Party With A Purpose, Benefitting HeartGift, Funds

Party with a Purpose 2023, held at J.W. Marriott on Thursday, March 2nd, was one for the record books! The event, benefitting Austin-based HeartGift, raised more than $750,000. These funds will provide free live-saving heart surgeries to children who live around the world in places where specialized pediatric care is either scarce or non-existent.

In addition to fun and festivities, party-goers enjoyed cocktails, dinner, and a live auction. Country singer Aaron Watson wowed crowds late into the evening. During the evening’s festivities, HeartGift honored several individuals who have been involved with HeartGift in a deep and profound way.

Honorees included Chuck Brown, founding Board Chair for San Antonio Chapter; Sally and Mack Brown; Vicky and Ron Charpentier; Tim LaFrey, founding Board Chair for Austin Chapter; Brent Ramirez, founding Board Chair for Louisiana Chapter; Bret Sanders, Houston Chapter Board Chair; and

Kathy and Patrick Terry.

“HeartGift’s mission will only be accomplished when every child with a congenital heart defect has access to the specialized medical care they need,” says Christy Casey-Moore, HeartGift CEO.

“Thanks to our generous donors, sponsors and medical partners, nearly 800 children have already received a lifesaving heart surgery, yet many more need our help.”

HeartGift provides lifesaving heart surgeries to children from around the world. One in 100 babies is born with a congenital heart defect (CHD) globally each year. In industrialized countries such as the United States, the corrective surgery is accessible and provided to those in need, regardless of financial capacity or geographic location. In 2000, HeartGift was founded to address this disparity, and since inception, has served nearly 800 patients from 35 countries. For more information, visit www. heartgift.org.

Waya

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The event brought out over 1,000 children and their families who enjoyed bounce houses, laser tag, dunk tanks, face painting and more. Board Member Brent Metchan, also known as DJ Hear No Evil, entertained the crowd.

Guests of the event didn’t go hungry (or thirsty). Mighty Fine provided cheeseburgers, and H-E-B had delicious BBQ. Sweet treats were provided by Jim-Jim’s Water-Ice and Fancy Fluff Cotton Candy. Dulce Vida, Boxt Wine, and Meanwhile Brewing supplied adult beverages, and Richard’s Rainwater kept everyone hydrated.

WAYA is a non-profit organization serving more than 16,000 youth from more than 50 area zip codes annually. For more information, visit www.waya.org