About
Join us for a first year event! Locust Hill Country Club has been a historic centerpiece of the Rochester community for almost 100 years. Breakthrough T1D and Locust Hill have each held their share of successful events and are now coming together to bring you an unforgettable evening to raise an unbelievable amount for Type 1 Diabetes advancement!
Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) is the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, we help make everyday life better while driving toward cures.
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease. This means that it doesn’t go away. Anyone can be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at any age, though it usually is diagnosed in childhood or adolescence.
In T1D, the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Insulin is an essential hormone that helps the body turn food into energy. People living with type 1 diabetes must take insulin by injection or insulin pump to survive.
We are opening doors once closed by T1D diagnosis. We lead the way to more effective solutions by connecting the brightest minds to advance treatments, influence policy, and improve access to care. By driving innovation forward, Breakthrough T1D will make type 1 diabetes a condition of the past.
Event Leadership
Laurie Turner Schreiner
Gala Chair
Read MoreLaurie Turner Schreiner
Gala Chair
“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile” – Einstein
In 1996 when her daughter Ashley was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, at the age of 20 months, Laurie began her mission to see her daughter cured. She formed Ashley’s All-Stars two months after Ashley was diagnosed with T1D, and to date the Schreiner family and the All-Stars have raised over three million dollars for the charity. Laurie was the first JDRF Chapter Board President in Rochester, and served a 9 year term, after being named JDRF Board Chancellor.
Laurie recounts the doctor stating Ashley’s survival was a miracle. She turned that into purpose, intent and mission. “I have, and will continue to dedicate my time, my energy, and mostly my heart toward working to seeing a cure for diabetes. To Breakthrough T1D I have made this commitment.”
Deanna Diescher
Auction Chair
Read MoreDeanna Diescher
Auction Chair
My involvement with Breakthrough T1D began in 1998. I learned that co-worker’s nephew was recently diagnosed so we started a Unisys Corporate Walk team that year. To help raise funds and increase awareness further, I began selling cookies every Thursday and raffling gift baskets as well as supporting every effort and event hosted by Breakthrough T1D. Breakthrough T1D became my passion and their mission became mine.
Since 2002, I have actively worked as a Hope for A Cure Gala committee member, and was nominated to the Board of Directors where I served as Secretary for many years. I have assembled a great group of Breakthrough T1D Fundraisers and took fundraising to various other Rochester events some of which include: Ten Ugly Men, Ugly Disco, RocCity Brewfest, and the Rochester International Airshow. I am deeply grateful for their support and realize there are still many kind and generous people in the world.
Being involved in Breakthrough T1D has made a significant difference in my life. I have met some incredible children who have forever touched my heart and continue to motivate me. The Schreiner’s have become family to us. In being close to Laurie, Mark, and Ashley I have experienced T1D firsthand; the good, the bad and the downright frightening. One thing I am certain, this disease affects not only the diagnosed but their family and friends as well. I promised to work towards a cure until one is found and I am holding true to my word.
The Austin Family
Fund A Cure Family
Carrie Hessney
Auctioneer
Read MoreCarrie Hessney
Auctioneer
Carrie Hessney is a dynamic and accomplished professional auctioneer, specializing in fundraising events for non-profits across the Finger Lakes Region of New York and beyond. With a passion for helping organizations exceed their fundraising goals, Carrie has built a reputation as a trusted and energetic auctioneer.
In 2023, she was honored with the title of NYS Auctioneer of the Year and won the 2024 International Auctioneer Reserve Champion. Carrie’s commitment to excellence in her field is reflected in her graduation from the Certified Auctioneers Institute at Indiana University, where she earned the profession’s highest designation, solidifying her position among the industry’s top experts.
Carrie is dedicated to using her auctioneering skills to drive meaningful change within her community, believing strongly in the power of auctions to inspire generosity and impact. Her infectious energy, passion, and expertise ensure every event is a success, making her a go-to choice for fundraising endeavors across the country.
Event Details
Cocktail Attire ~ Black Tie Optional
6:00 p.m. Registration, Cocktail Hour, Silent Auction
Parking & Directions
Locust Hill is located at 2000 Jefferson Rd, Pittsford, NY 14534
Free Self Parking. There is a spacious parking lot directly in front of the country club. Take note that there are separate drives to enter and exit the parking lot.
As you enter you will find our registration tables and a complimentary coat check available to your left. Volunteers will there greeting guest and to direct and answer any questions.
Registration
This is a ticketless event, so please make sure that Breakthrough T1D has all of your guests’ names and contact information on file. If we do not already have your guests’ information, they can provide it at guest check-in. If there’s been a change in who’s attending with you, please let us know as soon as possible!
**Providing names, mailing address, email addresses, and cell phone numbers will help expedite your guests’ check-in experience. Additionally, pre-entering the credit card you’d like on file for any donations and auction wins will make check in time even more brief. This helps with auction check out preparation, post event thank you letters, and more. Thank you in advance for your assistance!
Silent Auction
We have an exciting Silent Auction curated for you! It will be featured in our cocktail hour lounge. Important Note: Do not register yourself as a Remote Bidder! You will be assigned a bidder number & receive your own Online Bidding link. As an attendee at the Gala, you will receive a text and/or email with your unique Online Bidding link. If we did not receive your phone number or email prior to the event, you will receive it once you check-in on Saturday.
Live Auction
Fund A Cure
An opportunity for you to fund innovative research and accelerate progress towards improving lives and finding cures. Funding opportunities during the evening’s program range from $25,000 to $250. When you hear the level at which you wish to make your gift to support T1D research, please raise your bid card until your bid number is called. All Fund A Cure gifts are 100% tax deductible.
Sponsors
Presenting Partner
Silver Sponsor
Rising Corporate Sponsor