West Austin Comes Together for HeartGift’s Life-Changing Event
By Anne DeVries
On the evening of October 23, the home of Nicole and Dr. Bill Kessler in West Austin transformed into a stage of hope for the annual “Songs for the Heart” singer-songwriter fundraiser.
This event, benefiting the HeartGift Foundation, brought together generous supporters for an unforgettable night of live music, inspiring stories, and life-changing philanthropy, successfully raising more than $256,000 to provide critical heart surgeries for children worldwide.
The evening’s hosts welcomed guests before the performance and shared the mission of HeartGift with attendees. Nicole and her husband, Bill, have both long championed causes that strengthen the community where they live and work. Nicole, a premier luxury real estate agent with over three decades in the Austin market, is Founder and Managing Partner of The Nicole Kessler Group — Compass, and has served as a longtime Board of Directors member for HeartGift.
Dr. Kessler works with the Institute for Cardiovascular Health, a clinical partnership between Ascension Seton and UT Health Austin, and is a professor with UT Health Austin.
The evening featured performances by acclaimed singer-songwriters Kent Blazy, Megan Linville, and Danny Myrick. Attendees were treated to original compositions, many of which have soared to fame in the hands of country music stars like Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, and Parker McCollum. The melodies filled the air with emotion, perfectly complementing the atmosphere of the mission-driven event.
At the heart of the night was a powerful reminder of why HeartGift exists. Just 13 days after undergoing open-heart surgery, 4-year-old Camila from Bolivia joined the event alongside her mother, Rocio Hurtado With a beautiful smile, Camila introduced herself to the crowd: “Me llamo Camila. Yo tengo cuatro años.” Through a translator, Rocio shared her immense gratitude: “HeartGift means for me and my family hope; it gives a new life to Camila.”
Dr. Bill Kessler, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon, captured the urgency of the cause. “Nobody understands that there are over a million children worldwide who have congenital heart defects that will most likely keep them from living to young adulthood,” he said. “A single operation could let them
live an absolutely normal life to adulthood. HeartGift has allowed us to bring children from thirdworld countries to our state, and now multiple centers around the United States are taking care of these children.” Congenital heart defects affect one in every 100 babies born worldwide—the most common birth defect—and over 90% of them lack access to specialized pediatric care. Founded in 2000 by Austinites Dr. Chip Oswalt (a board-certified cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon) and Ray Wilkerson (President and CEO of Ray Wilkerson Companies, Inc., and a community leader honored as “Austinite of the Year” in 2018), HeartGift has provided life-saving surgeries to more than 2500 children. The organization now runs chapters in Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and New Orleans. Songs for the Heart was an unforgettable evening filled with heartwarming stories and soulful melodies, all in support of a cause that touches the lives of countless families. Host Committee chairs included Stacy and Jerry Dollar, Jena Ehlinger and Currin Van Eman, Katie and Jordan Jaffe, Lisa and Ross Jessup, Amber and Al Koehler, Annie and Cord Shiflet, and Yuni and Jennings Steen. Thanks to their efforts and the generosity of attendees, performers, and sponsors, more children like Camila will have the chance at a healthy future.
To learn more about HeartGift’s mission or to get involved, visit heartgift.org.
Around the Neighborhood:
Drive a Senior ATX has joined with Chariot and Senior Access to become one unified
Around the Neighborhood
Drive a Senior. The newly named Drive a Senior will continue to office at Tarrytown Methodist, 2601 Exposition Blvd, and Jill Skinner continues as executive director of the new, expanded coverage organization, which offers free transportation and daily check-ins and light home repairs for seniors. At driveasenioratx.org and 512-472-6339 to volunteer or for services
9
7 Church of the Good Shepherd is sponsoring an Esperanza Community Holiday Open House at 760 Bastrop Hwy SB, Austin 78741 on Dec. 17. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Other Ones Foundation Board of Directors invite community members to gather for food, meaningful conversation, and to meet some of the previously unhoused residents of Esperanza Community. Members of the Church of the Good Shepherd will lead in singing carols, and guided tours of the community will be available. “Seven Acres of Asphalt” documentary will be previewed as well.
BY FORREST PREECE
Marsha Mayfield Lockett
Board member of numerous nonprofits, business owner
1. What’s something about you that not many people know?
I received an Emmy for the television broadcast of a human-interest story.
2. What was your first job?
Lifeguarding at the city pool in Cleburne, Texas.
3. If you could have dinner with three people — dead or alive, at any time in history — who would they be?
Mom, Dad (survivor of the Battle of the Bulge), and Grandmother ... now there’s a party!
4. If you had to pick four musicians for a playlist, who would they be? Wynonna, Chris Tomlin, Lyle Lovett and Justin Timberlake
5. Favorite book and TV show?
Lonesome Dove. “The only healthy way to live life is to learn to like all the little everyday things.” — August McCrae
8. Favorite restaurant and watering hole Eat local. Buy local.
9. What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Professional golfer.
10. What makes you happy?
6. Most powerful movie you have seen. Places in the Heart. A story of forgiveness and redemption that takes place in 1935 rural Texas.
7. Favorite place in Austin? My home. Austin Fence and Deck (shameless plug), Alamo Glass (2nd shameless plug)
In my opinion, happiness is temporary. Joy runs deep. My faith brings me joy, watching my children parent their children with loving parental skills, and the way my husband looks at me when I say something outrageous. Also, I run with a posse of confident, loyal, and selfless friends. I’m a lucky girl.
11. Best advice you ever received?
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. Love your neighbor as yourself.” Mark 12:30-31
VISIT
VISIT
Large inventory of wood, 3" to 16" widths, engineered or solid Unfinished or prefinished Stairways, computer cut patterns, ceilings, and countertops
• Sand & Finish
1977 • Large inventory of wood, 3” to 16” widths, engineered or solid • Unfinished or prefinished • Stairways, computer cut patterns, ceilings, and countertops • Sand & Finish
Large inventory of wood, 3" to 16" widths, engineered or solid Unfinished or prefinished Stairways, computer cut patterns, ceilings, and countertops
• Large inventory of wood, 3” to 16” widths, engineered or solid • Unfinished or prefinished • Stairways, computer cut patterns, ceilings, and countertops
Patricia Bauer-Slate
PBY FORREST PREECE
atricia Bauer-Slate’s story is an integral part of Austin’s modern culinary and cultural history. On a personal level, the restaurants she founded are a part of my own story.
Many Saturday mornings back in the 1976-77 era, when Linda and I were first married, we’d drive over to the original location of Sweetish Hill, at 1410 Waller, and enjoy a European breakfast, complete with newspapers on wooden rollers to read. When she moved Sweetish Hill to Pecan Square on West 6th St. in 1978, we followed along and started having weekend breakfasts there. On Sundays, we would walk next door to Watson Books after eating, and pick up a New York Times that had been reserved for us from a stack that was over six feet high. Those memories come flooding back, and I’m so glad that I finally have had a chance to talk with this remarkable woman who made all of that come to be.
Like many fortuitous things in life, all of these good times might never have happened except for a twist of fate when the University of Texas denied her application to join the Plan II program after she transferred from the University of Pennsylvania. If she had been accepted into Plan II, she would likely have missed having Dr. Joe Slate as a personal tutor, and they wouldn’t have gotten married, which led to her traveling to Vienna with him on his Fulbright Fellowship year in 1972/73. While on that trip, she met master baker Tom Neuhaus and his wife. Together, Tom and Patricia hatched an idea for a breakthrough Austin restaurant, and they became business partners at Sweetish Hill. Sometimes, everything works out for the best. “What a fabulous time that Fulbright year was,” Patricia says. After Joe and Patricia returned to town, Tom followed about six months later. Soon, they began the process of starting a European-style bakery and restaurant in Austin, which was a fine food desert at the time. They located a stately old home four blocks east of I-35 that had been the venue for Karen Kuykendall’s Theatre Unlimited, and bought it. One of the first things they had to do was dig trenches under the columns beneath the house and pour extra concrete so that the structure could withstand the installation of two heavy $300 Blodgett pizza ovens. In contrast, fifteen years later, at the West 6th location, they would purchase two ovens that cost a total of $80,000. They initially had around 25 employees—at
the height of everything years later, they had 150. “We opened on a song and a tiny loan from our parents,” Patricia says.
On March 5, 1975, the day that they opened Sweetish Hill, she and Joe bought their house on Highland Avenue. Patricia came to the closing on the house wearing her dirndl from work. “I was baking and working the front of the restaurant! There was no chance to change.” To say the least, that was a landmark span of hours in her life.
The business was an immediate success. They sold out of their baked goods early on the first day. Soon, they were producing twice as much product as they thought they needed, and they felt quite proud of themselves. Patricia says that an employee’s dad brought them down to earth with a wise saying, “Never mistake timing for intelligence.”
They were doing well at the first location, but soon, there were indications that a move might be necessary. For example, one of the issues they had to deal with was that the City of Austin was digging up Waller Street. It seemed like there was no timeline to
complete the job, so Waller remained in disrepair for months, forcing their customers to search for parking blocks away. One memorable day, a regular customer returned to the restaurant with an ashen face, minutes after paying his bill. The partially excavated street had swallowed his car. It was East Austin, after all, and there was no hurry to finish the work.
Then there was a stroke of serendipity. In 1978, Mary McIntyre, who owned Pecan Square on West Sixth at Blanco, made a strong pitch for Patricia and Tom to move Sweetish Hill there. It didn’t take long for her to say yes. The move would put the bakery much closer to where most of her customers lived, and it would be a few blocks from her own home. Soon, they made a heroic transition from Waller Street to Pecan Square without missing a day of baking. People flocked there for pastries and other baked goods immediately, and lines of customers wrapped up the street. Patricia says that sometimes there were fights between people who thought others had cut in line.
It wasn’t long until they opened a restaurant behind the bakery, and things were
booming. (The menu included a never-duplicated Beef Wellington that I still dream about, but that’s another story.) Then the 1980s arrived, and business started dropping off. Many other restaurants opened in West Austin, along with several large downtown hotels, and they also offered breakfasts and weekend brunches. The lines just weren’t there any longer.
In 1988, Jim Murphy, who was one of Tom and Patricia’s former cooking school students, entered the picture. He became Patricia’s partner in the business, and in 2008, she sold her share of the enterprise to him. He later sold the Sweetish Hill franchise to MML Hospitality. This organization has revised the restaurant’s name to Swedish Hill, operates a bakery just east of the original location, and has one in Westlake. It will also be opening a new, larger outlet at 415 Colorado, in the heart of downtown.
Soon after that, another opportunity for Patricia’s food preparation skills presented itself. A friend whose son is autistic and was attending All Saints School asked her to cook some gluten-free food for him and a few classmates. It was an instant hit. Patricia says her friend called and
said, with tears in her voice, “My son came home and said, ‘Mommy! I got to eat what the other kids ate!’” With that encouragement, Patricia started preparing food for everyone in his class. She says that she had been running Sweetish Hill for 33 years and thought that this would be easier. “Another miscalculation on my part.”
The operation mushroomed, and she went down the school lunch path. In the first year, she had staffed up three people preparing food in each of seven schools. That meant ordering the food, training the staff, and ensuring everything was prepared properly. Patricia soon found out some of the downsides of this endeavor. Sometimes she had to take calls from angry parents who were steamed for reasons such as their child having been served rice instead of potatoes. And some kids were so clueless that they would throw their knives and forks into the trash cans.
The COVID year put an end to the school lunches, and that business had become stressful, to say the least. These days, Patricia still cooks for her granddaughter and several others. “I’m motivated by cooking for others. For me, life’s been a pantry!”
A Picky Eater at the Holiday Table
By Linda Ball
My maternal grandmother was largely responsible for keeping me alive despite my childhood dietary foibles as well as looking after me after school for the first few grades and sewing almost all my clothing.
As a child, I mostly wanted to eat cheese, lunch meat, white bread, and potato chips accompanied by sweet sodas and followed by uncomplicated candy. Turkey and chicken were acceptable.
Grandmother DeArmond (we called her Deedy) did not have any of that on hand as a rule. She fed me roast chicken, sometimes with giblet gravy and maybe potatoes. She made warm chocolate syrup and poured it over Rice Crispies to get me to eat cereal with milk. I didn’t really like cold milk. I would drink it still warm from the cow after my mother had strained and bottled it. I didn’t like any produce except potatoes and maybe carrots.
How did I become the person who loves organ meats, new flavors, wonderful breads, and every item of produce imaginable? A self-styled gourmet seeking Michelin stars because the designations promise new ways to experience all sorts of food.
I think it was at the Thanksgiving table (repeated at Christmas) where Deedy enhanced my plain fare with a hint of the rich world of savory spices and organ meats. These meals nudged me away from my awful ultra-processed desires, and I became a full-blown ecumenical eater.
I am sure the groaning board at these holiday affairs had some green beans and other vegetables and a can-shaped blob of cranberry “sauce.” In the holiday spirit, I was allowed to ignore them without much fuss.
The turkey was cooked to perfection. I preferred white meat, but Dad, who was usually the carver, tried to give me some dark meat, which I now prefer. Deedy generally cooked chickens she raised in the yard, but this bird was doubtless from the grocery store. The giblets — gizzard, heart, liver, neck — were inside the cavity. She used these and added boiled eggs, drippings, and stock to make giblet gravy. She made yeast-risen dough and made endless amounts of dinner rolls and cinnamon rolls. There were mashed potatoes with real butter (made by my mother when I was small) and cream. The cornbread dressing was always perfect, the amount of cornbread, stale bread, celery, onions and spices producing something savory but not overwhelmed by spice and onion that might turn the picky eater away.
The hot, slightly sweet, rolls, the dressing, the turkey, and the mashed potatoes all got a large dose of the giblet gravy on my plate. That organ meat flavoring made an impression on my palate, expanding my idea of tasty and edible. The cream and butter, the spices, celery, and onion sent me on a new path. I ate a lot at that meal despite the lack of healthy vegetables, satisfying my loved ones who despaired of getting me to eat anything but soda, candy, snacks and cheese. But there was always room for a giant, luscious cinnamon roll with the perfect dough and just the right amount of sugar, butter and cinnamon. Maybe more than one.
If I were offered those rolls, dressing, and that magic giblet gravy from Deedy’s table today, I might prefer them to seared foie gras or a caviar service. I have yet to find that taste memory duplicated.
Big Hearts Bright Futures Raises Funds to Impact Central Texas Families
Community leaders and supporters gathered for Any Baby Can’s (ABC) recent Big Hearts Bright Futures Luncheon to celebrate the organization’s impact on families in Central Texas and raise funds to expand services. More than $70,000 was raised to support ABC’s mission of empowering parents and providing a brighter future for children.
The afternoon featured inspiring stories from ABC staff that highlighted the organization’s impact in helping children thrive, underscoring the vital role that ABC plays in strengthening families. Attendees heard first-hand how ABC’s programs provide guidance, education, and support that positively impact families’ lives.
Whether assisting first-time moms, helping parents of a child with special healthcare needs, or providing guidance in navigating everyday parenting, ABC provides a vital lifeline to parents in need. The funds raised will help expand these essential resources and reach even more families in Central Texas.
“The turnout and generosity demonstrated at this year’s luncheon were truly inspiring,” said Zeena Querbach, Any Baby Can Board Chair. “The thoughtful conversations that followed have already cultivated promising partnerships that will, without question, create lasting impact for both our organization and the broader community. Especially in times of uncertainty, it is deeply encouraging to see how readily people come together in support of a shared mission and a brighter future.”
Any Baby Can is a nonprofit organization that provides essential services in child development, family health, and parent support in Austin and surrounding counties. Every contribution helps create a stronger, more vibrant and equitable community.
For more information, visit anybabycan.org.
Locally owned by Laura Parsons Interior designer and owner of Parsons i.d.
Community Leaders Rally for Brain Health at Westwood Country Club Luncheon
By Anne DeVries
Alzheimer’s Texas, the Darrell K. Royal Research Fund (DKR Fund), and the Texas Healthy Brain Initiative (THBI) hosted a luncheon on October 28 at Westwood Country Club. The gathering brought together community leaders, caregivers, and advocates to hear from two influential figures: Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Singletary and world-renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Hunt Batjer, on brain health, dementia prevention, and the need for ongoing research.
The event served as a rallying cry for Texans to vote yes on Amendment 14, a ballot measure proposing $3 billion in state funding to establish the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT). This institute would drive innovative research into dementia causes, from early childhood factors and veteran injuries to athletic head traumas and lifestyle impacts.
Keynote speaker Mike Singletary, a Super Bowl champion and NFL Hall of Famer, shared his evolution from professional athlete to advocate for healthy aging. “As a player, I gave everything to the game,”
Singletary shared. “Now my focus is on living a healthy lifestyle because prevention matters.” He stressed that brain health is a daily commitment, not solely a medical concern, inspiring attendees to prioritize proactive habits.
Joining Singletary was Dr. Hunt Batjer, a Texas native and internationally acclaimed neurosurgeon specializing in brain and spinal health.
After chairing neurosurgery at Northwestern University in Chicago, Dr. Batjer returned to his home state in 2012 to lead the department at UT Southwestern. His expertise gained national prominence during the 2010 CTE crisis,
when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell appointed him co-chair of the league’s Head, Neck and Spine Committee — a role he held for eight years.
DKR Fund president Debbie Hanna highlighted the organization’s long-term dedication. “For years, we have worked to elevate brain health to the level of urgency it deserves, and Amendment 14 is the result of that persistence,” Hanna said. “Now, Texans have the chance to take the next step in creating a statewide institute that will fuel research, prevention, and hope for generations to come.”
DK Reynolds, a prominent community leader and dedicated board member for Alzheimer’s Texas, also addressed the group. She expressed optimism for Amendment 14’s passage and DPRIT’s potential. “Research would shine light on early childhood episodes that lead to later-life dementia,” Reynolds noted. “Veterans’ injuries and their compromised ability to man-
age the symptoms… discrete or serious head injuries incurred by athletes, young or old, causing cognitive impairment; the often dire consequences of poor lifestyle and behavior decisions—and, yes, what actually constitutes health and injury.”
Thanks to the tireless
efforts of Alzheimer’s Texas, the DKR Fund, THBI, and the broader community, Amendment 14 has been successfully adopted into the Texas State Constitution. The $3 billion in funds will be drawn from existing state resources, paving the way for DPRIT to advance dementia prevention and research.
This luncheon marked the second installment in the three-part Leading the Conversation Series, which kicked off in January with Dr. Ron Petersen of the Mayo Clinic. The series will wrap up in January 2026 with a lecture by Dr. Laura DeFina, a board-certified internal medicine specialist and CEO of the renowned Cooper Clinic. Dr. DeFina is a published expert on health, fitness, and the heart-brain connection in aging.
The luncheon underscores our community’s commitment to tackling dementia head-on. With Amendment 14 now passed, creating a new state-funded
The Headliners Club Completes $8 Million Renovation
By Forrest Preece
Headliners Club members and guests gathered on Nov. 3 to enjoy the renovations that have just been completed to its facilities. The extensive $8 million reworking of the Club on the 21st floor of the Procore Tower (formerly the Chase Tower) at 221 W. 6th Street has produced a brighter, more modern-feeling space that will enhance its members’ experiences. The Club had been functioning on a modified basis during the renovation, and full operations resumed on Nov. 4. The award-winning Austin-based Michael Hsu Office of Architecture designed the extensive project. White Construction was the general contractor. Construction began in January 2025.
“Today marks a bold new chapter in the storied history of The Headliners Club — one shaped by the voices of our members and years of thoughtful planning,” Meade Bauer, chairman of the club, said. “We have transformed the space into one that is more dynamic, functional, and reflective of the spirit of Austin, providing the ideal backdrop for the conversations and relationships that will continue to shape our city.”
The design celebrates The Headliners Club’s strong legacy while providing an improved space for members to gather and cultivate lifelong connections. A mix of elegant spaces will pro-
vide a variety of opportunities for members to gather, whether for a casual drink or a large event celebrating a business or personal milestone.
The Club serves as a second home to many of its 900 members, who were surveyed regarding priorities for the upgrade. The plan was responsive to members’ requests for more a la carte dining opportunities, an updated “Press Box” bar area, and enhancements to the overall décor.
Historical photos, newspaper clippings, and other artifacts celebrating the members are woven into the renovated rooms, which feature a blend of timeless and modern décor, cozy furnishings, and the Headliners Club’s art collection. The new design also highlights the Club’s exceptional views of the city, giving members a look outward to the living history of Austin. Charles E. Green, the longtime executive editor of the Austin American-Statesman, conceived the original idea for the Headliners Club. It was chartered in 1954 and opened in 1955. Before settling into its current location at Sixth and Lavaca during the 1970s, the Club operated from facilities in the historic Driskill Hotel and later on top of the Westgate Building, near the Texas Capitol. The Headliners Club recently renewed its lease at the Procore Tower for an additional 30 years.
PHOTOS OF MEMBERS AND GUESTS BY ZAYDA DORANTES; RENOVATED SPACES BY STACY SODOLAK, SMS PHOTOGRAPHY
Backyard Ball Celebrates “Austin’s Finest” and Raises Funds to Cure Cystic Fibrosis
This year’s Backyard Ball, the premiere annual fundraiser for the Central Texas Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF), was recently held at The Belmont in downtown Austin and proved to be a resounding show of community support for those battling this rare disease. The grand evening was also a celebration of CFF’s “Austin’s Finest” honorees. The sold out event, which brought civic leaders and the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) community together, raised over $75,000 to find a cure for CF.
A highlight of the night was the recognition of the 2025 honorees of the “Austin’s Finest” campaign. Each year, outstanding community members are nominated for their exemplary leadership and active involvement in the community to join in the fight to treat and ultimately end CF.
This year’s nominees included Jamie Moser, John Burkhalter, Kailyn Jopling, Kathy Vazquez, Krista Evans, Megan Mrazek, Patrice Beiswanger, Rebecca Bassett, and Sunny Nelson. Together they raised an impressive $56,000, with the top two participants — Megan Mrazek and Patrice Beiswanger — each raising almost $14,000 in an unprecedented tie for first place.
Board members Tara and Casey Kent shared their family’s deeply personal journey with CF and the impact CFF’s support has had on their lives. They highlighted the challenges of funding vital medical research today and their commitment to helping families overcome the isolation that often accompanies the disease.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that affects the lungs and digestive system, leading to an overproduction of mucus that can cause severe respiratory and digestive issues. The mission of CFF is to cure CF and provide individuals the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives through research, community support and specialized care.
Stacy Dollar, Executive Director of the local chapter, declared, “We cannot stop until CF stands for Cure Found.” For more information on how to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, please visit cff.org.
2406 PEMBERTON PARKWAY
A Rare Pemberton Heights Retreat Backing to the Shoal Creek Trail
4 Beds | 4.5 Baths Offered for $4,450,000
An Unforgettable Night with Longhorns, Boots and Bandanas to Benefit Ronald McDonald House
Oh, what a night!
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas (RMHC CTX) recently hosted the 36th Annual Bandana Ball, an inspiring evening of Texas-style entertainment and heartfelt storytelling that brought community members together to celebrate and support Ronald McDonald House (RMH). The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum provided the perfect backdrop for a Texas-inspired night of revelry that raised an impressive $676,000 to further RMHC CTX’s mission of keeping families close to the medical care their children need.
Trevor Scott, co-host of CBS’s We Are Austin, emceed the exciting event, which included a lavish dinner featuring Texas cuisine. This year’s “Aspen Meets Austin” theme blended mountain chic with Hill Country charm, setting the perfect tone for the evening.
Guests enjoyed a variety of Western-inspired activities, including an Alvie’s boot bar, offering custom-designed cowboy boots, while Bronte Treat provided live embroidery on personalized bandanas.
For the gutsy guests, a Longhorn steer was on-site to pose for memorable photos beneath the museum’s iconic Texas star. Other festive highlights included armadillo races, spirited live and silent auctions, and a themed photo booth. Guests also participated in a “Sponsor a Family” paddle raise, pairing competition with compassion in the true spirit of generosity.
One of the most powerful moments of the night came from a moving video featuring Mallory Sumner, who shared how much RMH meant to her family when her infant daughter required surgery and hospitalization nearly a decade ago.
“The moments that we had
in the Ronald McDonald House room before her surgery, as a family, were some of the best and strongest moments of the three of us,” shared Sumner. Sumner praised RMH as “a place of strength,” expressing how grateful her family is for the support the House provided during that difficult time. She emphasized the importance of the community’s support of RMH for their vital role in easing the burdens families face.
Cindi Ferguson, whose organization, Ferguson Family McDonald’s, was the presenting sponsor of this year’s Bandana Ball, reflected, “For over 34 years, our family and business have supported RMHC CTX. This year’s sponsorship is a legacy for our son, who always gave back to the House that gave so much to others.” For more than 40 years, RMHC CTX has offered lodging, meals, and compassionate support to families with hospitalized children across Central Texas.
To learn more or support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas, please visit rmhc-ctx.org.
Party for the Parks Raises Record Amount
Each year, between ACL’s two music-packed weekends at Zilker Park, the Austin Parks Foundation (APF) hosts its Party for the Parks, a private concert that raises funds to benefit Austin’s nearly 400 parks, trails, and green spaces. More than 850 park supporters came together for this year’s 11th annual event on Zilker Park’s Great Lawn, raising a record $700,000 for park programs and green space initiatives.
ACL headliner and indie pop sensation Passion Pit took the Tito’s stage as the evening’s main event. Guests enjoyed a catered buffet provided by Taco Deli and beverages from local vendors.
CBS Austin’s Trevor Scott and Sarah Wolf of Good Party ATX hosted the exclusive event, which included fundraising games, along with live and silent auctions. A Kendra Scott “Color Bar” offered
guests the opportunity to create personalized jewelry.
“Party for the Parks is our way of celebrating our community’s incredible support for Austin’s parks,” said Colin Wallis, CEO of Austin Parks Foundation. “The event brings Austinites together to raise vital funds for our city’s green spaces while showcasing the vibrant spirit that makes Austin so special. We were thrilled to welcome longtime supporters and new faces for what turned out to be an electric night with Passion Pit.” APF is the sole beneficiary of ACL, with more than $8.4 million donated in 2024 alone.
Since its inception in 2002, ACL has raised over $71 million to support APF’s mission of enhancing and preserving Austin’s parks and green spaces. To learn more about APF programs and how to support Austin parks, visit austinparks. org.
A Night of Celebration and a Kickoff to 40 Years of Smiles
The Austin Plastic Surgery Foundation proudly hosted its 39th Annual Wish Upon a Smile Gala, presented by Altrua Healthshare, on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the breathtaking Starlight Terrace at The Oasis on Lake Travis.
The unforgettable evening raised critical funds to support Austin Smiles’ mission of providing surgical and post-surgical care for children born with cleft lip and palate in Central Texas and across Latin America. More than 350 supporters gathered to celebrate nearly four decades of life-changing impact, collectively raising nearly $450,000 to support the organization’s mission.
Guests enjoyed the best sunset in Austin, a beautifully prepared dinner, an open bar, and a lively silent and live auction before ending the night with a special performance by Sir Woman. The program was emceed by Allison Miller of CBS Austin, with Victoria
Pineda returning as Auctioneer to lead a spirited evening of bidding. Gala co-chairs Patty Johns and Michelle Jones once again provided outstanding leadership for this signature event.
Each year, the Gala recognizes the extraordinary volunteers who make Austin Smiles’ mission possible. In 2025, the organization was proud to present the 7th Annual Cullington-Fox-Beckham International Service Award to Dr. Bob Clement and George Cowden. Dr. Clement, a pioneering surgeon and longtime volunteer at Austin Smiles, has dedicated decades of service to children with cleft conditions both locally and abroad. George Cowden, a passionate advocate and former attorney, helped launch Shoot for a Smile, the organization’s signature clay shoot fundraiser, which has raised more than $1 million to support Austin Smiles’ work. Their contribu-
tions have strengthened Austin Smiles’ ability to serve children across Central Texas and Latin America.
One of the most moving moments of the night came when Josie Kelly, Austin Smiles’ Lead Parent Advocate, and her daughter Liz, a longtime participant in Austin Smiles’ local programs, took the stage to share their story. Josie spoke about the care and support Liz received from the very beginning — surgeries, speech therapy, and ongoing dental and orthodontic care — and how Austin Smiles has helped her daughter grow with confidence and belonging. She highlighted the impact of programs like the Holiday Party, Back-to-School Bash, and Parent Support Group, which provide connection and reassurance to families. Liz then shared her own words, describing how Camp Amigo helped her make friends, try new things, and meet Ellise Perry, “a friend who feels like family,” before thanking everyone for supporting Austin Smiles.
The success of this year’s gala was made possible through the leadership of Gala
co-chairs Patty Johns and Michelle Jones, along with the dedicated Wish Upon a Smile Gala Planning Committee. Looking ahead, Dina Milhem and Blanca Ibarra have been announced as co-chairs for Austin Smiles’ 40th Anniversary Gala, scheduled for November 7, 2026, once again at the Oasis on Lake Travis.
Every year, Austin Smiles conducts three medical mission trips to Latin America, providing over 50 surgeries per trip and offering follow-up support, dental services, and speech therapy to approximately 150 children with cleft lip and palate. Locally, Austin Smiles serves over 800 patients annually in Central Texas, providing social and emotional programming, nutritional support, parent support groups, speech therapy, advocacy, and preventative dental care.
For those who missed the event, a recording of the live stream is available on Austin Smiles’ Facebook and YouTube channels, featuring award presentations and Sir Woman’s performance. To learn more about volunteering or donating, please visit www.austinsmiles.org
Preservation Austin Receives Preservation Texas Honor Award for the McFarland-McBee House
Preservation Austin has received an Honor Award from Preservation Texas recognizing the rehabilitation of the McFarland-McBee House, the non-profit’s headquarters.
Preservation Texas’s Honor Awards is a biennial program that recognizes exceptional individuals and projects that advance historic preservation across the state. Preservation Austin’s staff and board joined other awardees in San Antonio on Oct. 30 to accept this honor.
The project team for the rehabilitation project included architects Hutson Gallagher, LLC, Tsen Engineering, and ATC Contractors, with landscaping by David Wilson Garden Design and interior design by Heather Herndon, JS Dwellings.
The McFarland-McBee House, built in 1947, is a landmark of Austin culture and preservation advocacy. Located at 3805 Red River in the Hancock neighborhood, the property was built by J. P. and Byrdie McFarland, who infused their dream home with their love for the Streamline Moderne style, as seen in the houses, hotels, and nightclubs of South Florida. The McFarlands lived here with their young sons, James and John, until 1954.
By 1962, the house had become a rental property, providing a home to students, servicemen, and musicians.
Longtime resident Tom Pittman of the Austin Lounge Lizards band lived there in the 1990s with his wife Madgie Hollingshead, and the house became a fixture in the bluegrass music scene. Music legends like Joni Mitchell, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and Marcia Ball were among the attendees at their well-known parties, including an annual gathering at the end of each SXSW.
In 2014, Preservation Austin led a grassroots movement to save this house from demoli-
tion. The nonprofit purchased the house in 2019, listed it in the National Register of Historic Places in 2020, and embarked on its extensive rehabilitation to serve as a headquarters for Preservation Austin’s offices, advocacy, and programming. To express gratitude for the generosity of the McBee Family Foundation, in 2024, Preservation Austin renamed the house in honor of Sue and Frank McBee, leaders in Austin’s cultural life and preservation movement.
“Preserving this special historic place was an unprecedented undertaking for our small nonprofit, and Preservation Austin is honored to receive this
statewide recognition,” Lindsey Derrington, Preservation Austin’s Executive Director, said. “Every historic building brings its own set of challenges, and the McFarland-McBee House is particularly unusual in its design and construction. Its rehabilitation involved hundreds of decisions and extensive problem-solving. Our project team cared deeply for Preservation Austin and for the building, which made all the difference.” Preservation Austin empowers Austinites to shape a more inclusive, resilient, and meaningful community culture through preservation. For more information, visit preservationaustin.org.
By Anne DeVries
For the second consecutive year, St. Michael’s Prep hosted the Advanced Vertical Robotics (AVR) Statewide Drone Competition on November 7-8. This exciting event brought together talented high school teams from across Texas to showcase their skills in programming and piloting coordinated drones in real-world simulations.
The competition challenges students to blend automation with hands-on flying, preparing them for future careers in engineering, technology, and robotics. Teams must program drones to make split-second decisions while guiding multiple aircraft to undertake complex missions that assist on-ground mechanical rovers in completing a pre-assigned task. Successful completion of the challenge requires creativity, technical programming skills, and teamwork.
The St. Michael’s Prep team, the Falcon Fighters, is made up of students from the school’s Robotics and Design class, the LightSaders club, and the Upper School Competitive Robotics program. Building on a strong foundation from middle school engineering and science courses, these upper school students continue to push boundaries with innovative CAD designs, creative builds, and cutting-edge programming.
“Preparing for the competition was all-consuming,” Chris McGlathery, a junior and Falcon Fighter team member, shared. “But our team was ready and confident that we would complete the assigned mission under the stress of a competitive environment.”
Months of intense preparation paid off for the Falcon Fighters. Using artificial intelligence, augmented reality headsets, and countless hours of preparatory simulations, the student engineers and programmers trained their drones
and rovers to react in real time while sharpening their own piloting skills. The team turned in an outstanding performance over the two-day event.
Day 1: 1st Place Design Award and 2nd Place Overall— qualifying the Falcon Fighters for the national level once again, to be held on December 5th in Dallas.
Day 2: 3rd Place Overall and 1st Place Presentation Award.
Congratulations to the St. Michael’s Prep Falcon Fighters on another remarkable showing, now with back-to-back national-level recognitions. These dedicated students represent the bright, ambitious future of a St. Michael’s Prep education in engineering, robotics, and advanced technology.
St. Michael’s Prep is Central Texas’ only independent, Catholic PreK3–12th-grade school. To learn more, visit smcprep.org.
November
20, 2025
St. Stephen’s Episcopal School is celebrating 75 years of developing sharp minds, fierce spirits and compassionate hearts. In its banner year, the school is home to 714 students in both the day and boarding programs, and is excited to welcome new students and families.
The Austin community is invited to attend two impactful events on campus this December: Discovery Weekend and Open House, and the Festival of Lessons and Carols.
Discovery Weekend is open to prospective students and their parents, who are invited to experience the St. Stephen’s curriculum and extracurricular opportunities. St. Stephen’s is a place where students are encouraged to pursue their passions and prepare
for success in college and beyond. Do Something Saturday offers students applying for the 2026-27 academic year a chance to participate in activities on campus. Students can attend mock classes and meet current faculty members, athletic coaches, and fine arts instructors. Discovery Weekend and Admission Open House is scheduled for Dec. 6-8.
The community is also invited to celebrate the holiday season at the annual Festival of Lessons and Carols. A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols was first introduced on Christmas Eve in 1918 at King’s College Chapel, Cambridge. Traditionally, the service begins with the lone voice of the shepherd singing of the humble faith of Mary and concludes with a joyful carol after the Gospel reading announcing the birth of Jesus. For decades at St. Stephen’s, the service has included the retelling of this arc of salvation history as well as the singing of anthems and carols led by members of the St. Stephen’s choirs.
The service is an opportunity to pause during the hectic holiday season and pray for God’s peace and blessing upon our community and the world. Join us at St. Stephen’s on Saturday, Dec. 13, or Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, at 7 p.m. Visit sstx.org for more information.
LowerSchool:Wednesdaysat10:00am
MiddleSchool:Tuesdaysat10:00am
UpperSchool:Tuesdaysat10:00am
As Austin’s most trusted and enduring Austin Galleries owner Ann Attal has been connecting over six decades.
Browse our unparalleled collection of over 1,000 original works, spanning styles and eras—from traditional Vintage Texas Landscapes to bold contemporary
"Nataniel" by Martha OchoaOil on canvas, 59" x 39"