The Empire State Building To Go Blue For Empire Ball And Diabetes Cure

Blue is the international color of diabetes. When the Empire State Building turns 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 of one of the most recognizable symbols of New York going blue on Dec. 13 and share using #LightTheSkyForDRI when they post to social media outlets.

"Lighting of the Empire State Building is a perfect fit for the Empire Ball. The Ball honors the  incredible New York real estate industry, a group of visionaries who built the magnificent NYC skyline to what it is today, all while raising awareness about diabetes, a disease that affects some 30 million Americans," DRI President and CEO Joshua Rednik said. "A night that is always spectacular will shine brighter this year as that beautiful building turns blue. We are very excited to be celebrating this way, for the first time in the history of this outstanding fundraiser."

Since its inception, the annual Empire Ball (DiabetesResearch.org/Empire-Ball-2017) has raised more than $37 million for diabetes research and helps 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. 13 at the Grand Hyatt will honor three industry leaders: Paul H. Teti of Normandy Real Estate Partners with the Leadership Award; Robert Mullen of Structure Tone with the Camillo Ricordi Humanitarian Award; and Jeffrey A. Duarte of Alliance Building Services 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 Maintenance Services 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.

"My sincere gratitude to Empire State Realty Trust for their support of the trailblazing Diabetes Research Institute, and for raising awareness of diabetes research by lighting the Empire State Building in blue in honor of the Empire Ball," said Empire Ball Vice Chair and last year's award recipient, Paul J. Amrich, Vice Chairman of CBRE, Inc.

Empire Ball, begins at 6 pm with a cocktail reception and networking followed by dinner and a night of dancing. For tickets or sponsorship opportunities visit DiabetesResearch.org/Empire-Ball-2017 or call 212-888-2217. Follow us using #EmpireBall on 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, tweet @Diabetes_DRI or call 212-888-2217.

SOURCE Diabetes Research Institute Foundation

Related Links

http://www.diabetesresearch.org