Dennis and Bonnie Ellman, Sugar Ray Leonard and Dr. Francine Kaufman Help Raise $850,000 for Diabetes Research

The Greater Los Angeles Chapter hosted its 6th Annual Gala, "Finding a Cure: A Love Story," at the Beverly Hilton on May 7, 2009. The night was a great success, raising more than $850,000 for diabetes research. Bonnie and Dennis Ellman received the Caregiver Award, the chapter’s highest honor. "My wife and I are honored by this recognition, but even more importantly, we remain hopeful and confident, on behalf of the millions of people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, that JDRF will help find the cure and bring it to people in need," said Ellman. After receiving the diagnosis that their daughter Jordan had type 1 diabetes, the Ellman’s have worked tirelessly to support JDRF and its mission. Dennis has sat on the JDRF Board of Directors for the past six years and served as president for two years; Bonnie helped start the JDRF Los Angeles Chapter’s Outreach Program, which helps newly diagnosed families with support and guidance. Jordan was the LA Chapter’s Youth Ambassador and was a delegate to the 2007 Children’s Congress in Washington, D.C. The Ellman family has been instrumental in the success of the chapter.

The 2009 Honorees also included boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard, Angel Award recipient, and Dr. Francine Kaufman, who received a Lifetime Achievement award for her work in diabetes care for the past three decades. Golden Globe winner and comedic genius Eddie Murphy presented the Angel Award to Leonard, while four-time Emmy Award-winning actress Rhea Pearlman presented to Dr. Kaufman.

Sugar Ray Leonard is one of the legendary sports icons of the 20th century. After winning a gold medal in boxing at the 1976 Olympic Games, he turned professional to help his family defer mounting medical bills incurred because of his father’s diabetes. He served as JDRF’s National Walk Leader for more than five years and has donated his time and efforts to find a cure. Most recently, he started the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation, identifying the JDRF Los Angeles Chapter is its sole beneficiary.

Francine Ratner Kaufman, M.D., has a 30-year distinguished career in the field of diabetes. In May 2009, she became the chief medical officer and vice president of Global Medical Affairs for the Diabetes Business at Medtronic Diabetes. She remains a distinguished professor of pediatrics and communications at the Keck School of Medicine and the Annenberg School of Communications of the University of Southern California. Throughout her career, Dr. Kaufman has been a strong supporter of JDRF.

Special performance by two-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins culminated the nights activities making the evening a night to remember!

Our deepest thanks and admiration to the many donors and volunteers who, with their tireless efforts, continue to lead us toward a cure.