(BAYVILLE, N.Y). – More than 180 people packed Bayville’s Crescent Beach Club on Wednesday, April 22 for the 20th annual “Cooking for a Cure” fundraiser – an event which raised tens of thousands of dollars in support of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation.
The night’s honoree was Glen Cove’s Jaime Greenberg, who for more than a quarter of a century has been a tireless community advocate, leader in the field of adoption law, proud father of two children, and a dedicated public servant in numerous roles. This year, he further elevated his commitment to a cause that hits especially close to home – the fight to end Type 1 Diabetes.
After noticing his son, Sean, a hockey player, was losing weight and drinking water excessively, tests revealed the cause, and Sean was rushed to Cohen’s Children’s Hospital for immediate care and information about how to manage his diabetes. Now 21, Sean is thriving and plans to continue with his hockey pursuits thanks to a Dexcom continuous glucose monitor pump, excellent nutritional habits, and his own diligence. Subsequently, Jaime was diagnosed with diabetes as well, adding a new dimension to his own advocacy.
“We all have a special connection to diabetes, and for me, my connection was Sean. In my mind, tonight, the real honoree in my mind is my son. Sean has inspired me to do so much better with my diabetes,” Jaime said. “Sean took every challenge head-on, and he showed me that you can overcome diabetes. He never complained. He never gave in.”
Throughout its run, Cooking for a Cure has raised more than $1.5 million for the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, which supports the Institute’s cutting-edge work as a world leader in cure- and prevention-focused diabetes research. Research at the DRI is uncovering ways to naturally regenerate the human pancreas, leading to expanded treatment therapies and accelerating the path to cure and prevention.
“I started my journey 12 years ago when my daughter, Ella, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. It was Delia and Roberta Waller who really brought me into the fold,” event co-chair Rebecca Castranova said. “They helped me realize that I could get through this and that I needed to be my daughter’s strength. I am so grateful to both of you for all you have given to me.”
Far beyond the funds raised, Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, who helped to launch Cooking for a Cure 20 years ago, said the event sends a powerful message to every family facing diabetes – your community has your back.
“My Amanda gave me a special gift the other day without realizing it. She told me that, growing up, she never felt diabetes was limiting her in any way,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “That was the best present she could ever give me because that was probably what I worried most about when she was young. I really attribute part of her positivity to these dinners.”
The ongoing pursuit of a cure got another major boost when it was announced that the event’s major sponsors, Roberta and Bruce Waller, will become official co-hosts of the event starting with the 21st annual installment. For the last three years, the Wallers have underwritten all the costs associated with staging the event - meaning that 100 percent of the night’s proceeds will support the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation. Proceeds were further bolstered by attendees’ taking their chances at winning dozens of raffle prizes at the event.
Last year’s honoree, Bruce Kennedy, led the gathering in paying tribute to Tony Jimenez, a beloved Glen Cove community leader who passed away on April 19.
“He was a man of few words, but a man that would always be there if you asked him,” Kennedy said. “He was always giving and never expected anything in return. I know there is a hole in me and Delia, and I thank him for all that he did not only for me – I know he was there for a lot of people.”
PHOTO CREDIT – Photos by Peter M. Budraitis