X FACTOR's Carly Rose Sonenclar to Headline 10th Annual 'Kids Party for a Cure'

The family-oriented event has become an Island institution and will be held at Dave & Buster's at the Mall at The Source, 1504 Old Country Road in Westbury, on Sunday, March 10. The party will feature the newest video games and other fun activities for kids of all ages along with exciting sweepstakes and a silent auction of sports memorabilia and other items bound to keep the adults interested too. The festivities will kick off at 1 p.m. and run until 4 p.m.

Last year's event set records for attendance with the help of "Wizards of Waverly Place" television star Jake T. Austin . This year the excitement generated by celebrity guests continues with Carly Rose Sonenclar 's presence on the heels of her awe-inspiring national television performances.

"Anything I can do to help kids I will. That's why I chose to be involved with the Kids Party for A Cure and the Diabetes Research Institute," said Carly Rose who will be at the event and who will be meeting with eligible sponsors. "So many kids and young people have contacted me since I made my television debut and I've come to understand how important it is to get involved. Being able to support the DRI in its effort to find a cure for diabetes is special to me because it gives me an opportunity to help kids my age."

"Given Carly's wonderful performances, and the type of person we have come to know her to be, we couldn't be more excited to have her at the Kids Party for a Cure," said Honorary Chairperson René Checchia, who is being joined in directing the event with co-chairs Frankie Lam and Sheri Donaldson . "It's so important to have young people like Carly Rose step forward in the spotlight to put a sense of urgency on the need to find a cure for type 1 diabetes. We are extremely appreciative of her participation and support."

Kids Party for a Cure will keep children and parents alike smiling from ear-to-ear, with fun activities such as video and arcade games, inflatables, bowling, pool tables and more, plus an array of food and beverages to please all palates. Guests will also be able to purchase sweepstakes tickets and bid on exciting items at the silent auction. Goody bags will be provided to kids on their way out the door.

Sponsors include March Madness Sponsors Dr. Mitchell & Walter Rubenstein & Family, Super Shot Sponsors The Donaldson Organization, The Frisoni Family and The Lostritto Family and Cyclone Sponsors Rene & Larry Mandel . Additional sponsors include JLJ Enterprises, Inc. The Silverman Family and Warwick Hotel New York City.

Those interested in attending Kids Party for a Cure can purchase tickets at a variety of different levels. Adult tickets are $100 each, kids run $50 each and a family pass (2 adults/2 children) is $275. Other sponsorships can be viewed online at DiabetesResearch.org/Kids-Party-for-a-Cure. Children under 2 are free and all children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

The Diabetes Research Institute, a center of excellence at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, is a recognized world leader in cure-focused research. For the millions of families affected by diabetes who are looking to the world of science for answers, the Diabetes Research Institute is the best hope for a cure. For more information, contact the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation at 516-822-1700 or liregion@drif.org.

SOURCE Diabetes Research Institute Foundation