I just wanted to share a little about the American Diabetes Assn. Gala event that took place at Swonder Ice Arena in Evansville, Indiana on Saturday, May 2nd. Tom & I went, courtesy of Wabash General Hospital. We had a wonderful evening. Brad Byrd was the emcee and it was a James Bond theme and people could get their picture taken next to the James Bond car, etc. That part really didn't interest us; but, the food was fantastic, catered by the Firefly Southern Grill and the entertainment was by the Duke Boys, who played "oldies" which are right up my alley. They had lots of wonderful donations for the silent auction and a book full of other goodies that were auctioned off audibly, such as cruises and other trips worth over $3,000, etc. One guy won a bid for $1,000 then donated it back to be auctioned off again. I haven't heard yet how much money was raised, but I'm sure they reached their goal.

I am so honored to be part of the leadership council of the ADA in Evans- ville and I am so impressed at all the people who help toward this worthy cause. You know, lots of them do not even have diabetes but they care enough to work toward the goal to research and realize a cure for this disease. I also appreciate Wabash General Hospital and the University of Illinois Extension who help our own Wabash Wellness Diabetes Education & Support Assn. to do what we do here in our community. Even our own local newspaper, the DRR, helps us by letting us write our columns. If it wasn't for them and our membership, we couldn't accomplish much of anything. Also, to those who donated to the ADA silent auction, we can't thank you enough. Your generous contribution helped us reach our goal for this year. You will be getting a "thank-you" from them soon.~Patti