Starry Night Event Raises $114,000 to Fight Diabetes

The recent — to raise money for Lakewood Hospital’s Diabetes Assistance Initiative — brought in more than $114,000.

More than 500 people showed up for the sixth-annual fundraiser at the corner of Belle and Detroit avenues Aug. 5.

benefit the Diabetes Assistance Initiative – a program of the Lakewood Hospital Diabetes and Endocrine Center. 

With attendees shelling out $125 a ticket, organizers had hoped to surpass last year's total raised.

However, the final tally does not account for costs associated with the event.Last year, the net proceeds were approximately $49,000. 

Gina Gavlak, diabetes program development coordinator, called the event a success — noting the all the proceeds benefit the initiative.

She said she expects the net proceeds to be similar to last year's total.

"That money goes a long way to help people their basic survival needs," she said. "The need is so great." 

In its sixth year, the event is annual success.

And who could forget the food?

The kitchen staffs of the Cleveland Clinic hospitals competed in a judged contest for the best food.

“Starry Night is definitely known for the food,” said Gavlak. “It’s been fun to watch as the event has changed, as far as the culinary stations. The fact that we’ve added the competition, and the judges, it has become a lot of fun for people.”

For the first time, the Lakewood/Fairview hospitals team took home the top honors, with dishes that included chilled wild berry melon sup with a Midori mint froth; spice-rubbed grilled bison and smoked cheddar panini with balsamic caramelized onions and fingerling potato salad.

Sound appetizing, but you missed this year’s event?

Those unable to attend the event but would still like to contribute to the cause, are encouraged to call the Lakewood Hospital Foundation at 216-529-7009.