Community Update

The 40th Annual CHRISTUS Gala was a night to remember!

The CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation held our 40th Annual Gala Saturday, April 15 at the Beaumont Civic Center. This event has become one of the most anticipated fundraising events each year and has drawn some of the biggest names in entertainment. This year we were honored to add Country Music Hall of Famer, Wynonna Judd to that list!

With over 900 attendees, this black-tie benefit provided an opportunity for an intimate evening filled with amazing music, great food, and fantastic company! The Foundation honored The Penland Foundation with the Legacy Award, for their philanthropic efforts as the lead donor of our Maternal Child Unit Renovation. CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth will be able to provide state of the art care to our tiniest patients and their mothers. The Penland Foundation’s support of this project will make a difference to future generations of CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Families. It will have a lasting impact on patients and families by welcoming more newborns and sending them home safely with bright, promising futures ahead of them.

The Valero Foundation was also honored with the Service Award. This Award is bestowed on an organization or community member who has served their community and CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation’s mission over the years. In 2022, the Valero Foundation pledged to be the lead equipment donor for our Maternal Child Unit. This donation ensured that CHRISTUS Health Southeast Texas stays at the forefront of maternal, fetal, and pediatric medicine in our region. This Equipment Update for the Maternal and Child Unit at CHRISTUS Hospital St. Elizabeth will help to meet the patient needs through state-of-the-art equipment and advanced technology, which will be matched by the highest levels of compassionate and expert maternity, labor and delivery, and infant care.

We would like to take an opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible 2023 sponsors. Your generous contributions made the evening possible and allowed us to raise funds to support the needs of women and children services in Southeast Texas.

Warmest regards,

The CHRISTUS Foundation Team

Wynonna Judd will be taking the stage at the 40th Annual CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation Gala on Saturday, April 15, 2023

Once dubbed by Rolling Stone as “the greatest female country singer since Patsy Cline,” Country Music Hall of Fame member Wynonna Judd is one of the most celebrated artists in Country Music history. Wynonna first rose to fame as part of one of the most successful music duos of all time, “The Judds,” becoming music royalty to fans and critics alike.

Respected by the millions of fans who are drawn to her music and undeniable talent, Wynonna’s rich and commanding voice has sold over 30 million albums worldwide, holding multiple gold, platinum, and multi-platinum certifications from the RIAA. A five-time Grammy Award winner and New York Times Bestselling Author, Wynonna is the recipient of over 60 top industry awards, countless charting singles and 21 #1 Hits including “Mama He’s Crazy,” “Why Not Me,” and “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Ole Days).”

The CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation continues to raise the bar by offering world-class entertainment, five-star cuisine, and elegant ambiance. The much anticipated and always exceptional Gala brings the community together to celebrate the CHRISTUS mission of extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.

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Neches Federal Credit Union

On January 29, 2020, the CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health Foundation and Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) welcomed Neches Federal Credit Union‘s Marketing Team to CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth for a check presentation of funds raised in 2019. We want to thank Neches Federal Credit Union for their generous donation. The money raised will directly benefit local kids through the CMN.

During their visit, the group toured the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and the Pediatrics floor, giving them an up-close view of the equipment and improvements made thanks to the funds raised by the foundation and CMN.

39th Annual Gala a Success with Little Big Town

I am privileged to announce that the 39th Annual Gala was once again a resounding success, with world-class entertainment from country stars Little Big Town, a gourmet meal, and a program that honored local philanthropist Jim Willis and long-time Southeast Texas oncologist Dr. Robert Birdwell. Each year, this “Party with a Purpose” attracts well over 1,000 attendees, from businesses to foundations to individuals. Each year, our Southeast Texas community unites in support of the CHRISTUS mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, and for that we are so grateful.

The CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation focused the program portion of the evening on the $1.5 million raised to help offer the best in cancer detection and treatment at our local CHRISTUS Facilities. The Foundation has worked steadfastly to raise funds to upgrade medical cancer equipment.  These major fundraising strides were made possible because of the outpouring of support from local foundations and individuals who support our CHRISTUS cause.

We have been able to secure funding for such lifesaving equipment because of donors like YOU that so generously give. Local individuals, businesses, and foundations have made the great works of the CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation possible. It is because of YOU, the donors, that women and men in Southeast Texas will have access to the highest quality of cancer detection and care.

Thank you to everyone who supported CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation at the 39th Annual Gala. We will see you all next year!

Sincerely,

Ivy Pate, Foundation President

View in Foundation Newsletter | View more photos from the Gala

Credit Unions for Kids

The Sabine Chapter of Credit Unions hosts the Kids Classic Golf Tournament each year at Bayou Din Golf Club.  Proceeds from the tournament are donated to Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals.

On April 18, the Sabine Chapter of Credit Unions presented Ivy Pate, Foundation President, and Melissa Conley, CMN Hospitals Program Manager, with a check for $20,000! Their donation will go toward providing lifesaving medical equipment for sick and injured kids at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas St. Elizabeth and Jasper Memorial. Thank you, Sabine Chapter of Credit Unions, for your generous donation.

View in Foundation Newsletter

Comprehensive Cancer Care

The CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation is proud to announce a $200,000 donation from two of our very special, dedicated, and philanthropic donors. Because of their generosity, we will now be able to purchase Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsy Equipment and MRI 3T Breast Biopsy Monitor. Our Foundation is so blessed to be patronized by local individuals who have a heart for healthcare. We count on the continued generosity of donors to help keep the CHRISTUS mission alive. We are able to extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ because of the selflessness, kindness, and bigheartedness of those who are true stewards.

Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsy Equipment uses sound waves to help locate a lump or abnormality and remove a tissue sample for examination in a less invasive manner than surgical biopsy, leaving little to no scarring. It also does not involve exposure to radiation. The MRI 3T Breast Biopsy Monitor is the accompanying monitor.

We strive to give CHRISTUS patients peace of mind that they are getting the highest quality in cancer care right here at home, which means spending less time driving back and forth to Houston and spending more time with family and support systems, receiving emotional support that is so vital.

Once again, we want to say thank you to two of our very special donors. You have given the women of Southeast Texas a lasting gift.

View in Foundation Newsletter

Toy Drive of Southeast Texas

This year, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals hosted the Toy Drive of Southeast Texas. The community was invited to donate toys, craft supplies, and clothes to sick and injured kids at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas St. Elizabeth. Donations were collected at CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth and several partnering Dairy Queen locations.

Emily Neild

From hospital departments to local high schools, the Southeast Texas community showed incredible generosity. Emily Neild, a pre-teen from Nederland, even spearheaded her own drive for craft supplies and DVDs. Neild lives with mitochondrial disease and has spent a significant amount of time in the hospital. She knows how important it is for hospitals to have activities that will keep kids’ minds off of treatment during their stay. With the help of friends and family, Neild donated over $3,000 worth of craft supplies and DVDs.

Donations made to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals through the Toy Drive of Southeast Texas will provide entertainment for pediatric patients at CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth throughout the year.

View in Foundation Newsletter

Click the image to read more about the donation:

4 Ever Rollin Car Club
Beaumont United High School Football Team
CHRISTUS Southeast Texas St. Elizabeth: Business Services
Lamar University Dance Marathon
CHRISTUS Southeast Texas St. Elizabeth: Health Informatics
CHRISTUS Southeast Texas St. Elizabeth: Revenue Integrity
West Brook High School Golf Team

Neches FCU Gives Back on Valentine’s Day

This Valentine’s Day, Neches Federal Credit Union hosted a bake sale to raise money for their local Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals, CHRISTUS Southeast Texas St. Elizabeth and Jasper Memorial. They invited members to stop by one of their locations and pick up some Valentine treats. Neches employees also chose to participate in the Miracle Jeans Day campaign by making a donation to CMN Hospitals in exchange for wearing jeans on Valentine’s Day.

What a generous way to share the love on Valentine’s Day! Thank you, Neches Federal Credit Union.

Excerpt from original article.

View in Foundation Newsletter

Free Breast Pumps for New Mothers

The Evans family has a particular health insurance that does not offer breast pump coverage and were unable to afford to buy one. The CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation was thrilled to be able to offer this amazing gift.

CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation has teamed up with the CHRISTUS Southeast Texas St. Elizabeth Outpatient Lactation Clinic to offer free breast pumps to qualifying patients. Stacie Jones, Lead Lactation Consultant, gave some insight into the Breast Pump Gift Program:

“In order to comply with our Baby Friendly Designation guidelines, we are to provide resources for families to help them successfully breastfeed. With approximately 60% of our mothers returning to work after 6-8 weeks, a double electric breast pump is essential for continuing breastfeeding during this transition. A small population of patients is unable to obtain a pump through private or medicate insurance providers and do not have the means to purchase a pump for home use.

We are grateful to have received funds from the CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation to initiate the Breast Pump Gift Program to ensure every mother has a breast pump for home use at discharge. Providing a breast pump can increase the length of time a mother breastfeeds, thus extending the many health benefits of mother’s milk for mom and baby.”

View in Foundation Newsletter

Shootin’ for a Miracle Clay Shoot

Echo Group
Lewis Class: Division I Highest Overall Team

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation hosted the 8th Annual Shootin’ for a Miracle Clay Shoot on Saturday, March 3 at the One-in-One Hundred Gun Club in Lumberton, Texas.

Four-person teams took to the range to participate in this friendly competition benefiting our community. From novice to champion shooters, the clay shoot provided a fun way for everyone to practice their skills while supporting a great cause.

Congratulations to our winners:

Lewis Class: Division I Highest Overall Team – Echo Group

Lewis Class: Division II First Place – Beaumont Bone & Joint Team 1

Lewis Class: Division III First Place – Outdoor Media Group

Highest Overall Man – Wes Chessner (Echo Group)

Highest Overall Woman – Patricia Walker (CHRISTUS HWC)

Around the World First Place – Grady Gibbons (ISC)

We are extremely grateful to all of the sponsors, participants, and volunteers who helped make Shootin’ for a Miracle a success. Thank you and we hope to you see you again next year!

View in Foundation Newsletter

View more photos on the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in Southeast Texas Facebook page.

Beaumont Bone & Joint Team 1
Lewis Class: Division II First Place
Outdoor Media Group
Lewis Class: Division III First Place
42nd Annual CHRISTUS Gala
Sponsorship Opportunities

Heritage Circle – $75,000 

  • Premium seating for thirty (30)
  • Round-trip limousine service from a Southeast Texas location to the event.
  • VIP gifts for all guests
  • Hors d’oeuvres and elevated dinner menu 
  • Open bar with private waiter
  • VIP Reception for all guests
  • Two (2) full-page spreads in the event program
  • 30 tickets for night of raffle items
  • Custom branding opportunities available upon request.
  • Website Recognition

Legacy Circle – $50,000

  • Premium seating for twenty (20)
  • Round-trip limousine service from a Southeast Texas location to the event.
  • VIP gifts for all guests
  • Hors d’oeuvres and elevated dinner menu 
  • Open bar with private waiter
  • VIP Reception for all guests
  • One (1) full page ad in event program
  • 20 tickets for night of raffle items
  • Website Recognition

Chairman’s Circle – $25,000

  • Premium seating for ten (10)
  • Valet Parking Service for five (5) vehicles
  • VIP gifts for all guests
  • Hors d’oeuvres and elevated dinner menu
  • Open bar with private waiter
  • VIP Reception for all guests
  • Half page ad in event program
  • 10 tickets for night of raffle items
  • Website Recognition

President’s Circle – $15,000

  • One (1) preferred table of ten (10) 
  • Valet Parking Service for five (5) vehicles
  • Hors d’oeuvres and elevated dinner menu 
  • Open bar with private waiter
  • VIP Reception for all guests
  • Quarter page ad in event program
  • 10 tickets for night of raffle items
  • Website Recognition

Visionaries – $10,000

  • One (1) preferred table of eight (8)
  • Valet Parking Service for four (4) vehicles
  • Table wine, dinner, and dessert
  • Quarter page logo in event program
  • 8 tickets for night of raffle items
  • Website Recognition

Benefactor – $5,000

  • Table of eight (8)
  • Table wine, dinner, and dessert
  • Listing in event program
  • Website Recognition

Partner – $3,000 

  • Table of eight (8)
  • Table wine, dinner, and dessert
Underwriting Opportunities

$7,500

  • Table with preferred seating for eight (8)
  • VIP Reception for eight (8)
  • Recognition as a sponsor of one of the following: VIP Reception or Social Hour

$4,000

  • Table for eight (8)
  • Recognition as a sponsor of one of the following: Valet Parking Service, Photo Booths, Watercolor Artist

$2,000

  • Shared table seating for four (4)
  • Recognition as a sponsor of one of the following: Bid Paddles, Golf carts, Coffee Bar