Breakthrough T1D Fort Worth Gala Raises $925,000 at “A Night of Hope”
The Fort Worth community came together on Saturday, April 18, at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel for the 2026 Breakthrough T1D Gala, “A Night of Hope,” raising $925,000 to accelerate life-changing research for type 1 diabetes (T1D).
Chaired by Dabney and Kelly Poorter, the event welcomed more than 400 supporters, community leaders, and families impacted by T1D for a powerful program that blended personal storytelling with philanthropy. “My brother was diagnosed at the age of 6, and I began experiencing the same symptoms at the age of 26 while caring for my 7-month-old,” said Dabney Poorter. “This experience deepened my appreciation for Breakthrough T1D and its life-changing work in early detection, prevention, and treatment.”
CBS Texas anchor Karen Borta served as emcee, sharing her family’s personal connection to T1D, while auctioneer Wes Poole energized the room throughout the evening’s live auction.
Throughout the evening, Breakthrough T1D’s Youth Ambassadors – children living with type 1 diabetes and their siblings – greeted guests as they helped drive donations. Their enthusiasm not only supported the night’s fundraising success, but it also served as a reminder of the lives directly impacted by every dollar raised.
The program featured heartfelt remarks from Fort Worth board president David Muckleroy and Breakthrough T1D leaders Amy Camp, territory executive director, and Kristen Pool, Fort Worth chapter director, who highlighted the momentum in research and the tangible progress being made toward improved treatments and cures. “We must continue to fund the research until we can turn type 1 into type none,” concluded Amy Camp.
A highlight of the evening came from the Honoree Family – Gloria Moncrief, Erich Holmsten, and Monty Holmsten – who shared their personal journey with T1D. With no prior family history, Monty was diagnosed at age 11 after experiencing extreme thirst. Her diabetic alert dog, Holly, stole the show as she stood proudly beside Monty on stage while Monty shared a heartfelt letter she had prepared as an application to a new school —a powerful reminder of the daily realities of living with type 1 diabetes and the importance of continued support.
Guests also heard from the Fund A Cure Family, the Shuman family – Brooke and Kris Shuman along with their son Tyler – whose story underscored the impact of early screening and advancements like teplizumab, which can delay the onset of T1D. Kris was diagnosed at age 24, and when the family decided to test their children, they discovered their 12-year-old, Tyler, had antibodies linked to T1D. Their experience illustrated how donor support is directly changing lives and creating new possibilities for families.
Lexie Peterson, community relations & corporate giving coordinator at American Airlines, also known in the diabetes community as “The Divabetic” – a prominent T1D advocate, content creator, and influencer – kicked off the live auction experience, with American Airlines contributing miles to enhance packages and drive fundraising momentum. She encouraged the crowd to “let good take flight!”
The evening featured an exciting silent auction, chaired by Adelaide and Charlie Royer, and a high-energy live auction, chaired by Kate and Sonny Dykes, which offered one-of-a-kind experiences ranging from luxury travel and exclusive entertainment packages to private dining experiences. The live auction was followed by a Fund A Cure paddle raise, where 100 percent of donations go directly to research.
A highlight of the auction featured a one-of-a-kind canvas created by Breakthrough T1D Youth Ambassadors. In a powerful moment, 30 Youth Ambassadors gathered at the front of the stage alongside the artwork – created using their individual fingerprints to form a beta cell, the insulin-producing cell destroyed in type 1 diabetes.
“This is why we are here tonight,” said auctioneer Wes Poole. “This is more than art. It represents the lives we are fighting for and the future we are working to change.”
Throughout the night, sponsors were recognized for their vital role in making the event possible, reinforcing the strong community commitment behind Breakthrough T1D’s mission.
The gala concluded with a celebration on the dance floor to the music of Manhattan, but the impact of the evening will extend far beyond, helping to fund critical research, advance breakthroughs, and bring hope to the millions of people living with type 1 diabetes.
Key sponsors included The Moncrief Family, Bonnie & Alan Petsche, GM Financial, TTI, Inc., Raider Express, Stacy Yates, Vista Bank, Sendera Title, Restore + Revive, Klein Tools, AquaRock, Lise & Tom Bessant, Higginbotham, Danielle & Josh McNamara, Type 1 Telehealth, and D&M Leasing.
About Breakthrough T1D:
Founded in 1970 as the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDF) and renamed the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in 2001, the organization rebranded in 2024 as Breakthrough T1D to reflect a bold commitment to improving the lives of both children and adults living with type 1 diabetes. As the leading global organization driving T1D research, advocacy and community engagement, Breakthrough T1D accelerates progress toward cures and better treatments while making everyday life easier for everyone affected. The North Texas and Oklahoma Territory comprises the Dallas, Fort Worth and Oklahoma Chapters that host major fundraising events across the region, including the annual luncheon in Dallas, galas in Dallas, Fort Worth, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City as well as local walks in The Colony, Durant, Tulsa, Fort Worth, and Oklahoma City. Visit https://www.breakthrought1d.org/dallasfortworth/ and email dallasfortworth@breakthrought1d.org or call 214-373-9808.
Photo Caption:Kelly Poorter, Dabney Poorter (gala chairs), David Muckleroy (Fort Worth
Breakthrough T1D board chair), Amy Camp (Breakthrough T1D territorial executive director)
