Gala night raises funds for CHRISTUS
The 2023 Stars of Texas Gala in this post COVID-19 world brought out many of the county’s most philanthropic residents for an evening of fine food and fellowship.
Sponsored by CHRISTUS Santa Rosa, the event was held April 13 at the Embassy Suites San Marcos Hotel, Spa and Conference Center. The goal of the evening was to raise funds for the CHRISTUS Santa Rosa San Marcos Foundation. According to information presented at the gala, the foundation was officially established in 2022 and was formally the Central Texas Medical Center Foundation that dated to 1982. The foundation funds community health and wellness programs, and advances in promoting clinical excellence at the hospital.
Master of ceremonies was Matthew Worthington who is the outpatient program director at PAM Health Specialty and Rehab Hospital of Luling and PAM Health Rehabilitation Clinic of Lockhart. Worthington is also the immediate past chair of the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital President Thomas McKinney offered a tribute the hospital’s healthcare heroes. In the program for the evening, he stated, “While COVID 19 tested all of us, no one endured more than the brave men and women who staffed our nation’s hospitals, emergency department and intensive care units.”
Guests were entertained by Sundance Head, who placed in the Top 13 in American Idol in 2006 and was the winner of “The Voice,” in 2016. His team captain on that show was Blake Shelton and he toured with the singer in 2017. Sundance Head has said that he was influenced by James Brown, Patsy Cline, George Jones, Marvin Gaye and Queen.
Members of the 2023 Gala Committee are Jerilyn Miller, director of development, CHRISTUS Santa Rosa San Marcos Foundation, Jackie Arredondo, Kathleen Chomel, Sue Diegelman, Jan Knott, Teresa Weaver and Matt Worthington.
The foundation’s executive board of directors include Chairman Corey Carothers, DDS, Wayne Becak, McKinney, John Navarrette, secretary, Scott Yarbrough, and other members, Barrie Breed, Shane Fraser, Gloria Ingram, Jon Mazursky, Holly Morris, Ken Strange, Lance Winter and Pablo Zuniga.
