Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball

Ronda and Dan Feeney by CJ Martinez copy — Ronda and Dan Feeney

Courtesy Breakthrough T1D | PHotos C.J. Martinez and Daniel Ortiz

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 in April.

Victoria and Chris Wright by Daniel Ortiz copy — Victoria and Chris Wright

Devin Erin and Chris Dyer by Daniel Ortiz copy — Devin, Erin, and Chris Dyer

Drew and Vita Dougherty by Daniel Ortiz copy — Drew and Vita Dougherty

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.

Jeff and Brooke Gunst Wellesley and Geoff Fraser by Daniel Ortiz copy — Jeff and Brooke Gunst, Wellesley and Geoff Fraser

Aerin and Quentin Smith by Daniel Ortiz copy — Aerin and Quentin Smith

Emcee and Host of Houston Texans TV Drew Dougherty welcomed guests to their tables and thanked the evening’s sponsors before dinner was served. The print program provided estimated carbohydrate counts for each menu item because individuals who live with type 1 diabetes must count every carb consumed to ensure the best possible control of their blood sugars.

Scott and Poppy Kinsel by CJ Martinez copy — Scott and Poppy Kinsel

Robert and Mary Elizabeth Hand by CJ Martinez copy — Robert and Mary Elizabeth Hand

Rob and Truett Williams by CJ Martinez copy — Rob and Truett Williams

Dougherty invited Houston Board President Travis Lauritsen and Executive Director of Breakthrough T1D Southern Texas Chapter Rick Byrd on stage to honor longtime supporter Leon Ullrich, who passed away in February 2025 at 93, before they shared a video highlighting the recent “breakthroughs” and accomplishments of the organization. Chairs Kellie and Randy Johnson and their children joined them on stage to share 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.

Lindsay Brett Patricia Wright Molly Wright by CJ Martinez copy — Lindsay Brett, Patricia Wright, Molly Wright

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.

Throughout the evening, guests were provided with free Reliant phone chargers to keep up on their competitive bidding in the silent auction and “almost live” auction on the big board, which was curated by Auction Co-Chairs Jance and William Hagans.

Rosalyn and Barry Margolis by Daniel Ortiz copy — Rosalyn and Barry Margolis

The live auction line up was led by Auctioneer Johnny Holloway from Johnny Bravo Entertainment and included incredible experiences, such as the Ultimate Houston Sports Package with tickets and VIP perks and memorabilia for the Houston Texans, Astros, Rockets, and Dynamo, travel to Colorado in a luxurious condo with the opportunity to see James Taylor at Red Rocks Amphitheater, and more

The Fund A Cure portion of the evening, the part of the program that invites guests to raise their paddles to help fund the cure for type 1 diabetes, presented the 2025 Fund A Cure Family Victoria and Chris Wright and their story that resulted in an amazing grand total of $1.7 million, which went straight to research funding.

The evening wrapped up with a three-hour live stage performance by the high energy cover band Undercover Band that had the dance floor packed.

Attendees flocked to the casino tables to try their luck playing poker, roulette, blackjack, and dice games during the Casino After Party hosted by Liskow, all for a chance to win coveted prizes.

To learn more visit about Breakthrough T1D visit breakthrought1d.org.