The American Red Cross Serving Central Texas is proud to announce that it raised a record high $327,000 at Luminaria 2017, its annual fundraiser and gala at the Four Seasons Hotel Austin.
This year's event focused on an important yet lesser-know part of the Red Cross mission: Service to the Armed Forces. The proceeds from Luminaria 2017 will support Red Cross programs that help military service members, veterans and their families.
The support we received at Luminaria this year was inspiring, but not at all surprising. The Central Texas community really cherishes its military families, just as the Red Cross has for more than 100 years, said Marty McKellips, CEO for the American Red Cross Serving Central and South Texas. It was an honor to teach people more about how the Red Cross helps our armed forces, and to see the generosity people showed when inspired by this great cause.
Each year at this signature event, the Red Cross honors individuals and organizations that have been instrumental in implementing its mission in the Central Texas community. This year’s award recipients were:
Luminaria was co-chaired by Matt Curtis, Senior Director of Global Government Affairs and Public Policy at HomeAway, and Christie Johnson, former Program Manager at Webb Middle School with Communities on Schools of Central Texas. The event Host Committee included David Armbrust, Therese Baer, Robert Barnes, Mike Bowen, Paul Bury, Kenneth Casaday, Elizabeth Christian and Bruce Todd, Mark Curry, Karen Friese, Jesus Garza, Rudy Garza, Larry Graham, Bob Gregory, Tim League, Frank Leffingwell, Mark Littlefield, Tony Marquardt, Matt Mathias, Catherine Morse, Bob Nicks, Lynda Rife, John Rosato, Trey Salinas, Brad Schlosser and Channy Soeur.
CBS Austin Chief Meteorologist Chikage Windler served as Emcee for the event.
