TexasFest, the annual western-themed gala that benefits the Irving Healthcare Foundation, on May 3 raised funds to go the newly created Healthier Irving Endowment. Funds collected through individual and corporate sponsorships, ticket sales and the sale of items in both live and silent auctions resulted in over $300,000 raised by the “Boot Scootin’ Birthday” Gala.

"Irving Healthcare Foundation has granted $26 million since it opened its doors three decades ago, and $6 million of that total has been raised at the 29 TexasFests since 1980. Every chairperson and every volunteer at TexasFest shares in that remarkable achievement," said Foundation President John Drake. "If you're reading this quote--whether it's day or night--someone in Irving is receiving medical care that is made possible or made better with the help of gifts raised at TexasFest. I hope everyone who supports TexasFest gains tremendous satisfaction knowing that fact."

For the first time in TexasFest history, the foundation secured permission from the gala's donors to permanently restrict the event's proceeds. The more than $300,000 raised at TexasFest 2008 now forms a new Healthier Irving Endowment. Every year going forward, this $300,000 will earn income that the Irving Healthcare Foundation Board of Directors can award to improve medical and healthcare services in Irving. "The beauty of an endowment is that it generates investment income we can award year after year. And, the dollars generated by the endowment will be in addition to the gifts our board and staff raises each year from our community to help Baylor Irving, Our Children's House at Irving and the Irving Interfaith Clinic," explained IHF Chair Angela Enright.

Lisa Mazon, who co-chaired TexasFest this year with Cindy Hester, noted, "What a great experience it was to work with such wonderful staff, volunteers, great sponsors and the best entertainer-Steve Wariner! I am thrilled that we are the first TexasFest chairs to give money to the Healthier Irving Endowment.”

Co-chair Cindy Hester added, "Co-chairing TexasFest with Lisa & Mrs. Mazon has been a wonderful experience. We had such great partners in the Foundation office to work with. When the months of coordinating came together on Saturday night, it was just perfect. I’m really proud to have been associated with this event and its family of supporters.”

            "Underwriting Committee Chairperson Helma Mazon is an extraordinary volunteer and Irving businessperson," Drake added. Surrounded and supported by experienced volunteers like Irving's, Jan Boyce, Pat Carnell, Janice Carroll, Angela Enright, Susie Fan, Clem Lear, Lisa Mazon, Burnie Stehman, Tom Trotter, Chris Wallace and Rob Witte, these volunteers helped secure more than $218,000 in support from both corporations and individuals. Top corporate sponsors this year included Mazon Associates and Citi as Diamond Sponsors and Fidelity Investments and the Hyatt Regency DFW at the Platinum Sponsor level. The Chairman’s Circle, which recognizes gifts of $5,000 or more from individuals, had 19 members or couples represented.

            For the third year in a row, Citi has sponsored chance drawings at TexasFest to win a $10,000 pre-paid MasterCard. In both 2006 and 2007, the proceeds of the Citi BIG MONEY Drawing have gone to support the Irving Interfaith Clinic, which provides access for needy Irving residents to receive primary medical care from one of the volunteer physicians who staff this clinic. The agency is located near the intersection of O’Connor Road and Union Bower Street. It is open one evening each week and one Saturday each month to provide primary, or non-emergent, care to patients. “Irving is so fortunate to have a generous corporate citizen like Citi that invests its gift dollars in projects that make life better in our community,” Drake said. One person, Ed McCarty, who had purchased 2 chance tickets this year won the $10,000 pre-paid Citi MasterCards in the drawing held at the May 3 TexasFest gala.

            Two-time Grammy winner, Steve Wariner, took time before and after his show to mix with the guests for both photo and autograph opportunities.His performance kept attendees dancing and applauding throughout the show.

            Irving Healthcare Foundation is a public charity that helps fund vital healthcare programs in Irving and western DallasCounty. Gifts to the foundation benefit nonprofit agencies including BaylorMedicalCenter at Irving, Our Children’s House at Irving and the Irving Interfaith Clinic. More information about the foundation and the nonprofit agencies for which it raises funds is available at www.irvinghealthcare.org.