When Michael Benaroya was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of five, his parents, Sherry and Larry Benaroya, quickly realized that the fastest way to find a cure for their son and the millions of others with T1D was to help raise funds for research. They called a small group of friends and together, in 1989, co-founded the JDRF Seattle Guild. A year later the group hosted their first gala, a black-tie dinner and auction. This signature event has grown to become the largest and most successful gala in JDRF. In addition to this signature event the Guild inaugurated the Invitational Golf Tournament. Through these, and other events, the Guild has raised over $53 million for T1D research.