By Russ George
The Diabetes Club of Fox Valley held their first gala dinner, “A NIGHT TO END DIABETES”, Friday, Nov. 1, at the Lincoln Inn, Route 31, in Batavia.
More than 100 members and guests were in attendance to enjoy the social hour, complete with a large selection of hors d’oeuvres, along with a full service bar.
A plated meal, consisting of a small fillet and breast of chicken was served sharply at 7:30 p.m., desert followed dinner.
During the social hour, guests and club members purchased tickets for the 40 raffle baskets, along with viewing and bidding on the 22 items in the silent auction.
Following dinner, club member, Jimmy Schmidt, master of ceremonies, kicked off our short program, welcoming everyone to our first gala dinner, being on the first day of National Diabetes Awareness Month.
Batavia mayor, Jeff Schielke, welcomed the Diabetes Club to Batavia, and spoke briefly about the impact that diabetes has on the emergency services in his community. He praised the members of DCFV, for their efforts in making communities along the Fox River Valley, aware of the dangers of diabetes and prediabetes.
DCFV vice president, Chuck Nelson, introduced Aurora’s 3rd Ward aldermen, Ted Mesiacos, who read Aurora mayor Richard C. Irvin’s proclamation, proclaiming November as National Diabetes Awareness Month and the Diabetes Club of Fox Valley, for leading the way with information, education, and empowerment, so that we all may live better lives.
Chuck Nelson introduced the following guests: Aurora aldermen, Mike Saville; Aurora Township Supervisor, Bill Catching; Aurora Township Highway commissioner, Jason Owen; judge, Rene Cruz; East Aurora School Board member, Judd Lofchie; Rush University Medical Center, inpatient diabetes educator, Bernadine Holland. Aurora aldermen at-large, Ron Woerman, purchased tickets, however, was unable to attend.
DCFV president, Russ George, presented Sharon Velkovich, from UChicago Medicine-Kovler Diabetes Center, a check for $3,000 for diabetes research. UChicago Medicine-Kovler Diabetes Center has been leading the way in research, to find a cure for diabetes.
DCFV event co-chairs, Mary Arch, Tony Arch, and Jimmy Schmidt, thanked their decoration/video committee: Kim King, Ann McBride and Sandi Schmidt, and the raffle committee: Donna Bohr, Jim Bohr and Marcie Lucas.
Everyone was entertained by the Trio Band, with Roger Legel, Sherry Schultz and Dave Enway, who performed classic hits from the 1960s and 1970s.
Thanks to all the following businesses and individuals, for all the Raffle and Silent Action items donated, to help find a cure for diabetes through research: Paul & Paula Buddy, Kim Nadr, Great Clips Aurora, Wide River Winery, Arch Printing, Youngren’s Inc., Double Yolk, Spartan House, On the Edge Salon, Dickens Family, Al Junco Photography, Fox Valley Special Recreation Association, Home Depot Orchard Road Aurora, Chuck & Karen Nelson, Pat & Ernie Jones, Ach-N-Lou’s Pizza Pub, Sandy Schmidt, Ed Carroll, Joanie Boldan, Craft Urban, Jake’s Bagels, Gyro Pit, Gil Law, Marcie Lucas, Fox Valley Meadery, Brems Family, Jimmy Schmidt, Otis Clay, Lowe’s St. Charles, Gray’s Mill, Lisa & Scott Roscoe, Pure Health, Layla Groleau, Chicago Wolves, Russ & Marilyn George, Arlene & Dick Hawks, Jim & Donna Bohr, and Mary & Tony Arch.
The Diabetes Club of Fox Valley, thanks the event sponsors: JB Architecture, Rush/Copley, Fidler Family, alderman Bill Donnell, Rene and Silvia Cruz, North Aurora Firefighter’s Association, Ed Carroll in memory of wife Pat, Fox Valley Park District, Michael & Judith Theriault, alderwoman Juany Garza, Barb Edwards, and Connie Weber.
The Diabetes Club of Fox Valley thanks everyone who attended our first gala dinner, “A Night To End Diabetes.” Your support helped to make our event a success, allowing our club to continue our fight against diabetes, by providing aid, awareness, education and research, to find a cure! Looking forward to seeing you next year!
The Diabetes Club of Fox Valley will hold its November membership meeting Wednesday, Nov. 13, at Oak Street Restaurant, 945 Oak Street, in North Aurora.
Meeting will be held in the east banquet room. Dinner is optional on members’ own from the menu at 5:30 p.m. and meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.. Guests are always welcome!
Our Club’s November “Meet and Greet”, organized by media chairperson, Ann McBride, to expose our Club and our mission, will be held Thursday, Nov. 14, at Two Brothers Roundhouse Cafe, 205 N. Broadway, in downtown Aurora, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m..
Members will be handing out information on diabetes and prediabetes. Why not stop by, have a coffee, and meet some of our members!
The Diabetes Club of Fox Valley was formed with a mission to fight diabetes! Fighting diabetes starts with making everyone in the Fox Valley area aware of diabetes and prediabetes, and how uncontrolled blood sugar (glucose) can cause vision problems, heart problems, nerve damage, dental problems, kidney damage, and loss of limbs.
Diet and exercise are two of the most powerful tools we all have to help control our blood glucose. Eat healthy, stay active, and have a yearly blood test, to stay diabetes-free!
Want more information on prediabetes, diabetes and healthy meal planning? Send an E-mail, with your name and mailing address to: Diabetesclubfv@gmail.com requesting information on diabetes.
Why not consider joining our fight against diabetes? You don’t need to be diabetic, to be a member of our club! Invite a family member, friend or business associate to attend one of our meetings or events with you! Guests are always welcome at membership meetings and club events! Yearly individual membership dues are $50 per year. Corporate dues are $150 per year, which includes a sponsorship listing on our website: www.diabeteshelpnearme.com.
The Diabetes Club of Fox Valley is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization. Tax deductible donations can be made on our website: diabeteshelpnearme.com or mail your tax deductible donation to: Diabetes Club of Fox Valley, P.O. Box 88, North Aurora, Illinois 60542.
Have questions about the Diabetes Club of Fox Valley, please call, text or send an E-mail with your name and address to president Russ George, 630-205-9065 or send Email: Diabetesclubfv@gmail.com.
Please continue to keep informed about our club’s upcoming events, by following us in The Voice, on Facebook, and on our website: diabeteshelpnearme.com.