Adam Singer, pictured far right, presents the fundraising total for the 2024 Breakthrough T1D Real Estate Games
The Breakthrough T1D Real Estate Games is an annual event sponsored by the Washington, D.C.-area commercial real estate community to benefit type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Founded in 1990 by Adam Singer, Vice Chairman of longtime Breakthrough T1D partner Savills, Inc., the Games have evolved into one of the real estate industry’s top events of the year.
A dynamic volunteer partner
Adam Singer was diagnosed with T1D in 1978 at the age of 18 and became involved with Breakthrough T1D’s chapter in Philadelphia shortly thereafter. While a student at The University of Pennsylvania, Adam started T1D support groups in more than 30 cities. He was a member of Breakthrough T1D’s International Board of Directors (IBOD) from 1982 to 1985, the youngest in Breakthrough T1D’s history. Adam is a long-time advocate, gala honoree, and former board chair for Breakthrough T1D’s Mid-Atlantic Chapter. He currently serves as a Director Emeritus of the IBOD.
Cultivating relationships to advance our mission
One of Adam’s most significant contributions to our mission is founding the Breakthrough T1D Real Estate Games. This annual day of Olympic-style competitions features real estate company teams competing against each other in “friendly” tournaments of 3-on-3 basketball, volleyball, tug-of-war, and more. Adam’s legacy continues to grow as Breakthrough T1D expanded the Games to New York City, Chicago, and, in 2025, Atlanta.
Over the past 30 years, the Games have raised more than $15 million for T1D research. This novel event showcases Adam’s ability to develop relationships, connect people to Breakthrough T1D’s mission, and drive fundraising.
Leadership in innovation
In 2023, Adam received the Breakthrough T1D John Brady Award for Innovation, which recognizes an outstanding volunteer who has exhibited leadership in driving innovation and pioneering projects with the potential to meaningfully impact the T1D community.
“Adam is a true type 1 diabetes champion,” said Aaron J. Kowalski, Ph.D., Breakthrough T1D CEO. “His innovative thinking and engagement of the commercial real estate community have created a longstanding tradition that has not only raised significant funds for life-changing research, but also demonstrated the power of volunteer leaders in moving us toward cures.”
Learn more about the 2025 Breakthrough T1D Real Estate Games:
