Ten-time Olympic swimming medalist Gary Hall, Jr. and his wife, Elizabeth, recently filled Miami Beach’s famous Joe’s Stone Crab with supporters of their mission to cure diabetes. The third annual Circle of Champions Charity Brunch benefited The Gary Hall, Jr. Foundation for Diabetes, which supports cure-focused research, including the work underway at the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI).

During the program, Hall inducted Chris Dudley into the Circle of Champions for excelling as an athlete despite having diabetes. Diagnosed with type 1 in 1981 as a high school student, Dudley went on to play for Yale before completing 16 seasons as a center in the NBA.

(l-r) DRI Foundation board members Gary Hall, Jr. and Diane Beber enjoyed the morning with event honorees Chris Dudley and Steve Sawitz.

Making a second presentation during the program, Hall gave the Olympus Award to Steven Sawitz, the owner of Joe’s Stone Crab, for going the extra mile to contribute to the community. It was Sawitz’s generous idea that gave birth to this event three years ago, and his cooperation and support have made it the success it is today.