Second Annual Party with 1 Purpose Set for Oct. 4 at Basketball Hall of Fame

SPRINGFIELD — After a sold-out debut that earned national recognition from Breakthrough T1D as one of the Top New Fundraising Events of 2024, Party with 1 Purpose will return to the Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday, Oct. 4.

Chaired by David Fontaine Jr. and Sarah Fontaine, the gala unites community leaders, local families, and businesses in support of Breakthrough T1D’s mission to cure, prevent, and treat type 1 diabetes (T1D). Guests will enjoy an evening on Center Court featuring live music, an energetic auction, inspiring stories from local T1D families, and opportunities to directly fund life-changing research.

This year’s Fund a Cure will shine a spotlight on the Kouflie family and their son Braden, who was diagnosed with T1D at just 7 years old. The Kouflies will share their journey of navigating the daily challenges of diabetes while holding onto hope for a cure, giving guests a personal look at why Breakthrough T1D’s research is so critical.

“This event is about more than one night,” said David Fontaine Jr., whose daughter Grace was diagnosed with T1D at age 3. “It’s about building a movement here in Western Mass. that accelerates progress toward a cure.”

Sponsorships and tickets are now available at www.breakthrought1d.org/ctma/wmassgala2025, and organizers are aiming to surpass last year’s record-breaking fundraising total.