Please join us for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's (JDRF) 2008 Promise Ball, "A Million Wishes for A Cure, Under the Tuscan Sun" on Saturday, May 3rd at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. The Promise Ball is the premier non-profit gala in the Greater Hartford area, and this year's event will not disappoint! The Promise Ball is an exciting and inspirational evening that includes fine food, wonderful music, and participation in an important cause. NBC 30 Sports Director Kevin Nathan will again serve as emcee for the evening, and Stardust, one of Boston's most popular bands, will provide the musical entertainment. The proceeds of this significant annual fundraising event are critical in helping JDRF reach its goal of finding a cure for juvenile (type 1) diabetes. Nearly 85% of the funds donated to JDRF directly supports research or research-related education. Forbes magazine has consistently rated JDRF as one of the top charities worthy of your consideration, and Charity Navigator recently awarded JDRF its highest rating of 4-stars. On the evening of the gala, JDRF will offer a number of opportunities to help support their mission to find a cure. You will be amazed by the vast array of unique auction items to bid on in the Silent, Super Silent and Live Auctions. You will also be given the chance to make a direct contribution to JDRF's outstanding diabetes research efforts through our signature Fund A Cure program. I invite you to help make a difference for those affected by this devastating disease by attending the Promise Ball on May 3rd and joining me in support of this very worthwhile effort. During the evening's live program, you will hear from someone from the local Chapter who will give a very personal account of what living with diabetes is really like. The latest statistics show that as many as 21 million Americans may now have diabetes. Of these, at least 3 million have type 1. They all face the disease's unrelenting damage and constant threat of disability and early death. Research advances, fueled by your generosity, will help JDRF reach its goal. We are extremely proud to be serving in leadership roles for the 2008 JDRF Promise Ball. We hope you will attend to help us defeat diabetes. Warmest thanks for your support. We look forward to seeing you on May 3rd! Sincerely, Stephen N. Finger President Pratt & Whitney 2008 Promise Ball Honoree Jothi Purushotaman Vice President of Operations United Technologies Corporation 2008 Promise Ball Honorary Chair