Dec. 12 and share using #LightTheSkyforDRI when they post to social media outlets.

Since its inception, the annual Empire Ball (DiabetesResearch.org/The-Empire-Ball) has raised more than $38 million for diabetes research and helped to bring awareness to the important work of the DRI.

As the largest and most comprehensive research center dedicated to curing diabetes, the DRI is aggressively working to develop a biological cure by restoring natural insulin production and normalizing blood sugar levels without imposing other risks.

This year's Empire Ball on Dec. 12 at the Grand Hyatt will honor three industry leaders: Glen J. Weiss of Vornado Realty Trust with the Leadership Award; Joel M. Brenner, AIA of WarnerMedia with the Camillo Ricordi Humanitarian Award; and Robert Cuzzi of VDA (Van Deusen & Associates) with the Peter L. DiCapua Distinguished Service Award.

A team of Vice Chairs and Board of Governors, spearheaded by Stephen Rizzo of The Rizzo Group, James Halpin of Platinum Inc and Avi Itzikowitz of ATCO Properties & Management, Inc., are shaping this year's Empire Ball to be the must-attend, networking event of the year.

"We are thrilled to have the greatest city, light up in blue to honor the Empire Ball and diabetes research. The real estate industry and this year's honorees are carrying the blue torch of support that is finding a cure. A cure is in sight, and this skyline represents real hope to the millions of people impacted by diabetes." Stephen Rizzo, Chairman of the Empire Ball

To purchase tickets for the Empire Ball, which begins at 6 pm with a cocktail reception and networking followed by dinner and a night of dancing, please visit DiabetesResearch.org/The-Empire-Ball or call 212-888-2217. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Follow us on social media using #EmpireBall on Instagram @theempireball, Facebook www.facebook.com/driempireball or Tweet @Diabetes_DRI.

About the Diabetes Research Institute and Foundation
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 at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine leads the world in cure-focused research. As the largest and most comprehensive research center dedicated to curing diabetes, the DRI is aggressively working to develop a biological cure by restoring natural insulin production and normalizing blood sugar levels without imposing other risks. Researchers have already shown that transplanted islet cells allow patients to live without the need for insulin therapy. Some study participants have maintained insulin independence for more than 10 years. The DRI is now building upon these promising outcomes by developing a DRI BioHub, a bioengineered "mini organ" that mimics the native pancreas. While various BioHub platforms are being tested in preclinical and clinical studies, the DRI is also developing strategies to eliminate the need for anti-rejection drugs and reset the immune system to block autoimmunity. For more information, please visit DiabetesResearch.org, or call 212-888-2217.

SOURCE Diabetes Research Institute Foundation