JDRF Northern Florida (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) has announced its partnership with Chris and Dawn Shee for this year’s Jacksonville Party with a Purpose: Into the Blue. The Shees will serve as both the honorary chairs and presenting sponsors this year.
Their connection to JDRF stems from Chris Shee’s oldest son being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) just three weeks before turning 15 years old. Now 23 years old, he has been a true champion managing his diabetes.
Chris Shee is the founder and CEO of MasterCraft Builder Group, which was started in 2012. In addition to building high-quality homes, MasterCraft is known for its generosity — the pillars of the company are called “The 4 C’s,” which stand for Craftsmanship, Customer Service, Choice (semi-customization) and Community.
“Community is what I’m most proud of as it’s about giving back, and we do this radically,” said Chris Shee. “Aside from the various donations we make throughout the year, MasterCraft has raised more than $1.1 million dollars for local charities by hosting a sporting clay tournament (Clays For A Cause) the last 10 years.”
When asked what it means to have his dad supporting him in this way, Chris Shee’s son said, “Amidst the challenges of diabetes, my family’s unwavering support has been the backbone of my journey. Their encouragement and support have propelled me to successfully manage my health and strive to help others similarly.”
Through serving as the honorary chairs for Jacksonville’s Party with a Purpose, Chris and Dawn Shee hope they can convey the message that money is needed so that scientific advancements can continue for this cause.
“I often speak to folks about money and the true wealth that comes along with giving,” said Chris Shee. “I speak of the difference between being rich and being wealthy. Rich has everything to do with money, but not necessarily happiness — for money doesn’t create happiness like most folks think. Wealth can involve money, but it doesn’t necessarily need to. Wealth comes from love, joy and giving.”
Chris and Dawn Shee said they are excited to see the community come together for JDRF’s worthy cause on Nov. 9.
For more information about Into the Blue, go to jaxjdrfparty.com.
JDRF’s mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than $2.5 billion in research funding since its inception.
The organization is built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally and globally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact and uniting on a global stage to pool resources, passion, and energy.
It collaborates with academic institutions, policymakers and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D.
For more information, go to jdrf.org.
