"We hope to increase awareness and local support around this essential part of our mission."
On April 7th the American Red Cross Serving Central Texas will honor Lee Leffingwell with Lady Bird Johnson Humanitarian Award during annual gala at the Four Seasons
The American Red Cross Serving Central Texas’ signature annual fundraiser and gala, Luminaria, will take place Friday, April 7th, 2017 at the Four Seasons Austin. This year’s gala will focus on a critical area of Red Cross service that many people don’t know about: supporting military, veterans and their families.
“The American Red Cross was founded on the battlefield, and to this day we offer invaluable services to the military community—including emergency messages when a soldier is deployed overseas, reconnection workshops for service members and their families, financial assistance for veterans and so much more,” said Marty McKellips, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross, Central & South Texas Region. “We hope to increase awareness and local support around this essential part of our mission.”
Each year at this signature event, the Red Cross honors individuals and organizations that have been instrumental in implementing its mission in the Central Texas community. This year’s award recipients are:
- Lady Bird Johnson Humanitarian Award: The Honorable Lee Leffingwell
- Public Partner Award: Austin Board of REALTORS® Foundation
- Greg Coleman Tribute Award: Jack and Mary Roy
“During his tenure as Mayor, Lee Leffingwell was an extraordinary advocate for emergency preparedness in the City of Austin, and as a veteran himself, he championed many causes for veterans and military families,” McKellips said. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to honor him in the name of Lady Bird Johnson.”
Luminaria is co-chaired by Matt Curtis, Senior Director of Global Government Affairs and Public Policy at HomeAway, and Christie Johnson, former Program Manager at Webb Middle School with Communities on Schools of Central Texas. The event Host Committee includes David Armbrust, Therese Baer, Robert Barnes, Mike Bowen, Paul Bury, Kenneth Casaday, Elizabeth Christian and Bruce Todd, Mark Curry, Karen Friese, Jesus Garza, Rudy Garza, Larry Graham, Bob Gregory, Tim League, Frank Leffingwell, Mark Littlefield, Tony Marquardt, Matt Mathias, Catherine Morse, Bob Nicks, Lynda Rife, John Rosato, Trey Salinas, Brad Schlosser and Channy Soeur. CBS Austin Chief Meteorologist Chikage Windler will Emcee the event.
Individual tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at redcross.org/luminaria2017. Call Sunny Howard at 512-929-1213 for more information.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
