The Celebration

One of Houston’s most anticipated and highest netting fundraisers, the Promise Ball, was held at the Hilton Americas-Houston on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Hosted by Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, the event was chaired by Kellie and Randy Johnson. Drew Dougherty, host of Houston Texans TV, served as the emcee. Erin and Chris Dyer, along with Erin’s parents, Ronda and Dan Feeney, were the evening’s honorees. The recipient of the Meredith and Fielding Cocke Visionary Award was Patricia Wright, and Victoria and Chris Wright were highlighted as the Fund A Cure Family during the Fund A Cure portion of the evening.

 

The Story

Over 650 guests came together to collectively support the organization’s goal of changing the lives of those affected by T1D for the better. Reflecting the idea of positive transformation, the venue’s ballroom was brought to life by Bergner & Johnson Design with phenomenal florals, cascading bird installations, and trees assembled from blooming branches. The main focal point was a swirl of brilliant faux butterflies, as if recently released from their cocoons, suspended from overlapping rings in the center of the ballroom.

 

Guests sat down to a sumptuous meal of caprese salad, pan-roasted petite filet mignon, seared halibut with steamed asparagus, and Dauphinoise potatoes followed by a choice of caramel chocolate crunch cake or black currant cheesecake for dessert. To help guests with type 1 diabetes control their blood sugar levels, the print program provided estimated carbohydrate counts for each menu item.

 

Fund-raising opportunities throughout the evening included: a silent auction and an almost-live auction on the big board curated by auction cochairs Jance and William Hagans; a live auction with auctioneer Johnny Holloway from Johnny Bravo Entertainment featuring such sought-after experiences as the Ultimate Houston Sports Package with tickets and VIP perks and memorabilia for the Houston Texans, Astros, Rockets, and Dynamo; a trip to Colorado to stay in a luxurious condo and to see James Taylor at Red Rocks Amphitheater; and premium travel experiences to South Africa (which sold twice!), Florida, Cabo, and Beaver Creek; Fund A Cure, which invited guests to raise their paddles to help fund the cure for type 1 diabetes, and which raised a miraculous sum of $1.7million; a wine pull; and a sweepstakes for a chance to win a lady’s 14-karat white gold, sapphire, and diamond ring valued at $9,500 donated by Nacol & Co.

 

To close out the philanthropic evening, guests boogied to the sounds of Undercover Band, which performed numerous high energy hits. They also flocked to the casino tables to try their luck at poker, roulette, blackjack, and dice games for a chance to win highly coveted prizes during the Casino After Party hosted by Liskow and captured memories at the on-site photobooth. Afterparty bites from Frenchy's included chicken, dirty rice, and rolls alongside a Sweet Treats Table with a variety of candy.

 

 

The Moments

Dougherty welcomed guests and thanked the evening’s sponsors for their support. After dinner, he invited Houston Board President, Travis Lauritsen, and Executive Director of Breakthrough T1D Southern Texas Chapter, Rick Byrd, to come to the stage to honor longtime supporter Leon Ullrich, who passed away in February, 2025 at  the age of 93. The tribute was followed by a video highlighting the recent breakthroughs and accomplishments of the organization. The evening’s chairs and their children joined everyone on stage to share their family’s experience and the organization’s importance to them. The chairs then welcomed the evening’s honorees. Lindsay Wright Brett and Molly Wright presented their mother with the Meredith and Fielding Cocke Visionary Award.

 

The successful evening raised over $2.5 million for improved treatments of, and a cure for, type 1 diabetes

 

Breakthrough T1D Board Members in attendance included: Travis Lauritsen, William Hagans, Tray Mounce, Martin Montoya, Wellesley Fraser, Charlotte Morgan, Lindsay Wright Brett, Richard Bruskoff, Scott Kinsel, Dee Dee Stephens-Broussard, Lucie Villa White, Jordan Amis, Layla Misgina, Linda Brown, Rochelle Bullock, Jennifer Costa, Michael Desormeaux, Michael Golemi, Tim Haskell, Kellie Johnson, Peggy Kruckemeyer, Marshall Lang, Chuck Matthews, Tray Mounce, Graydon Oliver, Will Shappley, and Michael Turner.

 

Guests: Fred Hagans, Rosalyn and Barry Margolis, Robert Biffle, Nelly and Blanton White, Patricia and Larry Wright, and Sue Sue and Don Aron.

 

Sponsors that made the evening possible include: Presenting Sponsor, Hagans; Vision Sponsors, Ronda and Dan Feeney, Williams, Patricia and Larry Wright; and Dream Sponsors, Amegy, Anna and Michael Desormeaux, Kellie and Randy Johnson, Liskow, Stellar Bank, and Vantage Bank.

 

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. Breakthrough T1D does 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 percent 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.