When Michael Benaroya was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of five, his parents, Sherry and Larry Benaroya, quickly realized that the fastest way to find a cure for their son and the millions of others living with this disease was to help raise funds for research. They called a small group of friends and together, in 1989, co-founded the JDRF Seattle Guild. A year later, in 1990, Guild membership had grown and the group hosted their first gala, a black-tie dinner and auction. This signature event, now called the Dream Gala, has grown to become the largest and most successful gala in JDRF and serves as a model for other galas throughout the country. In addition to this signature event, in 2008, the Guild inaugurated the Invitational Golf Tournament, held annually on Whidbey Island. Through these and other events throughout the year, dedicated Guild members have raised over $50 million to bring us closer to a cure for diabetes and its complications. CALENDAR OF UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Board of Directors Meeting Thursday, January 12, 2012 12noon - 2:00pm Benaroya Research Institute Gala Committee Meeting Hosted by Barbara and Mike McKernan Thursday, February 9, 2012 6:00pm - 8:00pm Sandpoint Country Club Board of Directors Meeting February: No Meeting Annual Dream Gala Saturday, March 10, 2012 Sheraton Seattle Hotel Gala Wrap Meeting Date: TBA  Meeting with Celebration to Follow Location TBA Board of Directors Meeting Thursday, April 19, 2012 12noon - 2:00pm Benaroya Research Institute  Board of Directors Meeting  May: No Meeting Board of Directors Meeting Thursday, June 14, 2012 12noon - 2:00pm Benaroya Research Institute