Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball: “A Night in Black & White” Raises Close to $3.8 Million
+24 Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball: “A Night in Black & White” Raises Close to $3.8 Million
Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball: “A Night in Black & White” Raises Close to $3.8 Million
Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball: “A Night in Black & White” Raises Close to $3.8 Million
Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball: “A Night in Black & White” Raises Close to $3.8 Million
Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball: “A Night in Black & White” Raises Close to $3.8 Million
Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball: “A Night in Black & White” Raises Close to $3.8 Million
Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball: “A Night in Black & White” Raises Close to $3.8 Million
Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball: “A Night in Black & White” Raises Close to $3.8 Million
Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball: “A Night in Black & White” Raises Close to $3.8 Million
Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball: “A Night in Black & White” Raises Close to $3.8 Million
Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball: “A Night in Black & White” Raises Close to $3.8 Million
Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball: “A Night in Black & White” Raises Close to $3.8 Million
Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball: “A Night in Black & White” Raises Close to $3.8 Million
Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball: “A Night in Black & White” Raises Close to $3.8 Million
Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball: “A Night in Black & White” Raises Close to $3.8 Million
Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball: “A Night in Black & White” Raises Close to $3.8 Million
Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball: “A Night in Black & White” Raises Close to $3.8 Million
Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball: “A Night in Black & White” Raises Close to $3.8 Million
Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball: “A Night in Black & White” Raises Close to $3.8 Million
Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball: “A Night in Black & White” Raises Close to $3.8 Million
Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball: “A Night in Black & White” Raises Close to $3.8 Million
Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball: “A Night in Black & White” Raises Close to $3.8 Million
Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball: “A Night in Black & White” Raises Close to $3.8 Million
Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball: “A Night in Black & White” Raises Close to $3.8 Million
Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball: “A Night in Black & White” Raises Close to $3.8 Million
Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball: “A Night in Black & White” Raises Close to $3.8 Million
Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball: “A Night in Black & White” Raises Close to $3.8 Million
Nearly 900 supporters joined Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) to secure close to $3.8 million in the pursuit of improved treatments and a cure for type 1 diabetes at the Annual Promise Ball, held at the Hilton Americas.
The “A Night in Black & White” theme evoked a world of striking monochrome elegance, where dramatic contrasts, couture fashion, and a sense of refined intrigue set the stage for an unforgettable evening in support of a meaningful cause.
Guests were welcomed to an elegant cocktail reception accompanied by the Blue Monks Jazz Trio, setting the tone for a visually stunning ballroom. Décor featured soaring feather plumes in illuminated vases, curated vignettes of white florals, and a gold photo backdrop framed with a palm leaf motif—echoed at the base of the stage. The stage itself paid homage to the iconic, red-carpeted steps of the New York Plaza Hotel, while a grand chandelier, festooned with balloons, floated above a striking black-and-white geometric dance floor—all thoughtfully designed by The Events Co.
More than 75 VIP guests enjoyed exclusive access to a private Mahjong for a Cure Salon prior to the Ball, hosted by Lady Mahj (Becky Livingstone), an experience that blended cultivated leisure with lively social connection. Set within a chic, black-and-white environment, guests gathered around beautifully appointed tables to enjoy the timeless game, where the rhythmic cadence of tiles and thoughtful strategy created an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication. The experience was complemented by a refined Martini Bar and a custom fragrance experience by Perfume Bar Experience, where guests crafted their own signature scents—adding a personalized and memorable touch to the evening’s early festivities.
Emcee and former host of Houston Texans TV Drew Dougherty welcomed guests to their tables and recognized the evening’s generous sponsors before dinner was served. The menu began with a peppery arugula salad topped with delicate shavings of Parmesan, followed by a pan-seared petite filet mignon paired with bold blackened redfish, garlic pesto risotto, steamed green beans, and heirloom baby carrots. Dessert proved a highlight, as guests delighted in creating their own custom ice cream sundaes with an array of toppings, including chocolate syrup, raspberry purée, candies, and sprinkles.
In a thoughtful and educational touch, the printed program included estimated carbohydrate counts for each menu item, reflecting the daily reality for those living with type 1 diabetes, who must carefully track every carbohydrate consumed to maintain optimal blood sugar control.
Dougherty then invited Houston Board President Jordan Amis and Breakthrough T1D Southern Texas Chapter Territory Executive Rick Byrd to the stage to welcome guests and introduce Promise Ball Chairs Alexandra and Rich Bruskoff. The Chairs shared their family’s personal connection to the mission before welcoming the evening’s honorees, Amy and Tim Haskell and Judy and Bob Morgan, who each spoke on behalf of their families.
The evening also recognized Linda Brown as the recipient of the Meredith and Fielding Cocke Visionary Award, presented on stage by her son, Robert Brown.
Guests were treated to a series of special surprises, including video messages from Michael Strahan of Good Morning America and renowned designer and television personality Nate Berkus. A breathtaking performance by more than 30 ballerinas from Oriental Arts Education Center, each adorned in white with sweeping feathered accents, captivated the audience both on stage and across the dance floor.
As in years past, bidding was spirited during both the silent and “almost live” auctions, where guests vied for an array of coveted items and experiences, including luxury travel, designer handbags, fine jewelry, local arts experiences, and family packages, all curated by Auction Chair Lindsay Brochstein.
The live auction, led by Shawn Hamilton of Stokes Auction House, featured extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Highlights included a 2027 Wimbledon package with the opportunity to play tennis alongside legends Andre Agassi and John McEnroe, tickets to the Women’s Final, a luxury trip for four to the 2027 Masters at Berckmans Place, Augusta National Golf Club, an ultimate Super Bowl LXI experience in Los Angeles, and exclusive getaways to Aspen and WaterColor, among others.
The Fund A Cure portion of the evening, an especially meaningful moment inviting guests to raise their paddles in support of life-changing research, featured the 2026 Fund A Cure family, Elizabeth and James Elder. Their powerful story inspired a record-breaking $2.2 million in contributions, directly advancing critical research efforts.
Additional fundraising opportunities included a sweepstakes offering the chance to win a pair of women’s 14-karat white gold diamond and moissanite earrings valued at $9,500, along with an elegant 18-karat white gold diamond pendant necklace valued at $3,400, generously donated by longtime supporter Nacol & Company.
More than 60 children aged 7 to 18 living with Type 1 Diabetes that participate in the Breakthrough T1D Youth Ambassador Program in Houston provided assistance as volunteers to help make the Promise Ball truly unforgettable.
The Late-Night Lounge, sponsored by Liskow, brought the evening to a vibrant close. DJ Pamela Tick of New York kept the dance floor packed with high energy dance hits from Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson and more.
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.
