350 Attendees Celebrate at Rosewood Miramar
Sansum Diabetes Research Institute (SDRI), a global leader in diabetes research, education and care, celebrated “75 Years of Progress” with the organization’s first ever gala.
The March 16th celebration at Montecito’s Rosewood Miramar Beach resort commemorated the founding of the non-profit organization, Sansum Diabetes Research Institute, in Santa Barbara in the spring of 1944 by world-renowned medical pioneer Dr. William Sansum. Two decades earlier, Dr. Sansum made history becoming the first person to successfully manufacture insulin in the United States and administer it to diabetes patients.
350 people marked the significant milestone with a seaside cocktail reception on the Miramar’s Great Lawn followed by dinner in the resort’s Chandelier Ballroom, a live auction led by auctioneer Geoff Green, Santa Barbara City College Foundation CEO, SDRI patient testimonials, a short film produced by SDRI board trustee Elena Engel, and dancing to live music by the 10-piece, Los Angeles band Gold Standard.
SDRI is thrilled to announce that the Institute’s 75th Anniversary Gala raised over $400,000 for Sansum Diabetes Research Institute to continue its important mission.
Thank you to the generosity of several dozen sponsors and hundreds of attendees who purchased seats at the gala, raffle tickets and bid during the auction, which featured a tour of Jay Leno’s Big Dog Garage, a private wine dinner for 10 by Wine Cask at Grassini Family Vineyards’ tasting room, Los Angeles Lakers center courtside seats and a weeklong luxury African Safari with Journeys by Design.
“Sansum Diabetes Research Institute’s 75th Anniversary Gala turned out to be a celebration worthy of the occasion,” said SDRI board trustee and gala emcee, Matt Rowe. “The Miramar was a stunning venue. Tickets were sold out weeks before the event. And the generosity shown by our guests on the night was truly amazing and exceeded our wildest expectations.”
“What a joyful experience to work with so many dedicated and passionate individuals and supporters who want to make a difference in millions of people’s lives locally and worldwide,” said SDRI board trustee and gala chair, Joan Arnold. “It was such an amazing evening with so much energy in the room and so many people in our community supporting the milestone for Dr. Sansum and SDRI.”