Diabetes Research Institute Foundation's Carnival for a Cure Offers Family Fun and a Special Guest

NEW YORK, March 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Hundreds of families have come to expect a whirlwind of surprises at the always-entertaining Carnival for a Cure, benefiting the Diabetes Research Institute.  At this year's 6th annual affair, to be held on Sunday, March 13, 2011 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Metropolitan Pavilion located at 125 W. 18th St., guests will enjoy a special appearance by Nick Jonas, who will talk about life with diabetes during the program.  It was at the 2007 event that Jonas first announced to the world that he has type 1 diabetes.

"I'm looking forward to attending and sharing my story about how diabetes hasn't slowed me down," he wrote in a recent blog post.  Jonas serves as a spokesperson for Bayer Healthcare Diabetes Care, a sponsor of the event.

Dubbed New York's largest indoor carnival, the afternoon event will feature all the customary carnival festivities, like face painting, henna tattoos, mouthwatering goodies and games for all ages, plus a micro-racing track, bungee run, mini obstacle course and basketball hoops – whew!  And faster than texting "OMG," the kids will be darting through the latest game craze, Gaga, while parents hop on over to the silent auction for got-to-have-it stuff, like signed posters, guitars and CDs from Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Nick Jonas and Justin Bieber (sigh)!

"In 2007, we were fortunate to have the Jonas Brothers perform at Carnival for a Cure. Nick silenced the crowd when he divulged for the first time that he has type 1 diabetes. From that moment forward, he sensitized millions of teens and parents to the disease and the need to find a cure," said Carolyn Goldfarb who is co-chairing the event along with her husband Marc, Holly and David Sherr, Sabrina and Scott Chosed and Denise and Tom Stern.

"We are so excited to have him back at this event that benefits the Diabetes Research Institute, the only organization solely dedicated to finding a cure for diabetes," added Mrs. Sherr.

Generous sponsors include, but are not limited to, Natalie and Harry Olstein, Bayer Healthcare Diabetes Care, Lori and Eric Aroesty, Cheryl and David Bunzel, Carolyn and Marc Goldfarb, Danielle and Troy Gregory, Leslie and Ricardo Salmon, Holly and David Sherr, Denise and Tom Stern, and Brett and Dan Sundheim.

A family package to attend Carnival for a Cure is $500 and includes two adults and two children.  Children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.  Sponsorship packages, which include tickets, are available for purchase online only at DiabetesResearch.org/Carnival2011.  For more information, email [email protected].

About the Diabetes Research Institute and Foundation

The mission of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation is to provide the Diabetes Research Institute with the funding necessary to cure diabetes now. The Diabetes Research Institute, a center of excellence at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, is a recognized world leader in cure-focused research. Since its inception in the early 1970s, the DRI has made significant contributions to the field of diabetes research, pioneering many of the techniques used in islet transplantation. The DRI is now building upon these achievements by bridging cell-based therapies with emerging technologies to restore insulin production. For the millions of families already affected by diabetes, the Diabetes Research Institute is the best hope for a cure.  For more information, call 1-800-321-3437 or visit DiabetesResearch.org.

SOURCE Diabetes Research Institute Foundation