Brass Ring Luncheon & Fashion Show
The 2025 Brass Ring Luncheon & Fashion Show, an extraordinary event celebrating The Guild and benefiting the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes was held on March 6 at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel. This unforgettable experience brings together the community to celebrate and support those living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their families. The event features a stunning silent auction, a heartfelt Heroes’ Walk, a live auction with a world-class auctioneer, and a dazzling fashion show showcasing collections from top designers.
Proceeds of the Brass Ring Luncheon will benefit the Barbara Davis Center to improve the health and well-being of patients living with type 1 diabetes and their families through prevention, education, support, advocacy, and research.
Why Attend?
• Make a Difference: Every ticket and auction bid supports the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, funding research and programs providing patient support for those living with T1D.
• Celebrate T1D Heroes: Celebrate the incredible strength and resilience of those living with type 1 diabetes, who are the true heroes of this event.
• Enjoy Exclusive Silent & Live Auction Items: Gain access to luxury goods, travel experiences, and unique auction items you won't find anywhere else.
At this event, you’ll have the opportunity to:
• Bid on luxury items in the silent auction, including unique travel experiences, exclusive collectibles, and curated gift baskets.
• Honor T1D Heroes: These remarkable heroes, known as "Slover's Heroes," will grace the runway during the Heroes’ Walk, symbolizing hope and the progress we’re making toward a cure. The Slover Heroes’ journey is in honor to of Dr. Robert Slover, whose dedication to advancing diabetes care inspired us all.
• Participate in a live auction led by 2023 International Auctioneer Champion Halie Behr, offering one-of-a-kind experiences and items.
• Enjoy a gourmet lunch while connecting with fellow supporters of the T1D community.
• Be captivated by a fashion show featuring the spring collections from top designers, showcasing elegance and style.
Whether you're a T1D supporter, a fashion enthusiast, a Guild member, or someone who believes in the power of community, this event offers an exceptional opportunity to make a meaningful impact while experiencing a glamorous day of charity and fashion.
Event Agenda/Timeline
• 11 a.m. Registration and Silent Auction opens
• 11:30 a.m. Lunch
• 12:15 p.m. Heroes’ Walk featuring Slover’s Heroes
• 12:45 p.m. Live Auction led by Halie Behr
• 1:30 p.m. Fashion Show featuring renowned designers
• 2:15 p.m. Closing Remarks
2025 Recap
On behalf of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation (CDF) and The Guild of CDF, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported the Brass Ring Luncheon & Fashion Show!
This incredible event welcomed 575 attendees and raised nearly $360,000 through ticket sales, sponsorships, live and silent auctions, and more. Thanks to your generosity, these funds will directly support vital patient care programs at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes.
T1D Changemaker Award & Honoree
The T1D Changemaker Award is presented to Judy McNeil, an extraordinary individual who has dedicated over two decades to volunteering with The Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the type 1 diabetes community. Judy has shown unparalleled commitment by not only offering her time, energy, and resources, but by significantly shaping the community through various initiatives. These include chairing the Boo Bash Halloween party, serving as the Historian for The Guild, and spearheading the renowned Brass Ring Luncheon baskets. Judy’s leadership and tireless efforts serve as an inspiring example to shape a stronger, more supportive community for all.
Judy McNeil, 2025 T1D Changemaker Honoree
Judy McNeil, a proud Colorado native, grew up in the suburbs of Denver and attended Englewood High School before graduating from the University of Northern Colorado. Early in her career, she worked for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Judy’s journey took a pivotal turn when she met her husband, Charlie, a student at the Colorado School of Mines. The couple married the day after Charlie’s graduation and navigated five moves within six years before choosing to settle in Colorado, where they could raise their family. Now married for 53 years, Judy and Charlie are blessed with three children and 10 grandchildren, all residing in the Denver area.
Judy dedicated herself fully to her family, embracing her role as a stay-at-home mother. She believes that no external success can outweigh the importance of nurturing a strong home. This choice allowed her to give back to her community with dedication and heart. For over 25 years, Judy has been passionately involved with the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, highlighted by her remarkable 18-year tradition of creating the signature auction baskets for the Brass Ring Luncheon. She has also played various supportive roles with The Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, currently serving as the Guild Historian.
In recognition of their efforts, she and Charlie were honored with the High Hopes Award at the 2011 Carousel Ball. Beyond her commitment to the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, Judy has made significant contributions throughout Denver. She served as the 2019 PUSH Gala Chair for the Craig Hospital Foundation and the Western Fantasy Gala Chair the same year. She and Charlie were recognized as the 2023 Humanitarian Award Honorees by Volunteers of America and the 2007 Pillars of the Community Honorees by Arapahoe House. Additionally, the couple was named Cherry Hills Villagers of the Year in 2010. Judy’s community support also extends to the Sewell Child Development Center, the Kempe Foundation for abused children, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and the Greater Colorado Council of Scouting America.
Michael Spencer, CBS Colorado, Host
You can catch Michael Spencer anchoring CBS News Colorado at five, six and ten every weeknight alongside his co-anchor Karen Leigh. Michael joined CBS Colorado as Sports Anchor in June of 2016 and made the switch to the news desk in April of 2023.
His first assignment for CBS Colorado was at The White House covering the Super Bowl 50 Champion Denver Broncos as they celebrated their Super Bowl victory with President Obama. During his career in sports Michael has covered the Super Bowl, the NBA Finals, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the Colorado Avalanche run to the Stanley Cup Final.
Michael graduated from the University of Missouri in 2010 and started his broadcasting career in Midland, Texas covering the Friday Night Lights of high school football. After Midland, Michael moved to Amarillo, Texas and then Knoxville, Tennessee before arriving in Colorado. Michael is married to his wife Hailey, and the couple have one daughter. Michael and Hailey enjoy being involved in the community. In addition to his role with the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and serving as emcee for the Brass Ring Luncheon, Michael has served as the emcee for the Donor Alliance Donor Dash for the past several years and loves being involved with non-profit organizations that make a difference in the lives of families in Colorado.
Featured Fashion Designer
Marc Bouwer is a New York City-based luxury womenswear brand that focuses on sophisticated tailoring, clean lines, and a refined sense of femininity.
Bouwer’s mastery of tailoring and draping, a skill he honed under legendary designer Halston, is central to his appeal. Raised in South Africa, Bouwer won the South African Vogue Young Designer Award and set his sights on New York, where his talent quickly led him to Halston’s studio. Bouwer’s hard work and versatility established him as a leading eveningwear designer in the U.S.
His style is distinct and timeless: lush colors, plunging necklines, and daring slits, inspired by his love for cinema classics like Blade Runner and Marie Antoinette. Today, Bouwer’s connections in Hollywood make him a sought-after style expert and TV personality.
Marc Bouwer has crafted some of pop culture’s most iconic looks, from Whitney Houston’s wedding dress and beaded, tour catsuits to Shania Twain’s unforgettable outfits in "That Don’t Impress Me Much" and "Man! I Feel Like a Woman”. His 2004 Oscar gown for Angelina Jolie remains a favorite, even earning a place on André Leon Talley’s list of the best Oscar gowns of all time.
As vintage fashion resurges, Bouwer’s archival designs have returned to the red carpet. Kerry Washington wore a red velvet gown first worn by Whitney Houston in 1996, Kelsea Ballerini donned Shania Twain’s 1999 Grammy gown, and Sydney Sweeney revived Jolie’s Oscar look exactly 20 years later. Bouwer’s timeless creations continue to shape pop culture, cementing his legacy in fashion history.
Marc now offers bespoke couture and costume design through his NYC Atelier. For over four decades legendary fashion designer Marc Bouwer has made fashion history on runways and red carpets. Marc is known for his memorable, dramatic, glamorous gowns that have created so many timeless fashion moments. His style is distinct and timeless: lush colors, plunging necklines, and daring slits, inspired by his love for cinema classics.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Make a lasting impact by becoming a sponsor of the Brass Ring Luncheon & Fashion Show. Showcase your commitment to advancing research, care, and education for those living with type 1 diabetes while gaining meaningful exposure for your company.
Silent & Live Auction
Interested in donating to the Brass Ring Luncheon & Fashion Show live or silent auction? We welcome unique items, travel experiences, luxury goods, and gift baskets. Additionally, donations for the Wine Pull (bottles valued at $20 or more), Jewels for Hope, Handbags for Hope, and Dine ‘n’ Dash restaurant gift certificates are appreciated.
For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Amanda Miller at Amanda@ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org or 303-628-5112.
For auction donations or inquiries, please contact Carter Nelson at Carter@ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org or 303-628-5120.
Table Hosting
Gather nine of your closest friends and host a table at Denver’s premier fashion event.
As a Table Host, you’ll receive:
• Your name featured on your table
• An editorial listing in the printed program
• A beautiful floral arrangement for your table
To reserve your table, contact
Events@ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org for more details.
Advertising in the Program Book
Show your support or honor a T1D hero by purchasing an ad in the event program. Your ad will reach over 600 influential community members at the event and will be digitized to share on CDF’s social media to over 50,000 followers across our platforms and issued to our email list.
The Impact of Your Ad Purchase
Your contribution helps fund critical initiatives such as patient assistance programs at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, research for new T1D treatments, and educational programs. Together, we are striving to reach for the brass ring—the cure for type 1 diabetes.
Honorariums – An honorarium in a program book typically recognizes an individual, organization, or group for their contributions, achievements, or service. This short text description should highlight why they are being honored, their impact or significance to the event or cause, or express gratitude for their involvement.
To purchase an ad or learn more, contact Ads@ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org.
Volunteer
Interested in volunteering at the Brass Ring Luncheon & Fashion Show? We would love your help! For more information, please email Sydney@ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org.
