ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – Community members gathered at the Locust Country Club Saturday evening for the annual Breakthrough T1D Gala, which raises money for Type 1 Diabetes research and prevention. The special guest of the night was 7-year-old Neela Austin, who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabet es four years ago from Saturday. Guests also participated in silent and live auctions throughout the evening for a chance at items like a football signed by Buffalo Bills Quarterback Josh Allen, or a guitar autographed by singer, songwriter Taylor Swift. Greece church hosts African Dinner to support new refugee families News 8 Chief Meteorologist Eric Snitil emcees T1D gala Saturday, March 29, 2025. "It's exciting tonight because this is our first gala under Breathrough T1D, we were formerly JDRF, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, but Type 1 Diabetes can impact anybody at any age. Over half of new diagnoses are adults, and over 80% of people living with Type 1 are adults today," said Matt Stefan, market director of Breathrough T1D gala. News 8 Chief Meteorologist Eric Snitil was the evening's emcee, publicly sharing his journey as a Type 1 diabetic over the last 25 years. You can learn more about Breakthrough T1D by clicking here. ...read more read less