For 15 years, the Rugiero Promise Foundation has brought families, businesses, researchers and community leaders together in support of a future without diabetes. Michigan Medicine recognized this longstanding commitment in a special feature celebrating the Foundation’s history, its signature Casino Royale fundraiser and the enduring legacy of Antonio Rugiero Sr.
After losing Antonio Sr. to complications from diabetes in 2008, the Rugiero family transformed their personal loss into a promise to help others affected by the disease. That promise became an annual community tradition dedicated to raising funds and awareness for diabetes research at the University of Michigan.
What began as a gathering of approximately 150 people has grown into a major annual fundraiser welcoming hundreds of supporters. Through the generosity of sponsors, donors, volunteers and attendees, the Foundation has surpassed $1 million in fundraising and established an endowed fund to support diabetes research in perpetuity.
The Michigan Medicine feature also highlights the Foundation’s volunteer-led structure and its commitment to maximizing the impact of every contribution. By keeping expenses low and working with community partners, the Foundation helps direct more resources toward researchers working to better understand, treat and ultimately cure Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
