Eli Speaks at the American Diabetes Association Fundraiser

Last night June 3, 2010 Eli was asked to speak at the first annual Inland Empire Father of the Year Awards benefiting the American Diabetes Association. It was in Riverside, about 30 minutes from where we live. The night was to honor prominent men in our community who are exemplar fathers. Each father was then given the opportunity to fund raise for the ADA by selling tickets to the gala. Eli and Jeremy were asked to tell their story of how diabetes has affected their lives. Eli memorized a two minute speech that we wrote together about his diabetes and about Camp Wana Kura a diabetes camp he attends each year put on by the ADA. There were more than 200 people at the dinner last night and I am so proud of my 8 year old boy who would get up and speak in front of that many people. He was really nervous but he did an amazing job. We had so many people come up to us afterward and congratulate him on doing so great. I have to also add my congratulations to Jeremy who was on the organizing committee for this event, he put in alot of hours helping put this night together. It was a wonderful night and before the last minute donations were counted up last night they had already raised over $65,000 for the ADA. Eli and Jeremy were asked to speak at the same event but in San Diego on June 13th. This is a much bigger venue as they have been doing this event in San Diego for several years so they are expecting to have 600+ people there and to raise over $250,000. I am so proud of these two and their commitment to help in the cause of stopping diabetes and finding a cure. I video taped Eli's speech but the quality was really terrible so I am just putting a few picture on from the night. The first is of him standing next to a 2011 Jaguar. One of the men being honored last night owns a Jaguar dealership so he had one out on display. I had to keep wiping Jeremy and Eli's drool off the car:).


Someone did get a good video and she said she will put it on utube so when she does I'll post the link so everyone can see how great he did.