Breakthrough T1D: A Night in Black & White 2026 Promise Ball Kick Off
+17 Breakthrough T1D: A Night in Black & White 2026 Promise Ball Kick Off
Breakthrough T1D: A Night in Black & White 2026 Promise Ball Kick Off
Breakthrough T1D: A Night in Black & White 2026 Promise Ball Kick Off
Breakthrough T1D: A Night in Black & White 2026 Promise Ball Kick Off
Breakthrough T1D: A Night in Black & White 2026 Promise Ball Kick Off
Breakthrough T1D: A Night in Black & White 2026 Promise Ball Kick Off
Breakthrough T1D: A Night in Black & White 2026 Promise Ball Kick Off
Breakthrough T1D: A Night in Black & White 2026 Promise Ball Kick Off
Breakthrough T1D: A Night in Black & White 2026 Promise Ball Kick Off
Breakthrough T1D: A Night in Black & White 2026 Promise Ball Kick Off
Breakthrough T1D: A Night in Black & White 2026 Promise Ball Kick Off
Breakthrough T1D: A Night in Black & White 2026 Promise Ball Kick Off
Breakthrough T1D: A Night in Black & White 2026 Promise Ball Kick Off
Breakthrough T1D: A Night in Black & White 2026 Promise Ball Kick Off
Breakthrough T1D: A Night in Black & White 2026 Promise Ball Kick Off
Breakthrough T1D: A Night in Black & White 2026 Promise Ball Kick Off
Breakthrough T1D: A Night in Black & White 2026 Promise Ball Kick Off
Breakthrough T1D: A Night in Black & White 2026 Promise Ball Kick Off
Breakthrough T1D: A Night in Black & White 2026 Promise Ball Kick Off
Breakthrough T1D: A Night in Black & White 2026 Promise Ball Kick Off
Close to 100 supporters gathered for an intimate and elegant evening at Park House on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, joining 2026 Promise Ball Chairs Alexandra and Richard Bruskoff to officially launch “Breakthrough T1D: A Night in Black & White” 2026 Promise Ball benefiting Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF).
Guests arrived to a dazzling display of florals generously contributed by Lucia Joklova of Park Flowers and were welcomed with playful custom napkins featuring true-or-false facts about Breakthrough T1D and type 1 diabetes. The signature cocktail of the evening, The Cure—a spirited spicy margarita crafted with Lalo Tequila—set the tone for a night of sophistication with purpose.
Breakthrough T1D Southern Texas Territory Director Rick Byrd and Board President Jordan Amis greeted supporters and ushered in an evening of culinary delights, including passed hors d’oeuvres of mini truffle grilled cheeses, delicate crab cakes, spicy tuna atop crispy rice, grilled lamb chops, mini beef tacos, and whimsical cones of French fries.
As a heartfelt token of appreciation, guests departed with bespoke leather gifts—card cases, headset pouches, Dopp kits, makeup bags, jewelry boxes, keychains, and coin purses—each personalized with their initials or name of choice by calligraphers from The Beaux Arts. The keepsakes, generously underwritten by the Bruskoffs, accompanied remarks from Byrd, Amis, and the Chairs as they shared inspiring updates and a preview of the upcoming gala.
Breakthrough T1D will mark the 27th anniversary of one of Houston’s most successful philanthropic evenings—the Promise Ball—on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Hilton Americas–Houston.
This year’s celebration will honor The Judy & Bob Morgan family and The Amy & Tim Haskell family, while also recognizing Linda Brown with the prestigious Meredith and Fielding Cocke Visionary Award. In addition, Elizabeth & James Elder will be highlighted as the evening’s Fund A Cure family.
Drew Dougherty, former host of Houston Texans TV, will return as Emcee, guiding guests through an inspiring program that showcases groundbreaking advancements in type 1 diabetes research and treatment. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully curated silent auction led by Auction Chair Lindsey Brochstein and an engaging live auction conducted by Auctioneer Shawn Hamilton of Stokes Auction House. Additional fundraising moments will include a dazzling jewelry sweepstakes and the meaningful opportunity to support T1D research during the Fund A Cure segment.
The night will introduce a VIP Mahjong for a Cure gaming opportunity before and after the event and will conclude with entertainment, dancing, and a lively Casino Games After Party—sponsored and hosted by Liskow—inviting guests to celebrate, connect, and further champion the mission of Breakthrough T1D.
Tickets for the annual event start at $750 per person for an individual ticket, and numerous table sponsorships are available from $7,500-$100,000.
Board members, sponsors, and supporters joining in the kickoff celebration included: Sue Sue and Don Aron; Auction Chair Lindsay Brochstein; Linda and Bob Brown; Nadine and Stephen Boutros; Rochelle Bullock; Elizabeth and James Elder; Rori and Jason Feldman; Wellesley Fraser; Alicia and Garrett Gordy; Marnie Greenwood; Gala Honorees Amy and Tim Haskell; Sarah and Saba Jawda; Libbie and Jesse Libby; Rosalyn and Barry Margolis; Charlotte Morgan; Andrea and Michael Soper; Shelby Stegent; Patricia Wright; Elizabeth Young; Caroline and Eugene Zhadanov; and Joni Baird.
Photo Credit: Daniel Ortiz
For more information on the JDRF 2026 Promise Ball including benefits and opportunities, sponsorship, and general donations, visit Breakthrough T1D Houston Promise Ball 2026 – Greater Houston Chapter.
About Breakthrough T1D, Southern Texas Chapter
As the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D helps make everyday life with type 1 diabetes better while driving toward cures. We do this by investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with government to address issues that impact the T1D community, and helping educate and empower individuals facing this condition.
About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
T1D is an autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all. This leads to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short and long-term complications, which can include highs and lows in blood sugar; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart; and even death. Globally, it impacts nearly 9 million people. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, but diagnosis in adulthood is common and accounts for nearly 50% of all T1D diagnoses. The onset of T1D has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. There is currently no cure for T1D.
