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GRABBING CHARITY BY THE NECK

The 23RD Annual Bandana Ball Success Secures Record-Breaking Results

Very few causes do so much for so many like the Ronald McDonald House, which we love. Raising a preliminary total of $412,000 - through the support of over 850 guests during the 23rdAnnual Bandana Ball – recently the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin and Central Texas secured record-breaking results for families of hospitalized children. We’re thrilled for their continued success.

“It is a fact that children heal faster when their loved ones are nearby,” stated Kent Burress, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin and Central Texas. “The local support from Bandana Ball makes it possible for families to remain close to their children and that, right there, is our goal.”

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You may not know that serving more than 1300 families in 2011, Ronald McDonald House Charities provides a vital resource in the Central Texas community. Special guests Christy and Kevin Smeltzer were among the supporters who experienced the hospitality of the House when their son Clayton was in an accident and placed in an induced coma. When Clayton and Cole Smeltzer joined their parents on stage, the Bandana Ball crowd recognized their sons as the boys who conquered the mechanical bull earlier in the evening. The crowd showed incredible support by donating $25,000 more than last year during the Live Auctionʼs Sponsor a Family portion: raising $101,500 to support families during their most challenging times.

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The party, beyond the fundraising work, was a blast. Held at the magnificent Wild Onion Ranch in South Austin, 2012 Bandana Ball party, goers experienced exceptional food, specialty drinks, almost 200 auction items and music from the popular and extremely entertaining band, The Spazmatics. With the dance floor packed until the very end, guests grabbed cupcakes and coffee as they were herded out of the Wild Onion Ranch, already talking about attending next year!

Lead sponsors like Austin Area Chevy Dealers and McDonaldʼs Owners/Operators, facilitated the eveningʼs phenomenal achievement by recognizing a need and fulfilling that need ten-fold.

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Ronald McDonald House Charities gives special thanks to all of the people and vendors who made the evening great: The Wild Onion Ranch, The Spazmatics, 2Dine4 Catering, and auctioneer Gayle Stallings. Drinks were provided by Coca Cola, Bud Light, Twin Liquors and Bacardi. What a tremendous evening of spirit it was.

If you were unable to attend and would like to donate to this cause, go to www.rmhc-austin.org/donate