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Co-chairs Sabrina and Jay Brown
Matt and Rachel Miller Emily and Joe Price
Michael and Susan Dell
The 2015 Dell Children’s Gala STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATHIE PARSSINEN
Craig and Stacie Falls
Maureen Wood, Kim and Daniel Kozmetsky, Cyndy Perkins Kathy and Randy Taylor, Mary Scott Nabors
16 Waterways | Spring 2015
“L
IGHT ” WAS THE THEME of the 2015 Dell Children’s Gala, presented by AT&T and more than half a dozen generous Underwriters at the Austin Convention Center’s Grand Ballroom on Saturday, January 24th. Illios Lighting Design created the dramatic optical display pictured above, and the amount of sequin and jewel-encrusted ballgowns shimmered with a light of their own. But beyond dazzling optics and dazzling ballgowns, “Light” served as an appropriate symbol for the outstanding care provided to sick and injured children by the Dell Children’s Medical Center. Nearly every spiritual tradition has metaphors that celebrate the victory of light over darkness. In her video recording, played for guests, Dell Children’s Chaplain, Krista Gregory recounted a story of a little boy in the 19th century who looked down from his hospital window to observe someone lighting gas streetlights. He said to his nurse, “Look Miss, someone is punching holes in the dark.” Nothing quite compares to the darkness all parents confront when their child faces a life-threatening illness or injury. And for Gregory, that is the work of the doctors and nurses and caregivers in dozens of other specialties at Dell Children’s: to punch holes in the darkness that envelops these families. Ryan and Emily Therrell
The Gala raised $1.5 million to support Dell Children’s outstanding service to children in a 46- county area of Central Texas.
Sherri and Travis West
Two of these families shared their stories with guests from the stage in the Grand Ballroom. Joe and Emily Krista Knippa, Jennifer Goldman Price recounted learning the terrifyGary and Beverly Martin, Brittney Blake, Grant Martin Steven and Jamie Dell ing news that their four-month old Meg Gotcher, Gena Davila daughter, Molly, had a cancerous tumor on her kidney. The treatment Molly received from an expert team at Dell Children’s that took over her care included the removal of her diseased kidney. She is now a healthy, happy two-year old, and Joe and Emily expressed their tremendous gratitude to Dell Children’s for saving Molly’s life. Sarah and Rick Wittenbraker’s journey to Dell Children’s began on the day their son Oscar had his first epileptic seizure at preschool. The doctors dedicated to his care recommended brain surgery as the best option. The surgery was successful, and Oscar, now seven, has been seizure-free since. Again, the debt of gratitude Lauren and Patrick Hotse the Wittenbrakers expressed Bobbi and Mort Topfer to Dell Children’s for their JJ and Dr. Will Getman son’s care is immeasurable. It has been traditional at the Dell Galas to celebrate the victories and accomplishments of this very special hospital. And there have been thousands. Even when the most brilliant care cannot change the outcome of the story, that care still lifts the Cori Modiseh, Donnell Roy, Elizabeth Gunter, Jenny McCann, darkness. Chase and Helen Heard
Kimberly Chassay Daniel and Tania Thomas
18 Waterways | Spring 2015
Matthew and Taylor Green, John and Laurie Andrus
Dave Swanson, Nina and Sam Darweesh
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Hang With Me: Natalie Wong
Tremaine Overall winners Alyssa Pratt and Grace Marcum
To see the complete list of awards and scholarships and more information about Dance Institute Performance Academy’s award winning program, visit our web site, DANCEINSTITUTE.COM. Nowhere Warm: 4th Overall Wildest Moments: Clarisse Rosenthal Grenade: Clarisse Rosenthal, Kaylee Morris, Sydney James
Critics Choice Award, Best Technique, Exceptional Execution, 3rd overall Front row: Kele Roberson, Clarisse Rosenthal and Sydney James 2nd row: Olivia Schuh, not shown Natalie Wong
Business of Love: Best in Show and 3rd overall Front row (left to right): Alyssa Pratt, Kyla Stephens, Andrea Patriarca, Isabella Francis 2nd row: Hope Marcum, Nick Schroeder, Gabby Foyt Top Row: Victoria Morris, Hannah Nauert, Celia Handing
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