Last October marked one year since Amy Allen’s daughter Brooklyn was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. She was only 18 months old at the time.

A diagnosis like that changes everything.

Life suddenly becomes measured in glucose readings, insulin doses, carb counts, and alarms that interrupt sleep in the middle of the night. Families learn quickly, adapt constantly, and carry a level of vigilance most people never have to think about.

But alongside the fear came something unexpected: support.

Friends, family, and other parents navigating the same diagnosis stepped in with encouragement, advice, and understanding. That sense of community stayed with Amy.

Over time, a question began to take shape.

What if Niagara could rally around families living with Type 1 diabetes?

What if something frightening could become something meaningful?

From that idea, Gala Blue was created — an event dedicated to bringing the community together in support of families living with Type 1 diabetes.

Proceeds from the evening support Diabetes Canada, including programs like D-Camps, which provide children living with diabetes a place to build friendships, independence, and confidence in a medically supported environment.

Want to catch up on our previous mention of Gala Blue?

Read more here 👉 💙 Gala Blue: A Night of Impact

One of the simplest ways to support Gala Blue is through direct donations, which help fund programs supporting children and families living with Type 1 diabetes.

Funds raised contribute to initiatives like D-Camps, where kids can experience summer camp while being supported by medical professionals who understand their needs.

For many children, it is the first place they meet others who truly understand what living with diabetes looks like day to day.

Supporters can contribute at several levels:

Supporter – $50
Helping provide access to D-Camps and educational programs.

Champion – $100
Supporting D-Camps and ongoing diabetes research.

Super Hero – $500
Helping power brighter futures through camp experiences and critical research.

Custom donations are also welcome, and every contribution helps move the mission forward. So please follow this link to make a donation! We want to see all of NOTL rallying behind this great cause!

While Gala Blue brings the Niagara community together each year, it is also deeply rooted in the support of family.

Event organizer Amy Allen shared that many of the sponsors helping make this evening possible are people who have stood beside the Allen family every step of the way — relatives, close friends, and businesses connected to those relationships.

Amy would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the following supporters who have helped make this year’s event possible:

Family and community sponsors include:

Their generosity — and the strong family ties behind it — are a meaningful part of what makes Gala Blue such a special event.

Gala Blue will take place on March 28, 2026 at Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery in St. Davids.

The evening has been designed as a gathering that brings people together around a shared purpose while creating a memorable night for guests.

Attendees can expect a three-course dinner, live entertainment, a silent auction, and interactive experiences throughout the evening.

Ravine Vineyard provides the perfect setting — refined without feeling distant, and warm enough to encourage conversations that linger a little longer at the table.

It is an evening built around community: friends gathering together, businesses showing their support, and neighbours coming together for something that truly matters.

Events like Gala Blue only come together because of the generosity of businesses and community members who are willing to step forward and support the cause. We already shared a special thank you to some meaningful community sponsors and people close to the Allen family, but now let’s highlight some businesses in town who have also played a role in this event.

Their support helps offset the cost of hosting the event so that funds raised through the gala can go directly toward supporting families living with Type 1 diabetes.

In addition to these sponsors, many other businesses and community members have contributed to the evening in meaningful ways. A full list of partners and sponsors will be shared on the Gala Blue website, where supporters can learn more about the businesses helping make the event possible.

Gala Blue is shaping up to be a special evening for the Niagara community — and the response so far has been incredible.

Tickets for the event are officially sold out, and the room at Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery will be filled with people coming together to support families living with Type 1 diabetes. Although tickets are sold out, there may be a second round of tickets releasing soon, so stay tuned.

If you were able to secure a ticket, we can’t wait to see you there. My sister and I will both be attending, and I’m especially looking forward to meeting members of the NOTL News community in person. It’s always fun when readers step out from behind their inbox and into real life — especially when it’s for a cause that means so much to so many families.

If you don’t end up getting a ticket this time around, don’t worry — there is still a meaningful way to be part of the evening.

Donations are still being collected, and every contribution helps support programs for children and families living with Type 1 diabetes.

The generosity behind this event has already been inspiring, and it’s clear that the Niagara community cares deeply about making a difference.

Whether you’re joining us in the room on March 28 or supporting from afar, you are helping move the mission forward.

You can learn more about the event or make a donation below, and be sure to follow @galablue2026 on Instagram to stay in the loop.

Thanks for reading today’s issue. We really hope that you support Gala Blue!

If you can, please pass along today’s newsletter to someone who you think would support such a wonderful cause.

And while your at it go catch up on our previous article on Gala Blue! 👉 💙 Gala Blue: A Night of Impact

— Matthew Habinski, Editor @ NOTL News

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