Ben Higgins to Emcee 2019 Spring Brass Ring Luncheon & Fashion Show

nnFormer Bachelor Star Will Join CDF as Master of Ceremonies at April 4, 2019 Fundraisernnn(DENVER — January 18, 2019) – Today the Children’s Diabetes Foundation revealed that Ben Higgins will be celebrity emcee of the 41st Annual Spring Brass Ring Luncheon and Fashion Show for the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. Higgins is best known for his starring role on season 20 of ABC’s “The Bachelor.” The Bachelor has allowed Higgins an enhanced platform to share what he is most passionate about, including his faith and hope for humanity.nnThis year’s Spring Brass Ring Luncheon and Fashion Show will be held on April 4th at Hilton Denver City Center. For over 40 years, proceeds from this annual event have benefited research and programs for people with type 1 diabetes.nn“The Spring Brass Ring is one of our favorite ways to bring the Denver community together to honor our type 1 heroes as we reach for the ‘brass ring,’ the cure for type 1 diabetes,” said Sara Santacruz, Guild Program Administrator.nnCurrently calling Denver home, Higgins is involved in several projects and organizations, championing causes close to his heart and empowering others.nnHe most recently co-founded Generous International, a for-profit for purpose company dedicated to contributing profits to social issues around the world, starting with a cup of coffee. With a vision to change the way society thinks of consumer products, all Generous merchandise is designed specifically to create and multiply good in the world.nnIn 2018, Higgins fulfilled a lifelong dream, when he joined a culinary “supergroup” of chefs and restauranteurs to open restaurant, Ash’Kara, in his mile-high home town.nnHis blog, Mahogany Workplace, invites people to talk with transparency about life exactly how it is: a series of ups and downs, joys and sorrows, pain and triumph. nnHiggins stays connected with his loyal Bachelor following with his iHeartMedia podcast, “Almost Famous”, which he co-hosts with friend and former Bachelor contestant, Ashley Iaconetti. Fans get an inside perspective on the popular franchise as they break down the current Bachelor season in addition to discussing pop culture and offering relationship advice.nnAlso with iHeartMedia, he started a new podcast called “Lady Bosses (and Ben)” with co-host Jesse Draper. The venture interviews and highlights women leaders in whatever arena they are operating and desires to show off their stories and empower all leaders listening that they matter and can make a difference.nnHiggins also serves on the board and works closely with Humanity and Hope United, an organization started by one of his best friends that is a non-profit working to assist underserved villages in remote parts of Honduras. They partner with the people of each village to achieve sustainable change, focusing on the needs of individuals rather than a single issue or approach. nn“We are so excited to have Ben Higgins join our event and lend his voice to honoring our type 1 heroes and seeking the cure for type 1 diabetes,” said Santacruz. “We are grateful to be among the empowering causes he supports, and we are looking forward to a successful and fun event.”nnThe event’s fashion show will feature world-renowned designer, Rebecca Minkoff. An industry leader in accessible luxury handbags, accessories, footwear and apparel, Rebecca Minkoff’s playful and subtly edgy designs can be spotted around the world on young women and celebrities alike. Like Higgins, Minkoff uses her recognition to support philanthropies and champion important causes. In 2018, she established the Female Founder Collective, a network of businesses led by women that invest in women’s financial power across the socio-economic spectrum by enabling and empowering female-owned businesses.nnIn addition to the luncheon and fashion show, event attendees will have the opportunity to bid on exclusive experiences, luxurious travel packages, one-of-a-kind sports memorabilia, and more at the live and silent auctions. Event proceeds will benefit The Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation to fund research, promote diabetes awareness and education, assist families in need, provide scholarships, and sponsor activities for children and their families. The Guild, a volunteer group of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation with over 300 dedicated members, continues fundraising efforts in the tireless fight against diabetes.nnSpring Brass Ring is co-chaired by two couples, Steve and Shelley Lucas and Neil and Barb Oberfeld, who are also members of The Guildnn

Event Co-Chairs Steve & Shelley Lucas

nSteve Lucas, CEO of Marketo, is a technology industry leader, published author, and philanthropist with more than 20 years of experience in enterprise software. He has co-chaired various federal government technology leadership initiatives and served as a board member for the American Diabetes Association, TiVo, and SendGrid. Shelley Lucas is an active philanthropist in the Denver community and has served as president of The Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. Steve and Shelley have been married 25 years and have two children.n

Event Co-Chairs Neil & Barb Oberfeld

nNeil Oberfeld is a principal shareholder of Greenberg Traurig, an international law firm with the distinction of being the largest U.S. domestic law firm. Neil’s community involvement includes roles serving the Rose Community Foundation, the Governor’s Commission on Community Service, the University of Denver Bridge Project, and the ADL. Barb Oberfeld is a committed community volunteer and served as the 2018 President of The Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. She has served in various capacities on The Guild Executive Board for the past five years. Neil and Barb have also been married for 25 years, and have two daughters.n

Event Information

nFor more information or to reserve seats for the event, click here or call Sara Santacruz at 303-628-5110.nnFor the latest news and information regarding the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, be sure to follow on social media and join the conversation using #SpringBrassRing.nnFacebook: Childrens Diabetes FoundationnTwitter: CDFdiabetesnInstagram: CDFdiabetesnn