On Saturday, May 3, the Irving Healthcare Foundation (IHF) hosted its 35th annual TexasFest gala. Held for the fourth consecutive year at the Irving Convention Center, the whimsical decorations complemented the event’s theme of “Texas In Wonderland.”
The event raised $280,000 in support of nonprofit health care for Irving residents. Across 35 years, TexasFest, has raised more than $10 million in proceeds to benefit Irving.
Guests enjoyed dinner, casino and trivia games and perused the more than 200 items donated to this year’s live and silent auctions.
The evening’s entertainment was presented by Cirque Vertigo, a world-renowned troupe of two legendary circus families, the Wallenda’s and the Arestov’s. Cirque Vertigo performed a customized aerial and acrobatic set. From breathtaking aerial feats to jaw dropping balance acts, this award-winning artistry displayed an exotic blend of strength, balance, humor, skill, beauty and grace. The evening’s festivities included dancing to D.J. Marcus Rollins’ music.
“It was a great TexasFest and one of the most beautiful. The teacup centerpieces really were beautiful and I loved that members of our community hand-painted and decorated them,” said John Drake, Irving Healthcare Foundation President. “I’m also so thankful for volunteer leaders like Joy Goodrum, Clem Lear, Carolyn Weinzirl, Tom Trotter, Dr. Bill LaBarr and so many others who dedicated weeks of their time to securing sponsorships and auction items. It is such an honor for our staff to support these excellent fundraising volunteers!”
Guests that night contributed just over $9,000 toward the cost of a new $14,000 infant warmer to be used to care for infants born in the Baylor Irving Emergency Department. “On May 14, an anonymous ‘angel’ donor from our Irving community came in and made a $5,000 gift. We now have the funds to buy this critically needed warmer,” Drake added.
Joy Goodrum, the event’s Chair, has a special place in her heart for the Irving Healthcare Foundation.
“In the early 1960’s, my grandfather, Leonard Pike, went door–to-door raising money to help Irving build its first community hospital. As an adult, I spent a majority of my life working in the health care industry in Irving and now proudly serve on the IHF Board, where I plan to continue the family tradition of supporting positive efforts for a healthier Irving”, said Goodrum.
Goodrum, who is married to Jason Goodrum, is the Director of Education and Workforce Development at the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce and started her community work serving as a board member for the Irving Schools Foundation IHF.
Goodrum served alongside other committee leaders, including Sponsorship Chair and former TexasFest Chair Clem Lear and Item Solicitation Chair Carolyn Weinzirl. Production was provided by Steve Kemble Event Design. Top sponsors for TexasFest 2014 included Mazon Associates, Shirley and Burnell Stehman and Ken Thompson and the Thompson Group at Classic Chevrolet.
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 $36 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 recipients include the Irving Community Clinic, Baylor Our Children’s House at Irving and the Childhood Obesity Task Force of Irving. More information is available at www.healthyirving.org.
