The net proceeds from this year’s event will be principally reserved to establish the Seneca Diabetes Foundation Endowment Fund at the Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. The remainder of the funds, as described below, will continue to support our Foundation’s mission. The purpose of the endowment is to fund critical research in the prevention of diabetes, recruit a top-notch endocrinologist to Western New York to practice at Women and Children’s Hospital in Buffalo, offer mentoring and internship opportunities for Senecas interested in the medical field and provide direct patient care for Seneca Nation members on the territories. SDF will invest $1.5 million over the next three to five years to fund the endowment.
We will kick off the weekend with our black-tie gala featuring music by jazz great Bobby Militello and the Jimmy Tudini Big Band on Friday followed by a priceless performance by the legendary Patti LaBelle, national advocate and spokesperson for diabetes prevention and research. As a special thank you to our 2007 Chairman’s Ball sponsors, you and your guests will be invited to a special concert by PATTI on Saturday evening.
This past year has been tremendously rewarding for SDF. Monies raised from last year’s successful gala, our 2nd Annual Golf Classic and from individual events are enabling us to make a difference in the education, prevention, cure and treatment of diabetes.
Last year, SDF and the Independent Health Foundation joined forces to launch the Good for the Neighborhood program on the Seneca territories. In September, SDF provided funding for two specially-equipped transport vans for Seneca Nation members in need of safe, comfortable transportation to and from dialysis treatment. SDF has also funded five collegiate scholarships and two high school internships to qualified students pursing careers in areas supporting professional health care and medical services.
You can help countless individuals affected by diabetes, a disease that affects American Indians more than any other ethnic group, by supporting The 2007 Chairman’s Ball. Your gracious support will allow the Foundation to continue its mission to provide education outreach, prevention awareness and fund research to improve the lives of Senecas and others affected by diabetes.
Thank you for helping us make this a most enjoyable and successful event.
Together, we will make a difference in the fight against diabetes.
NYA-WEH
Barry E. Snyder, Sr.
Chairman
Seneca Diabetes Foundation |
