JDRF is proud to announce our 2023 Charlotte Hope Gala Honoree, Jennifer Bennett

Jennifer’s journey with JDRF began when her oldest child Rain was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) 18 years ago, at the age of three.  Since then, her family has raised or contributed an incredible $500,000 for JDRF, which Jennifer describes as their “best investment.”

Now a young adult, Rain manages T1D with a closed loop artificial pancreas – technology that, led by JDRF with over 20 years of research and $135 million in funding, has been shown to create better health outcomes for those living with T1D.  Meanwhile, Jennifer has continued to serve in increasing leadership capacities for JDRF, including past President of the Charlotte Community Board of the North Carolina Chapter, member of the North Carolina Executive Council, former member of the JDRF International Board of Directors, and current Chair of JDRF’s Global Mission Board.  

Jennifer’s employer of 28 years, Bank of America, has partnered every step of the way of Rain’s T1D journey, matching over $36,000 in donations to JDRF by Jennifer since her family first got involved.  Bank of America is the presenting sponsor of this year’s JDRF Charlotte Hope Gala. Fellow Bank of America teammates and JDRF Charlotte Community Board members Craig Froelich and Ruth Turner are serving as event leadership, with Bank of America Charlotte President Kieth Cockrell as Gala Corporate Chair.

On being celebrated by JDRF, with the leadership support of her longtime employer and teammates, Jennifer said, “I am honored that Bank of America is providing the presenting sponsorship for the Gala and that JDRF has selected me to receive the Living and Giving Award.  I invite you all to join my family in an investment in JDRF’s lifechanging mission by coming to the Gala and making a Fund a Cure donation.”