Splash Magazine is overjoyed to announce the huge success of the 5th annual Wonders & Worries Unmasked Gala, a sold out event sponsored by Texas Oncology. The event took place On February 22, at the prominent JW Marriott luxury hotel in downtown Austin. The incredible generosity of the Austin Community raised $670,000. The money raised by the 2019 Wonders & Worries Unmasked Gala will provide to more than 223 families with a full year of Wonders & Worries therapeutic services.
Do you want to learn about Wonders & Worries, a Texas-based nonprofit? Wonders & Worries provides free and professional coping support to children and teenagers from ages 2-18 during a parent’s serious illness. Services are available in English and Spanish. Consultations, classes, and support groups are also available for parents. Do you want to request support to refer a family? Wonders and Worries can be reached at in**@wo***************.org , (512)329-5757 or this online form.
Kristen Patton & Steve Goldsmith, the 2019 chairs remarked, “We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve this organization, and both humbled and excited by the strong participation from Austin’s high-tech and medical communities this year. Thank you to all the generous guests who give.”
The Wonders & Worries Unmasked event this year broke attendance and fundraising records and the strong participation from Austin’s high-tech and medical communities this year was truly outstanding.
The entertainment during the event was fun, classy and fashionable. As masked attendees arrived, they walked a live red carpet, paused to gaze up at a 12-foot stilted gondolier, sipped bubbly from a champagne dress and took selfies in front of a 5-foot floral mask. The Unmasked Gala was event emceed by Jenni Lee from KVUE-TV with cocktails, dinner, live auction, raffles, and music entertainment provided by the trio Cienfuegos who played in the VIP area. During the entertainment, guests considered raffle packages that included a stay at The Four Seasons Nevis, access to the exclusive RM Sotheby’s 40th anniversary party, and passes to an upcoming Austin City Limits TV taping. The raffle packages were out of this world.
Alex Gabbi, the executive director, led off the night sharing the preliminary results of the, clinical research trial conducted on Wonders & Worries’ patented curriculum with the University of Texas. “In a word, our program works! And we can prove it.”
A highlight of the evening was the Neff family sharing their personal story. Although Kristy is a pediatric nurse practitioner and her husband Phil is a pediatric oncologist, they still needed help talking to their kids, Ella (16) and Alex (12), when Kristy was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Heath Hale and the Cowboy Auctioneers whipped the crowd to a giving frenzy, bringing in more than $385,000 between a live auction and a “paddles up” to raise cash donations. Auction packages included a trip to Las Vegas to see Lady Gaga, a romantic week in Maui, a crawfish boil with Drew Womack, and an adorable 12-week-old Bernedoodle that found a forever home.
Unmasked 2019 Raffle Packages
Austin City Limits TV Taping
Take part in an exclusive Austin experience! Your ACL TV Taping give you and a friend unparalleled stage-level access to a featured artist in an intimate setting. You’ll be a part of a live concert audience at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin for the delivery of an inspired, memorable, full-length performance. This is not your average concert, and tickets are not available for purchase anywhere.
Donated by: KLRU and Austin PBS
Buena Vista Mountain Home
Enjoy this beautiful mountain home that sits at the base of the Collegiate Peaks, just 10 minutes from the picturesque town of Buena Vista, Colorado. Buena Vista is home to some of the world’s best whitewater rafting and boating on the Arkansas River, along with premier hiking and climbing. You and your crew will enjoy beautiful artisan furnishings, a brand-new spacious deck and sizeable grill to cook your fresh-caught trout and make mountain memories with those you love the most.
Donated by: Kim MacInnes
Start Your Engines at RM Sotheby’s
Experience one of the most impressive luxury classic car collections in the world while attending RM Sotheby’s exclusive 40th anniversary party in idyllic Chatham, Ontario. RM Sotheby’s is an internationally acclaimed classic car auction house with a client list that rivals the Academy Awards. Trust us when we say, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity that typically cannot be purchased. After a night of celebrating, get a good night’s sleep at your modern luxury boutique hotel.
Donated by: RM Auto Restoration
Dreamy Entertainer’s Delight
Thinking about redecorating your dining space, but unsure how to start? Creating your dream entertaining space has never been easier. Begin with a two-hour interior design consulting session with Wendy Glover Designs to define the elements of your perfect gathering space. Together you’ll head to The Menagerie, to pick the perfect tabletop décor for your newly minted space.
Donated by: Alicia Emr Art Advisory, The Menagerie, and Wendy Glover Designs
Unparalleled Luxury in Nevis, West Indies
Escape the hustle and bustle with a retreat to the quiet of the Four Seasons Resort Nevis, one of the Caribbean’s most magical islands. Boasting crystalline seas, golden sands, sweeping mountains and lush forests, you’ll enjoy a three-night stay for two people in their newly renovated Plantation Suite. Lounge in your suite, rejuvenate at the spa, try the pristine golf course, or take in hypnotic views from infinity-edge pools. Subject to availability.
Donated by: Four Seasons Resort Nev
Gulf Coast Stunner
Grab some friends and head to Port Aransas, Texas, for what is sure to be an incredibly fun weekend on Mustang Island. This bespoke house is tucked in the heart of downtown with easy access to the sandy beach, all the shopping you could want, and some of the town’s best dining. Watch the sunrise from your bed, relax with a personalized massage, and enjoy delectable dining at one of the town’s best restaurants. However you spend your time in ‘Port A,’ this getaway will be just what you ordered. Raffle Includes: 3 nights for 10 people (older children only), $200 gift card to Venetian Hot Plate, and two 50-minute massages at Balinese Wellness Spa | Valid Feb. 22, 2019
Donated by: Balinese Wellness Spa, Ross and Paula Buhrdorf, and Venetian Hot Plate
Take Me Out to the Ball Game!
Stock up on your peanuts and cracker jacks! On September 26, 2019, enjoy our nation’s favorite pastime in Arlington, Texas, as the Rangers take on the Red Sox. With these premium MLB tickets, you and 3 friends won’t need binoculars to catch amazing major league talent in full swing. Don’t forget your gear so that you can root, root, root for the home team!
Donated by: Matt Hagen
Ultimate ATX Night Out
Enjoy an unforgettable night out in Austin. Treat yourself and five of your friends to a one-of-a-kind private wine tasting in a downtown Vine Vault cellar hosted by local winemaker and sommelier, John Leo Weber. Experience 6+ delightful wines with friends, and then head to your next adventure using your exclusive ATX Passes.Your two ATX Passes are brand new to the Austin scene and can be used for three days of unlimited entertainment, with 40+ concerts, sporting events, tours and activities to choose from.
Donated by: Capra and Cavelli, OnceThere, Spring Frost Boutique, Two Little Byrds, John Leo Weber
Majestic Marfa
Head to Marfa, Texas and enjoy remote tranquility and unbeatable Texan mountain vistas from your very own Safari Tent at El Cosmico. This is the perfect destination to unplug and reconnect with nature. Explore America’s largest national park, Big Bend, or immerse yourself in the local art scene for a fresh perspective. Commemorate your trip by having, Texan artist, Sabrina Siebert create a custom colored, mixed media painting inspired by the colors of beautiful West Texas.
Raffle Includes: 3-night, Thursday-Sunday, stay for 2 in a Safari Tent at El Cosmico |
Custom colored, mixed media painting by Sabrina Siebert.
Excellent great cause in Central Texas!
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