The Guild
About The Guild
The Guild is the volunteer membership group of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes (BDC). Guild Members have the unique opportunity to be involved in program and event committees that not only make a difference in the type 1 community, but provide a sense of belonging, fulfillment, and camaraderie within the Guild itself.
The mission of The Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation is to improve the health and well-being of Barbara Davis Center patients living with type 1 diabetes and their families through education, support, advocacy, and research.
Members symbolize the spirit of pulling together, and accomplishing great things individually and as a team. The Guild, with its more than 300 dedicated members, continues with fundraising efforts in the tireless fight to conquer diabetes. Since its inception in 1979, The Guild has contributed more than $2 million to the Barbara Davis Center.
The Guild welcomes you and thanks you for your support!
Join or Renew
Annual dues cover the expenses of running The Guild. All excess funds support Guild Programs such as Helping Hand, Helping Little Hands, Education and Awareness, and the Charlotte Tucker Scholarship.
- Patron: $75
- Patron Couple: $100
- Young Professional: $60
Membership Benefits
- Attend Guild meetings with engaging speakers and get an inside look at the latest in type 1 diabetes care and research from leading doctors, researchers, and social workers at the Barbara Davis Center
- Connect with a supportive community that advocates for diabetes awareness, research, and betterment of care
- Complimentary Guild Membership Brunch and Charlotte Tucker Scholarship Reception Dinner
- Invitations to member-only events
Type 1 diabetes does not only affect the individual – it affects the family, schools, and community. Being a part of The Guild strengthens lives through education, fundraising, scholarships, and most importantly gives hope all those impacted by type 1.”
– Cheryl Lebsock, 2019 Guild President
Programs & Events
To fund research at the Barbara Davis Center and Children’s Diabetes Foundation programs such as Helping Hand, Education and Awareness, Helping Little Hands, and the Charlotte Tucker Scholarship, The Guild hosts annual fundraising events including the Brass Ring Luncheon & Fashion Show, Run for the Ring, and Jewels for Hope sales. Learn more >
Volunteer for a Committee
Bring your unique skills and experience to play an integral role on one of the Guild’s program or event committees.
Boo Bash Halloween Party
Help coordinate this type 1 friendly Halloween celebration. Hundreds of children and their families are invited to this annual costume party to enjoy pizza, carnival games, a DJ, face painting, and a pumpkin decorating contest.
Brass Ring Luncheon & Fashion Show
- Since 1978, this annual event has welcomed 600+ guests to enjoy a luncheon, high-end fashion runway show, and silent and live auction to raise money and reach for the “Brass Ring”, the cure for type 1 diabetes. Guests are also educated on how their donation will help the type 1 community and introduced to type 1 patients of the BDC in a bonus runway show.
- Members of the planning committee help plan luncheon logistics and procure table hosts, attendees, and volunteers for the event.
- Members of the auction committee help procure and pick up auction items for the event’s silent auction, live auction, Dine ‘N’ Dash, and wine pull.
Brass Ring Luncheon Auction
Help procure and pick up auction items for the silent auctions, Dine -N’ Dash cards, and bottles or cases of wine for the wine pull.
Charlotte Tucker Scholarship
Participate on the CTS Committee, selecting and awarding higher education scholarships to Barbara Davis Center patients. Named in memory of a former Guild President, scholarships are primarily based upon financial need and may be used for a two- or four-year college, university, trade, or vocational school. Awardees are celebrated by the selection committee at a summer reception with their families.
Education & Awareness
This committee develops and implements ways to educate people about type 1 diabetes through event tabling, distribution of materials, speaking engagements and community health events both in the community and at the BDC.
Helping Hand/Holiday Assistance
This program was formed to provide uninsured or underinsured pediatric patients of the BDC with medical supplies, accommodation and travel for appointments, emergency care, and other needs. The program also provides funding for the annual Holiday Assistance event that offers meal and gift assistance for patients and their siblings during the holiday season, as well as educational and emotional support workshops for patients and their families. Committee members work closely with BDC social workers to oversee program spending, approve budgets for subprograms, and report expenditures at monthly Guild meetings.
Helping Little Hands
This program provides financial support for pregnant women with type 1 diabetes to ensure they have the proper technology, supplies, and associated appointment funds to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby. It also serves at-risk pregnant women who do not have access to Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems and provides other related resources to improve their diabetes care. Committee members program spending alongside doctors and social workers at the BDC pregnancy clinic.
Jewels for Hope
The dedicated Jewels for Hope Committee collects pre-loved jewelry (fine and costume) and handbags. Members help sort, price, and prepare donated items to sell at pop-up boutiques throughout the year, as well as at the Brass Ring Luncheon and Carousel of Hope Gala. Since its inception in 2004, JFH has raised over $500,000 to help support Guild programs and type 1 patients.
Membership
Help grow The Guild and ensure its legacy lasts for generations to come by planning new membership events (including the annual membership brunch), recruiting and welcoming new members, and answering questions they may have. Those on the membership committee are the first to ensure the smooth transition of new members into meaningful contributions to The Guild in a way that suits both their passions and the organization’s needs.
Run for the Ring
Every summer, members of this committee help coordinate The Guild’s annual Run for the Ring 5K & Kids Fun Run. This event welcomes hundreds of loyal supporters and fitness enthusiasts together to walk, run, and raise funds to honor our type 1 heroes. In addition to the 5K and Fun Run, attendees are treated to an exhibitor village and Fun Zone for kids with activities such as hamster balls, a water maze, and face painting. A foam party awaits all race finishers.
T1D Strong All Year Long Day Camps
These 3-day camps are hosted by The Guild and the Colorado Soccer Foundation for children with type 1. Camps feature soccer, arts and crafts, team-building activities, and more! Healthcare providers from the BDC are on site to help manage diabetes and answer parent questions. Members of this committee help plan camp logistics, prepare crafts and volunteer meals, and volunteer day of for the camps in June and December.
Young Professionals
The YP group plans cocktail hours, volunteer opportunities, and social events to encourage participation and networking for members in the community. It is open to anyone between the ages of 21 and 39 who have a passion for helping others.
Your membership in The Guild and support of its important mission makes a real difference in the lives of all of our CDF children and their families.”
– Barb Oberfeld, 2018 Guild President
2024 Guild Executive Board
- President: Lori Finch
- President-Elect: Gleneen Brienza
- Treasurer: John Covert
- Treasurer-Elect: Carol Hamer
- Corresponding Secretary: Tracy van Orman
- Recording Secretary: Sylvia Huml
- Past President: Katie Grassby
- Advisors: Christy Alberts, Sally Frerichs, and Cheryl Lebsock
