High Hopes Gala

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin, we are proud to recognize 100 individuals, organizations and foundations who have made tremendous contributions in diabetes research and care over the last century. We are grateful for their innovation, imagination and advocacy that has allowed for new discoveries in the journey to find a cure.

This distinctive black-tie event raises funds for Joslin's High Hopes Fund, which directly supports Joslin's most important efforts to identify breakthrough advancements in diabetes research and clinical care. The High Hopes Fund provides immediate support of our most critical needs- whether that's funding a promising new research project, educating a patient on new technology or supporting patient care that seamlessly address all areas of a complex disease.

We hope you will join us in celebration of Joslin’s mission so we don’t have to wait another 100 years for a cure.

2021 Gala Information

2021 High Hopes Gala Honorary Chair

Ann Lagasse

2021 High Hopes Gala Co-Chairs

Ryan Enright

Megan Kristiansen

Nancy Selldorff

Gala Committee Members

Corinne and Brian Acampora

Laurie Bejoian, Esq.

Geno Chiavelli

Susan Kahn

James Peterson

High Hopes Gala sponsorship is available at many levels for both corporations and individuals. As a sponsor, you will receive benefits for both the in-person and virtual event. For more information, please click here to view our gala sponsorship opportunities. To discuss your sponsorship opportunities, please contact Brenda Goodell at 617-823-7768 or brenda.goodell [at] joslin.harvard.edu.

Thank you to our 2021 sponsors for their generous support!

Gold Sponsor

Lilly Diabetes

Joslin's High Hopes Gala event will feature incredible live and silent auctions with many wonderful items and packages up for bid. Categories for the silent auction include: Created for You, Fashion & Beauty, Sports, Explore & Experience and Dining Out.

This year, we will be using an electronic bidding system that will allow you to bid from your own mobile phone for the live and silent auctions whether you are with us at The Westin Copley or joining us from home! You will receive information in the weeks leading up to the event on how you can register and bid on these items. You won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to win some fantastic items!

If you would like to donate to our auction, please contact Brianna Higgins at brianna.higgins [at] joslin.harvard.edu or 617-309-2416.

Purchase an advertisement to support and congratulate Joslin Diabetes Center or one of our honorees. Advertisements range from $300 to $3,000. If you would like to purchase an advertisement, contact us at rsvp [at] joslin.harvard.edu or call 617-309-2412. The deadline to place an advertisement is October 1, 2021.

If you can't attend this year's Gala event but would like to make a gift to support our mission to prevent, treat and cure diabetes, please click here. All proceeds will go to our High Hopes Fund. Your gift is entirely tax-deductible. Please note that making a gift to the Gala does not come with a ticket to attend the virtual event.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, we are proud to say that our 2020 virtual High Hopes Gala raised more than $1.1 million for Joslin Diabetes Center. The funds raised have been instrumental in helping Joslin provide world-class care to our patients during this unprecedented time. It has also allowed our researchers to continue in their pursuit of the next great breakthrough in diabetes. The evening was a wonderful celebration of hope for patients and families.

Joslin Diabetes Center awarded the Global Achievement Award to C. Ronald Kahn, MD for his outstanding leadership and commitment to the diabetes community. Dr. Kahn has been globally recognized for his work in diabetes over many years and it was our honor to recognize him for his outstanding contributions over the years to our patients and their families.

Mille Acampora, a patient in the pediatrics department, served as the “Spotlight on Hope” honoree in 2020 and Noa Asher was introduced as our 2020-2021 Merritt Levitan Youth Ambassador.

Why are you holding a hybrid event?

The safety of our patients, employees and donors is of utmost importance to us. Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, we will only allow a limited number of people to join us in person at The Westin Copley. Whether you are in person or at home, you will experience all of the elements that make the High Hopes Gala fun and inspiring year after year!

 

How do I sponsor the event?

There are a wide variety of sponsorship levels available for individuals and corporations. Please view our sponsorship packet for a listing of sponsorship levels and benefits. We welcome your sponsorship and appreciate your leadership gift.

 

How do I purchase tickets?

Tickets to the High Hopes Gala will be for the virtual experience only. You can purchase a ticket here for $1,000 per “Zoom” screen. This means that you are not buying a ticket per person but rather per screens you would like to have on Zoom.

 

You can purchase a tickets in one of the following ways:

  • By filling out your information online here
  • By mailing a check to Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Suite 745, Boston, MA 02215
  • By calling 617-309-2412

 

How do I attend the Gala virtually?

You can attend the Gala virtually by purchasing a ticket or sponsoring the event. In the weeks leading up to the event, you will receive information from us with instructions on how to log in to the virtual event. If you sponsor the event, staff will reach out to you in advance to get information related to delivering gourmet meals to your home or the homes of your guests.

 

How do I attend the Gala in-person?

We are very excited to be gathering again in person at The Westin Copley for this year’s High Hopes Gala. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, only a limited number of guests will receive access to our in-person event to allow for proper social distancing. If you choose to sponsor the event at a Silver Sponsorship or higher, or have been selected as one of our 100 honorees, you will receive seats to the in person event. Unfortunately, tickets are not available for purchase to the in person event at The Westin Copley.

 

I plan on sponsoring the event. How do you provide gourmet meals for my virtual guests?

Thank you for sponsoring our High Hopes Gala. As a sponsor, we are offering you the opportunity to receive gourmet meals for you and your guests if you reside within 50 miles of Boston. Any guests outside of this 50 mile radius, will receive an event box with snacks and event information. Details on the gourmet meals and event boxes will be sent to sponsors in the weeks leading up to the Gala.

 

Can I pay for my sponsorship with my Donor Advised Fund (DAF)?

Yes, you may pay for your sponsorship with your DAF. However, the IRS requires that you write an additional personal check for any “goods or services” you receive. Please call the Development Office at 617-309-2412 with any questions.

 

Who do I contact with questions about the Gala?

Please contact us at 617-309-2412 or rsvp [at] joslin.harvard.edu with any questions you might have about the event.