Las Vegas, Nev. –June 16, 2008 –The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s (JDRF) Nevada Chapter hosted its 24^th annual Hope Gala…Masquerade on Saturday, May 17, 2008 at the spectacular Venetian Resort and Casino. The event raised $750,000 to fund type 1 diabetes research.

Gala Co-Chairmen, Chris Haase and Ken Henderson and their committee worked tirelessly to make the evening a record-breaking success. Guests enjoyed the musical styling of the Gala Master of Ceremonies, Clint Holmes. Special performances were also made by Drew Tretick and Terry Fator, 2007 winner of “America’s Got Talent.” This year’s Gala theme, “Masquerade,” challenged guests to “lift the veil” and see the reality of diabetes and the millions of people it affects.

Guests competed for fabulous trips, exclusive dining and entertainment packages and more during the live and silent auctions. The live auction proved exciting as always; the room burst into applause when Nancy Nelson’s $22,000 bid won her a private party with Terry Fator. Later, Gala Co-Chair, Chris Haase, and his friends joined forces to pay $28,000 for a San Diego fishing trip on a yacht. Transportation for the trip for eight is on a private King Air 350 donated by Todd Marshall. Other items included a trip to Napa, a Southern Creole backyard barbeque donated by Chef Rock Harper and Blackbook702, a 48 bottle instant wine cellar, various dining packages, fabulous jewelry and tickets to sporting events, among others.

A moving speech by Chapter Board member, Pia Exber-Morris, enlightened guests about the reality of living with type 1 diabetes since her 15 year-old daughter, Jordan, was diagnosed almost two years ago. In addition, a powerful video profiling the courageous children of the Chapter led into the Fund A Cure portion of the evening, where guests have the opportunity to give directly to specific research grants. The powerful and moving testimonies of these children raised more than $250,000 in less than 10 minutes.

About JDRF:

JDRF, the world’s leading charitable organization funding type 1 diabetes research was founded in 1970 by the parents of children with juvenile diabetes - a disease that strikes children suddenly, makes them insulin dependent for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. Since inception, JDRF has provided more than $1.16 billion to diabetes research worldwide. More than 85 percent of JDRF’s expenditures directly sup­port research and education about research. JDRF’s mission is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. For more information, please visit the JDRF web site at www.jdrf.org or call 702-732-4795.