Page 12 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • May 29, 2013 Saddle River The Estevez family of Saddle River was recently honored as the 2013 Family of the Year by the Northern New Jersey and Rockland County Chapter of JDRF. Their continued support of the organization was recognized at the chapter’s Eleventh Annual Dream Gala at the Marriott Teaneck at Glenpointe in Teaneck. The “Betting on a Cure” themed event was chapter’s biggest fundraising event of the year as they strive to raise $700,000 to further type 1 diabetes research that will lead to a cure. “The Estevez family has offered continuous support to our chapter for many years now,” said Doug Rouse, executive director JDRF recognizes Estevez family for fundraising efforts of the chapter. “We’re very excited to honor a family that has been so active in raising funds and promoting awareness for finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. The family owns several Foodtown stores in the tri-state area that support JDRF by selling sneakers in support of our mission.” The Northern NJ & Rockland County Chapter holds the annual gala to raise funds and awareness for type 1 diabetes while recognizing community members who help further the organization’s mission of finding a cure. “We feel privileged and honored to be recognized as the Family of the Year by the Jonas, Priscilla, Francia and John Estevez Northern NJ and Rockland County Chapter of JDRF,” said Francia Estevez. “We’re so happy to do our part to fundraise for JDRF as the money raised is the best shot for finding a cure that will help my son and many other children and adults who have type 1 (diabetes).” Attendees dined and danced the night away with casino themed songs and activities, including special and live auctions. JDRF is the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Driven by passionate, grassroots volunteers connected to children, adolescents, and adults with this disease, JDRF is now the largest charitable supporter of T1D research. The goal of JDRF research is to improve the lives of every person affected by T1D by accelerating progress on the most promising opportunities for curing, better treating, and preventing T1D. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners who share this goal. Since its founding in 1970, JDRF has awarded more than $1.6 billion to diabetes research. More than 80 percent of JDRF’s expenditures directly support research and research-related education. Visit www.jdrf.org.