Breakthrough T1D Illinois Gala 2024

Background: As part of its long-standing pro bono partnership with Breakthrough T1D Illinois — formerly JDRF Illinois, the foremost Midwest chapter of the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) advocacy organization — Zeno Chicago was tapped to lead strategic communications and event support for the chapter’s most high-profile annual fundraiser: the Breakthrough T1D Illinois Gala. Held each December at McCormick Place, the event brings together donors, corporate partners and community leaders to raise critical funds for T1D research, featuring a silent and live auction, seated dinner and live musical performance.

Execution: In 2024, Zeno’s core responsibilities included managing the event’s “blue carpet” media logistics, securing high-value auction donations and spearheading pre-event media outreach. This year’s gala also marked a turning point for the organization: its national rebrand from JDRF (for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) to Breakthrough T1D — a pivotal shift aimed at modernizing the brand’s identity, retiring the outdated “juvenile diabetes” label and more accurately reflecting the lifelong nature of the disease. Zeno wove the rebrand into its storytelling efforts, helping the Illinois chapter contextualize the change and frame the gala as a timely moment for renewed purpose and fundraising momentum.

Impact: The 2024 gala raised more than $18.5 million in a single evening — making it the highest-grossing fundraising event in Breakthrough T1D’s national history, and the Illinois chapter’s eighth consecutive record-breaking year. Zeno’s media strategy amplified the organization’s recent brand evolution — driving community awareness, clarifying the organization’s mission and deepening emotional connection with supporters. Coverage on WLS-TV (ABC Chicago, IL) and WGN-TV (CW Chicago) spotlighted the rebrand, the chapter’s leadership and its local impact across Chicagoland.

In addition to media results, Zeno delivered its largest-ever silent auction contribution — 56 client-donated baskets valued at nearly $10,000 — with support from partners including Topo Chico, The Honest Company, Hyatt and Carhartt. Zeno’s role in the evening was not only visible, but also deeply felt — bringing purpose to life in service of a mission spanning policy, science and human connection.