A Look Back at the Dell Children's Gala

The Dell Children's Gala was one of the most anticipated and successful events of the new year. Chaired by Beth and Marshall Durrett and hosted by members of the Dell Children's Council, the gala was held January 29, 2011, at the Austin Convention Center's Grand Ballroom. Over 1,000 attendees enjoyed a phenomenal event while making an impact in the lives of Central Texas children.

As guests entered, they were greeted with a glass of champagne and a stunning, vibrant, orange, floral sculpture designed and created by David Kurio that stood almost two floors high, symbolizing the theme of the event – One Child at a Time. Once upstairs in the cocktail lounge, guests enjoyed music by DJ Manny, cocktails, and delicious hors d'oeuvres while casting their bids on items from a weekend stay at an ocean-view condo in Santa Monica, to a first-class hunting package at Four Canyons Ranch.

During dinner guests were amazed by floor to ceiling projection design that lined two entire walls of the ballroom, allowing artistic visual effects and a great view of videos and sponsor recognition during the program. After dinner guests danced the night away to the Matt Wilson Band and tried their luck at the casino lounge. The night continued on with an exclusive after-party at Trio at the Four Seasons Hotel Austin featuring late-night fare and music by DJ Manny.

The Dell Children's Gala was an incredible success raising $1,080,000 for the medical center. The Dell Children's Council, the Foundation's support group that raises funds and provides volunteer leadership through the annual gala, and the event Chairs were proud to boast that the funds raised that night, $263,000, exceeded previous galas.

Every year, the gala committee works hard to incorporate meaningful ways to involve the community. The Miracle Book and Kids 4 Kids projects have been wildly successful. All gala guests receive a Miracle Book which is unveiled each year at the event. This year's Miracle Book is a beautiful social calendar featuring 225 family and business photos. To see the Miracle Book online, visit http://www.cerqa.com/images/cerqanew/themiracle2011/themiracle2011.html.

Kids 4 Kids, spearheaded by the Dell Children's Council, provided a wonderful opportunity for middle and high school children to learn about the joy of giving. Twenty-four motivated children signed up to participate in the inaugural year of Kids 4 Kids. Participants attended a hospital orientation where they learned about Dell Children's patients and received a private tour to better understand how they could make a difference in their community. The children created online fundraisers with photos and a personal note which they emailed to friends and family. In just four month the group of twenty-four children raised over $16,000 for Dell Children's!

Children's Medical Center Foundation of Central Texas and Dell Children's would like to thank our sponsors, donors, and attendees as well as all the volunteers and Dell Children's Council members that made the event such a huge success. Thanks to you, we will continue to provide excellence in pediatric healthcare for the patients and families of Central Texas.