At the end of every Rainbow Gala is a pot of gold, and Saturday night it was filled to overflowing. That the proceeds topped $1.3 million was a tribute in large part to two things. First, the dedication of so many families hoping to find a cure for juvenile diabetes, a disease that affects as many as 3 million Americans. Second was something extra-special. The honoree for the evening was Dr. Stanley Marks, the renowned cancer specialist who is director of Clinical Services for UPMC Cancer Centers/University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute.

What is less known about Dr. Marks is that he co-founded the local Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation chapter because his son lives with type 1 diabetes. His ongoing support for the organization atttracted some heavy hitters to the benefit, including corporate chairs Sy Holzer, president of PNC, Dr. Ken Melani, president of Highmark, and Jeffrey Romoff, president of UPMC (who was not able to attend). With live auction items such as a week in St. Martin (sold twice for $25,000), a special Penguins box package ($20,000) and a trio of paintings created by Burton Morris with an assist from local children ($30,000), one item was truly priceless. Dr. Marks volunteered to wash the high bidder's car -- an offer that went for $10,000 twice.

More than 750 guests filled the Pittsburgh Hilton ballroom, decorated to perfection to reflect the "Kids for a Cure" theme. Bonnie Walker Chirigos of Creative Affairs did it all for free, as she does every year, because her son has juvenile diabetes (she also donated the St. Martin villa she shares with Ed Stein to the auction). Colorful tables took their design cues from hanging props such as giant balls and Monopoly money, or had vases of sidewalk chalk and other items as centerpieces. WTAE's Sally Wiggin welcomed the crowd, as did JDRF board chair Mark Gleason. Before, during and after a sumptuous dinner (mixed greens with oranges, grilled filet mignon and salmon and warm white choclate bread pudding), there was dancing to the always fabulous Gary Racan and the studio-e band.

The 16th annual gala was chaired by Heidi Brandon (with Darryl), Nan DeTurk (with Steve) and Mary Beth Alegretti (with Jon). Browsing the extensive silent auction were JDRF executive director David Donahue (with Pauli), Ina and Larry Gumberg, Dr. David and Amanda Wilson, Barbara and David Burstin, Cathy Holzer, Tracy Melani, Nikol Snee, Dick and Jackie Thomas, Anne Lewis, Scott and Pam Kroh, Julie and Jason Lichtenstein, Steve and Peggy Snavely, Don and Jan Rea, Frank and Athena Sarris, Bill Caroselli and Dusty Kirk, Lori and Randy Russell, Dr. Mark and Roseanne Wholey, Philip and Amy Elias, Carol and John Oxenreiter and Judy and Dennis White of presenting sponsor GlaxoSmithKline.