More than $2.5 Million Raised at Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball: “Mariposa: Spread Your Wings”
More than 650 supporters joined Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) to secure over $2.5 million in the pursuit of improved treatments and a cure for Type 1 diabetes at the Annual Promise Ball held at the Hilton Americas on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
This year’s “Mariposa: Spread Your Wings” themed event reflected a journey of transformation and brought springtime to life as the ballroom morphed into a colorful garden of florals, birds, blooming branch trees, and butterflies bursting with the vibrant colors of the season in décor from Bergner & Johnson.
Emcee and Host of Houston Texans TV Drew Dougherty led the evening.
Houston Board President, Travis Lauritsen and Executive Director of Breakthrough T1D Southern Texas Chapter, Rick Byrd then recognized longtime supporter Leon Ullrich, who passed away in February 2025 at 93. A video highlighting the recent “breakthroughs” and accomplishments of the organization was shared.
Chairs Kellie and Randy Johnson and their children shared their family’s experience and what the organization meant to them. The Chairs then welcomed the evening’s Honorees Erin and Chris Dyer and Erin’s parents, Ronda and Dan Feeney.
The evening also celebrated Patricia Wright with the Meredith and Fielding Cocke Visionary Award, which was presented to her on stage by her daughters, Lindsay Wright Brett and Molly Wright.
The live auction, led by Auctioneer Johnny Holloway, included incredible experiences ranging from the Ultimate Houston Sports Package with tickets and VIP perks and memorabilia for the Houston Texans, Astros, Rockets, and Dynamo and the chance to travel to Colorado in a luxurious condo with the opportunity to see James Taylor at Red Rocks Amphitheater. It also included the Ultimate Bourbon Collection and premium travel experiences to South Africa (which sold twice!), Florida, Cabo and Beaver Creek.
The Fund A Cure portion of the evening, where guests raise their paddles to help fund the cure for T1D, presented the 2025 Fund A Cure Family, Victoria and Chris Wright. Their story resulted in an amazing grand total of $1.7 million, which went straight to research funding.
Additional fundraising activities included an exquisite (sold out) wine pull and sweepstakes for a chance to win a ladies 14 karat white gold, sapphire and diamond ring, which included a 3.82 carat sapphire surrounded by 156 round brilliant diamonds with a value of $9,500, generously donated by Nacol and Company.
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.
Featured photo: Daniel Ortiz