Stars of Texas Gala raises almost $200,000

The Central Texas Medical Center Foundation’s 25th annual Stars of Texas Gala raised $197,000 to help the hospital acquire digital breast tomosynthesis (tomo), also known as 3D mammography, a revolutionary screening and diagnostic breast imaging tool to improve early detection of breast cancer.

This year’s gala honored local pioneering philanthropist Eleanor Crook, one of the original 1982 founding members of the CTMC Foundation Board of Directors. Crook, along with eight other members, raised nearly $1 million to purchase the land on Wonder World Drive, where the hospital is located today.

“It was a terrific night, in which we had the opportunity to honor a special woman that is a pillar of the San Marcos community,” CTMC President and CEO Anthony Stahl said. “The generosity of our neighbors is so genuinely appreciated. We are extremely grateful to everyone who attended and is helping extend the CTMC healthcare ministry.”

Guests were updated on the advances made in the CTMC orthopedic program, which was the beneficiary of the 2017 Stars of Texas Gala. In September, after a rigorous on-site review, CTMC earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for knee replacements. The funds from last year’s Gala made this possible as improvements were made throughout the program to reach a high level of national safety standards, clinical practice guidelines and performance measures.

Platinum sponsors included H-E-B, Robert W. McDonald III and John and Chloe Navarrette.

The Central Texas Medical Center Foundation was established in 1982. The Foundation is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization, that's purpose is to help raise philanthropic funds for improving programs and services at Central Texas Medical Center.

Central Texas Medical Center Foundation has worked hard to ensure that the hospital has the resources necessary to deliver high quality health care. To date, the Foundation has raised $10.6 million for advanced medical equipment, building projects, renovations and service enhancement.

CTMC is a member of the Adventist Health System (AHS). Adventist Health System (AHS) is a connected system of care for every stage of life and health. More than 80,000 skilled and compassionate caregivers in physician practices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies and hospice centers provide individualized, wholistic care. A Christian mission, shared vision, common values, focus on whole-person health and commitment to making communities healthier unify the system’s 46 hospital campuses and hundreds of care sites in diverse markets throughout nine states.

Plans are already underway for the Foundation’s 26th Stars of Texas Gala which is set for Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019.