Country performer Lorrie Morgan will headline the TexasFest gala in 2013, which raises funds to support Irving Healthcare Foundation (IHF) and the work it does to keep the people of Irving healthy.
Morgan will join a list of performers such as Mark Chestnut, Mary Wilson, Larry Gatlin, Diamond Rio and many others who have entertained TexasFest guests through the years. Last year’s performer, Sammy Kershaw, sang to a sold-out crowd of 1,000 and helped raise $340,000 for IHF.
At 25, Loretta Lynn Morgan became the youngest person to be named a lifetime member of the Grand Ole Opry. From there, she went on to write timeless country standards such as “Something In Red,” “Watch Me” and “What Part Of No.” Lorrie Morgan has sold over six million records and performed duets with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams and The Beach Boys. She includes among her musical influences the legendary Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette.
“We were thrilled when Lorrie Morgan agreed to perform at TexasFest,” said event chair Lisa Watkins. “When picking a performer for this year, we wanted someone whose music people could dance to and enjoy and Lorrie definitely fits the bill. She’s also a perfect fit for this year’s theme, Boots & Bling.”
Prior to Morgan taking the stage, guests will also be treated to a performance by Byron Dowd, a direct descendant of one of the founders of Baylor Medical Center at Irving. Dowd and his band will perform a brief set while guests mix, mingle and enjoy the buffet. “It was important to me to tie our entertainment to the history of Irving,” said IHF President John Drake. “With this year’s TexasFest, we’ll be reaching a historic milestone: $10 million has been raised to benefit Irving’s neediest residents. It’s a legacy of which we all, including Byron, are very proud.”
Last year’s TexasFest sold out through sponsorships, so no individual reservations were available. “We heard loudly and clearly that individuals and couples would like to reserve seats at our events,” Drake added. For TexasFest 2013, a block of 60 seats has been reserved for individuals who wish to attend. The cost of each seat is $200 and $100 is deductible for income tax purposes. These tickets will be available from Nov. 12 to Dec. 14, and can be purchased online at www.healthyirving.org or by contacting Mariel Stribling at (972) 579-4395 or mariel.stribling2@baylorhealth.edu.
About the Irving Healthcare Foundation
Founded in 1977, Irving Healthcare Foundation’s mission is to make people healthier by awarding funds raised and by encouraging volunteer service to worthy nonprofit organizations that provide healthcare or medical services in Irving. More than $35 million has been raised and subsequently awarded since IHF’s inception. Baylor Irving, the city’s only nonprofit hospital, is IHF’s primary beneficiary. Other beneficiaries include the Irving Interfaith Clinic, Baylor Our Children’s House at Irving, Irving Dental Center and the Childhood Obesity Task Force of Irving. More information is available at www.healthyirving.org.
