Atlanta-based Blue River Development, LLC recently extended its support to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Hope Gala, marking its second consecutive year of sponsorship for this significant event.

“Blue River Development’s ongoing commitment to the cause echoes our determination to sponsor this Gala until a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D) is found,” said Managing Principal Michael Cooper.

The JDRF Hope Gala, now in its 28th year, is an annual event dedicated to raising funds for T1D research. This year’s gala, themed “Cures Within Reach,” took place on May 6, 2023. The event was a grand celebration of the resilience and courage of the T1D community, featuring a silent auction, an inspiring program, a cocktail party, a seated dinner, and a lively after-party.

Michael Cooper and his wife Kristin share a personal connection to the cause. Their daughter, Lily, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on November 1, 2010, at the age of two. Now 15, Lily lives with this condition that makes her pancreas incapable of producing insulin, a problem that can only be managed with existing therapies and regular insulin injections. Lily served as an ambassador at the event, contributing a personal basket for the auction reflecting her life and interests.

Over the past 13 years, therapeutic advancements for T1D, such as the Constant Glucose Monitor (CGM) and the insulin delivery pump, have greatly improved the quality of life for those with this disease. The JDRF Gala serves as a fundraising event and a platform to highlight these technological advancements, including the new artificial pancreas that can automatically administer a small amount of glucose when sugar levels are low.

A spokesperson for JDRF Georgia expressed gratitude for the successful event, stating, “On Saturday, we raised over $2 Million for T1D research! Cures ARE within reach! Thank you to our dedicated JDRF Hope Gala Staff, chairs, honorees, sponsors, guests, donors, ambassadors and volunteers for making this evening a huge success!”

Blue River Development’s ongoing involvement with JDRF extends beyond the annual gala, including volunteering and participation in various walks. Cooper affirmed their commitment to the cause: “We plan to sponsor until we find a cure for all these precious children.”

With over 20 years of experience developing and acquiring nearly $3 billion in residential, multifamily, and retail projects, Blue River Development’s achievements are driven by its ability to provide and catalog the most up-to-date market intel, execute on that data, and maintain accountability to clients and investors.