Travis County Medical Alliance Throws a Party to Keep Austin Healthy

On April 14, the Travis County Medical Alliance and Foundation celebrated its 99th year by bringing together the “family of medicine” with physicians, their spouses/partners, sponsors and guests, to raise money for eight well deserving non-profits at its annual gala, Party With a Purpose. The TCMA was formed in Austin in 1924 so it was fitting to have Iconic Austin as the theme for the evening at the Austin Central Library.

The Party committee members, co-chaired by Christi Dammert and Melissa Smith, were inspired by the rich history of Austin and while planning the event they laughed over the endless ways to “Keep Austin Weird.” Leading up to the event TCMA members received fun historical facts about Austin dating all the way back to how the land was formed, how the city was formed, how Willie Nelson made Austin his hometown and little nuggets about Austin landmarks.

Julie Cowan and Christina Fenrich created the funky decor which included tie-dye, a plethora of El Arroyo signs and oversized backdrops featuring the Broken Spoke and the UT Tower. At the event, guests were encouraged to wear what they felt represented Austin — lots of boots, tie dye, western shirts, bell bottoms, swing skirts and even a re-interpretation of the Texas flag. Guests sipped on classic margaritas, filled up on tacos and brisket, and twostepped the night away to the classic country band The Merles.

Sponsorships, direct donations and a fabulous raffle that include a once-in-a-lifetime VIP experience at the Kentucky Derby donated by Dr. Richard and Inga Ruckman raised $64,000, fulfilling the grant requests of halfHelen, Hope Clinic, Austin State Hospital’s Volunteer Services Council, Lirios, Memory Caregivers, Volunteer Healthcare Clinic, St. Louise House, and the Travis County Medical Society Physician’s Wellness Program. The Alliance supports the mission to “work for a healthier central Texas” through service projects and by providing grants to well deserving non-profit organizations.

It was an iconic Austin kind of night!