NEW YORK, April 24, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Building on the momentum and stellar reputation of eight successful years, the 9^th annual D.R.E.a.M.S. in the City event, benefiting the cure-focused work of the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), will once again bring together some of New York City's most dedicated and generous supporters of diabetes research. The sophisticated soiree, highlighted by a delectable dinner, classic cocktails, highly-rated wines from Wine Spectator, a mission-based auction and luxury silent auction, will take place on Tuesday, May 6, at The Pierre Hotel, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

That evening, the 2014 Dare to Dream Award will be presented to Irene and Sy Cohen, along with their daughter and her husband, Diane and Robert Cohen.  The two couples are longtime supporters of the DRI and are driven by a personal mission to find a cure for Diane's son, Jake Cohen, who has type 1 diabetes.

"We know all too well that insulin is not a cure; it's simply the only treatment that we have at this time, and that's simply not good enough," said Diane, who is also a member of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation's Northeast Board of Directors.

Irene added, "After visiting the DRI in Miami, we knew that every dollar we gave would be multiplied in terms of research.  The DRI is dedicated to the cure, and the scientists collaborate with the top diabetes research centers around the world."

Also being recognized for his commitment to the cause, Dr. Jason C. Baker, assistant professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College, will be presented with the 2014 Humanitarian Award.  Dr. Baker, who also has type 1 diabetes, is involved with numerous global health diabetes projects and founded a global diabetes initiative dedicated to education, care and research of type 1 diabetes in the developing world.

Representing Diabetes Research, Elegance and Modern Sophistication, D.R.E.a.M.S in the City is led by Co-chairs Bonnie Inserra, Meryl Lieberman and Samantha Shanken Baker, as well as, Lindsey Inserra-Hughes, who heads the  Young Professionals group. Back by popular demand, New York's own Alan Kalter, the voice of The Late Show with David Letterman, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies, and The Jay Prince Band will be providing music for the evening.

Top sponsors include The Inserra Family at the 50-Carat level; and The Shanken Family Foundation, The Cohen Family and the Stacy Joy Goodman Memorial Foundation at the Platinum Level, among others.  Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Tickets to D.R.E.a.M.S. in the city are $500 per person and $250 per person for Young Professionals (under 35) and can be purchased online at DiabetesResearch.org/Dreams or by contacting the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation at 212-888-2217.  The Pierre Hotel is located at 2 East 61^st St. at Fifth Avenue.

About the Diabetes Research Institute and Foundation

The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation is the organization of choice for those who are serious, passionate and committed to curing diabetes. Its mission – to provide the Diabetes Research Institute with the funding necessary to cure diabetes now – is a testament to the belief that tomorrow is not soon enough to cure those living with diabetes.

The Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine leads the world in cure-focused research. As the largest and most comprehensive research center dedicated to curing diabetes, the DRI is aggressively working to develop a biological cure by restoring natural insulin production and normalizing blood sugar levels without imposing other risks. Researchers have already shown that diabetes can be reversed through islet transplantation, with some study patients living without the need for insulin injections for more than a decade. The Institute is now building upon these promising outcomes by developing the DRI BioHub, an integrated "mini organ" that mimics the native pancreas, containing thousands of insulin-producing cells that sense blood sugar levels and produce the precise amount of insulin needed in real time.  The Diabetes Research Institute and Foundation were created for one reason – to cure diabetes – which is and will continue to be its singular focus until that goal is reached. For the millions of children and adults affected by diabetes, the Diabetes Research Institute is the best hope for a cure. For more information, please visit DiabetesResearch.org or call 800-321-3437.

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SOURCE Diabetes Research Institute Foundation