In support of families with hospitalized children, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin and Central Texas greatly exceeded its fundraising goal on Saturday.
By Naomi Logan Richard
AUSTIN, Texas – Raising in excess of $550,000 through the support of more than 900 guests during the 24th Annual Bandana Ball, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin and Central Texas secured record-breaking results for families of hospitalized children.
“It is a fact that children heal faster when their loved ones are nearby,” stated Kent Burress, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin and Central Texas. “The local support from Bandana Ball makes it possible for families to remain close to their children and that, right there, is our goal.”
Serving more than 1700 families in 2012, Ronald McDonald House Charities provides a vital resource in the Central Texas community. Special guests Jessica and Beau Hester with their five-year-old daughter, Brooke, were among the supporters. The Hesters experienced the hospitality of the Ronald McDonald House when their daughter Brooke was diagnosed with Stage IV High Risk Neuroblastoma.
During the Sponsor a Family portion of the Ball, Brooke’s father lifted her up for the crowd to see the blossom she wears on her bare head, and the Bandana Ball crowd rose to their feet in honor of this brave little girl. The party-goers showed incredible support by donating $48,000 more than last year in direct donations: giving $149,000 to support families during their most challenging times. Every Sponsor a Family donor received their own “Brooke’s Blossom”.
Held at the spectacular Wild Onion Ranch in South Austin, 2013 Bandana Ball party-goers experienced exceptional food, specialty drinks, more than 200 auction items and music from the popular and extremely entertaining band, The Spazmatics. With the dance floor packed until the very end, guests grabbed cupcakes and coffee as they were herded out of the Wild Onion Ranch, already talking about attending next year!
Lead sponsors, Austin Area Chevy Dealers and McDonald’s Owners/Operators, facilitated the evening’s phenomenal achievement with their generous support. Ronald McDonald House Charities gives special thanks to all of the people and vendors who made the evening great: The Wild Onion Ranch, The Spazmatics, 2Dine4 Catering, and auctioneer Gayle Stallings.
If you were unable to attend and would like to donate to this cause, go to https://www.rmhc-austin.org/donate.
About RMHC Austin
Through its Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald Family Room programs, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin and Central Texas creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children.
The Ronald McDonald House with its 30 suites for families provides lodging and support services in a nurturing, home-like environment where families stay together while caring for their critically ill or injured children receiving treatment in Austin-area hospitals.
The Ronald McDonald Family Rooms at St. David’s Women’s Center of Texas, Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas and St. David’s Medical Center are places of rest and support for families with children in the neonatal intensive care units.
For more information, visit www.rmhc-austin.org.
UJIMA MAGAZINE 