By Stephanie Hackett
Enquirer contributor

Master of ceremonies Rob Williams of WXIX (Channel 19) models a watch from the auction for Cary O'Meara. (Philip Groshong photo)

This is the 20th year the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) has held a dinner to raise funds for research to find a cure for diabetes and its complications. This year's black-tie gala, Cirque du Cure, co-chaired by Anne Zaring and Mona Kerstine, was held at the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati and was expected to raise more than $500,000. Fernando Aguirre, president and CEO of Chiquita, served as corporate chair.

This year's Cincinnatians of the Year Award was presented to Carole and Ed Rigaud. Ed Rigaud is the president of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and former vice president of government relations with Procter & Gamble. His wife serves on many boards, including Lighthouse Youth Services, Dress for Success and the 4C's. Both Ed and Carole have spent a lifetime volunteering their expertise, skill and influence to benefit dozens of community organizations.

The evening, which hosted 550 guests, featured dinner, the awards presentation and dessert. JDRF then conducted its unique live auction called Fund-a-Cure. This auction provides every guest with the opportunity to make a direct contribution to fund JDRF's researchers and scientists both locally and throughout the world. Here's how Fund-a-Cure works: The auctioneer announces funding levels of $50,000, $25,000, $15,000, $10,000, $5,000, $2,500, $1,000, $500, $250 and $100.

Once the amount a guest wishes to contribute is called, he/she simply raises the bid card.

All Fund-a-Cure dollars are immediately pledged to a JDRF research grant named in honor of Carole and Ed Rigaud and the 2002 gala guests.