On Saturday, November 8th, 2003 the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) honoured Mr. & Mrs. Edsel B. Ford II of Ford Motor Company as the JDRF Honouree of the Year. This special evening, featuring entertainment by the Guido Basso Orchestra and a special performance by Beverly Mahood, raised over $900 thousand to support the research to find a cure for diabetes and its complications.

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's goal is to raise funds and allocate those funds to support the best research projects in the world, all focused to eradicate the complications of diabetes and finding its causes and its cure.

This year, aNd Logistix Inc. assisted JDRF in reaching its fundraising goal through the management of new components - a new look for the event, a Live Auction, Silent Auction, Super Silent auction and Fund-A-Cure. Through the effective management of volunteer dinner and auction committees and event volunteers, both JDRF and aNd Logistix were successful in implementing new concepts and components into the event.

A sophisticated and elegant environment was created through a vintage theme, with warm palates and soft, flowing fabrics. Tables were draped with burgundy linens, accented with burgundy organza overlays. Burgundy napkins with gold details were accented with a single flower, while stunning tall glass vases were filled with white flowers and greenery, accented with lighting. All décor details merged together, creating the elegance and warmth of the evening. Constitution Hall at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre was transformed for an evening through the use of white organza fabric covering vast expanses of walls, all accented with greenery and vintage street lamps, and lit with votive candles. As guests arrived at Constitution Hall, they were greeted with elegant signage and banners and ushered to the reception where they could enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres while they strolled amongst the many auction areas. The graceful sounds of the Emperor Quintet were enjoyed during the reception, completing the welcoming and warm feel of the evening.

The highlight of the evening quickly became the auction components - with so many items to choose from, all beautifully displayed and showcased - guests had many opportunities to contribute to the evening's cause. From artwork to jewellery to cars to fabulous trips, the auctions certainly created a buzz amongst the crowd. The fundraising portion of the evening ended with a fast paced Fund-A-Cure, where donations at pre-set dollar levels allowed guests the chance to win a one-year lease on a Volvo SUV. This portion of the evening generated public awareness and contributed towards the overall fundraising goal.

The JDRF Honouree of Year Dinner had many high profile representatives from the business community acting as Dinner Co-Chairs. aNd Logistix Inc. was responsible for working with corporations such as Ford Motor Company of Canada, Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover Canada, Volvo Cars of Canada Ltd, and Young & Rubicam Canada to manage their roles as gold sponsor companies. Further media and public awareness was created through the attendance of Canadian actor Victor Garber who lives with juvenile (type 1) diabetes. aNd Logistix Inc. worked closely with its production team to include Victor Garber's recent public service announcement shot with Jennifer Garner on the set of the hit series of ALIAS.

JDRF and its guests will remember this extraordinary event for days to come. With such a successful outcome in fundraising initiatives, it is hard to forget the generosity and dedication of sponsors, donors, dedicated staff and volunteers.

For more information contact:
Beatriz Leonardo, CMP
Director of Client Services - aNd Logistix Inc.
1-800-465-9670