It’s that time of year again! Join us this year for the 39th Annual CHRISTUS Gala starring Little Big Town. Little Big Town has earned over 35 award show nominations and in the past five years has taken home nearly 20 awards, including multiple Grammy, CMA and ACM awards, and an Emmy award. Little Big Town are nominated for best country duo/group performance for this year’s 2019 Grammy for the song “When Someone Stops Loving You.”

Each year, the CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation continues to raise the bar by offering world class entertainment, five-star cuisine, and elegant ambiance. Past CHRISTUS Gala entertainers include Keith Urban, James Taylor, Reba McEntire, Don Henley, Aretha Franklin, and Harry Connick, Jr., just to name a few. The much anticipated and always exceptional Gala brings the community together to celebrate the CHRISTUS mission of extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.

The black tie benefit provides an opportunity for an intimate evening of entertainment starting with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at 7 p.m. followed by a gourmet meal at 8, all leading to the Little Big Town performance at 9:30. Tables for eight start at $3000 and individual seating starts at $375. Seating is limited and expected to sell out quickly.

The proceeds from the Gala go towards funding life-saving equipment for CHRISTUS Hospitals in Southeast Texas. Past galas have helped raise funds for major medical equipment such as 3D Mammography and Cancer equipment.

Joy and Will Crenshaw will be the Gala Chairs this year and the CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation is excited to be spotlighting two community members: Jim Willis as the Legacy Award Recipient and Dr. Robert Birdwell for his decades of service.

“We are excited to offer the community a night of stellar entertainment with Little Big Town. They span musical genres with their country foundation and pop influenced music. We pride ourselves on throwing the biggest party of the year, and I know we will live up to that promise again at this year’s gala,” said Ivy Pate, Foundation President.

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With the end of the year just around the corner, now is an excellent time for you to review your charitable contribution. You might want to make a list to ensure that you have taken full advantage of all of the tax saving deductions available to you. Here are some ideas for year-end planning that can help support our cause and benefit you.

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS

A simple gift of cash or an unneeded asset can assist our work and provide you with valuable tax savings.

CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY

Double your benefits while making a gift and receiving cash back. A gift annuity gives you income tax advantages this year while providing you with dependable payments for life at fixed rates as high as 9.5%.

IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER

If Congress again passes the IRA charitable rollover. You can transfer up to $100,000 directly from your IRA to a qualified nonprofit without paying federal income tax.

ADDITIONAL TAX SAVINGS

Be sure to review your mortgage, medical, education, business and other miscellaneous expenses to determine if there are additional ways you can save on taxes this year. Check your list against your advisor’s recommendations to avoid missing any significant deductions. Congress has changed the rules in recent years. If you haven’t visited your attorney to review your estate plan, you should make an appointment before the end of the year or early in the new year. Your plans may need to be updated, particularly if you have experienced life changes. Please contact us for help. We can refer you to qualified attorneys and advisors and provide you with a free guide to make your planning easier.

“Your gifts underwrite the work of the CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation which provides vital equipment and programs for our hospitals. Thank you for your support of our mission to extend the healing ministries of Jesus Christ.” -Ivy Pate, President

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The CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation is happy to announce a $2,500 grant from the Junior League of Beaumont to help purchase Pack N Plays for the Infant Safe Sleep Program at CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital. These Pack N Plays – portable cribs – will be offered at no charge to families in financial need.

The CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation originally applied for a $1,500 grant, but Junior League members were so moved by the need for area mothers that they increased the grant to $2,500!

As there are no resources available in the state of Texas for families who need financial assistance with purchasing safe sleep cribs or bassinets, St. Elizabeth will now proudly offer this vital resource to our families and their babies.

CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital has implemented several layers of Safe Infant Sleep education including prenatal classes, education during hospital stays, safe sleep room audits, and discharge interviews to verify a safe sleep plan. We hope that offering free Pack N Plays to those families who need it most will enhance this potentially life-saving program.

Every year, 3,500 U.S. babies die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or sleep related injuries. The CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital nursing and physician staff are determined to make sure every family has an American Academy of Pediatrics approved Pack N Play crib in order to provide a safe place for their baby to sleep at home.

“Because of the Junior League of Beaumont and their generous contribution, we are able to offer families a safe place for their newborn to sleep at home when they can’t afford one. The Pack-N-Play Program is a resource St. Elizabeth can now provide Southeast Texas families to decrease risks of SIDS and sleep-related injuries to infants,” said Stacie Leblanc, Lead Lactation Consultant at CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital.

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CHRISTUS Health associates put on their favorite superhero shirts to offer courage, strength and hope for children. The shirts, and in some cases capes, were all part of a special fundraiser for CHRISTUS pediatric facilities and departments. Promoted as an extra day to wear jeans on Thursday, October 25, CHRISTUS Associates at the system offices in Irving donated $5, and some donated more, to help support the real superheroes out in our CHRISTUS ministries.

The money raised went to purchase Halloween costumes for patients at Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances in Tyler and CHRISTUS Southeast Texas St. Elizabeth in Beaumont. If their need for costumes has already been met, the money raised will go to purchase fun activities like books and crayons for kids.

Every day is a battle for these young, brave patients as well as their parents and caregivers who find the strength to fight and care for their children. Money raised amounted to almost $2,000. Way to go to the super heroes at the CHRISTUS Health system office!

Read more local stories from Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

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The Market Basket Foundation hosted a Celebrity Turkey Bowl on November 8, 2018. 16 local celebrities gathered to compete on behalf of the charity of their choice at Market Basket in Beaumont, Texas. Teams of two took turns rolling a 12-pound, frozen turkey down the aisle toward 10 bowling pins. Don Brake with NASH FM 101.7 and Jazzie Redd with Magic 102.5 chose to compete for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

After an entertaining morning filled with flying frozen poultry, Greg Kerr and Kimberly Rusley with FOX 4 were crowned Turkey Bowl Champions. Market Basket awarded them an impressive trophy and donated $1,000 to the charity of their choice. As for everyone else, Market Basket generously donated $500 to each celebrity’s selected charity.

Thank you, Market Basket, for hosting such an entertaining competition and for your generous donation. And, special thanks to Don and Jazzie for participating on behalf of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The donation we received will help sick and injured kids in Southeast Texas get the life-saving medical care they deserve.

Read more local stories from Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

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Held at the Beaumont Country Club, this year’s Golden Pass LNG Swinging for a Miracle Golf Tournament was a hole in one, with businesses and organizations from all over the community coming together to golf for two great causes: Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation.

The weather was crisp and cool, making it a perfect tournament day for all 38 golf teams. With team representation ranging from restaurants to industry to health care companies, we were able to educate a wide variety of community business people about the mission of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. A delicious lunch was provided by WOW Food Concepts. From serving breakfast to delivering drinks and snacks, we could not have hosted this event without our wonderful volunteers. This year we raised over $40,000 to help sick and injured kids in Southeast Texas get the care they need.

Golden Pass LNG played a huge part in the success of our tournament by returning as our Platinum Sponsor and bringing four teams of talented golfers to participate. We greatly appreciate their generosity and continuous support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in Southeast Texas!

Congratulations to our winners!

First Place — Merrill Lynch

Second Place — Renegade Industrial

Third Place — Golden Pass LNG

Closest to the Pin — Josh Hieronymus

Longest Drive — Jerry Nathan

Pelican Cooler Raffle — Josh Baker

Read more local stories from Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

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This year, Walmart and Sam’s Club associates, customers and members from across Southeast Texas raised over $55,000 for local Children’s Miracle Network  (CMN) Hospitals, CHRISTUS Southeast Texas St. Elizabeth and Jasper Memorial.

Customers and members were given the opportunity to donate at the register during Walmart and Sam’s Club’s fundraising campaign in October. In addition to the register campaign,  Walmart associates enjoyed hosting fundraisers throughout the year.

Walmart associates in West Orange rolled up their sleeves and participated in Fundraising Friday. Each Friday, they hosted a different fundraiser for CMN Hospitals. One day, they took turns selling popcorn to associates and customers. Another day, they cooked up savory links and served them in the break room with ice cold drinks for a $5 donation. Associates were thrilled to participate knowing their hot meal helped kids at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas St. Elizabeth and Jasper Memorial.

The managers at Walmart in Jasper are great sports when it comes to raising money for sick and injured kids. Dakota (left) and Sam (right) were challenged to dress up and stay in “jail” until they raised over $200 in donations. Thankfully, they both met their goal and were released before the end of the day.

Bridge City associates got creative by making a wishing well at the front of the store. They posted a sign inviting customers to “toss a coin and save a life.”

Together, the eleven Walmart and Sam’s Clubs in our area exceeded expectations by raising over $55,000. We are so grateful to the associates at each store who put their heart into the fundraising and really have fun with it.  We are looking forward to another year of exciting fundraisers in 2019.

Read more local stories from Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

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A pediatric patient at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas St. Elizabeth was feeling uncomfortable and withdrawn after receiving an NG tube in her nose to help her get better. Her stress levels were high and she was not healing as quickly as doctors expected. Thankfully, St. Elizabeth’s Certified Child Life Specialist, Ashley Bares, came to the rescue.

After making a few adjustments, Ashley gave the patient a one-of-a-kind Baby Moana doll donated by The Walt Disney Company. When the little girl saw that Moana had an NG tube just like she did, she was tickled with excitement. She started talking more and began to heal. Now, she’s back at home with her family and her new, custom Moana doll.

Read more local stories from Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

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The CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation recently purchased a Panda Warmer for the Center for New Life, the Labor and Delivery Unit at CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital. This purchase is part of an overarching project with the goal of outfitting the Center for New Life with a total of 19 Panda Warmers (one for each of the 19 Labor and Delivery Rooms). To date, the Foundation has already raised funding for nine Panda Warmers.

We are still in need of 10 additional Panda Warmers to complete the project.

The warmers are primarily used for two reasons: resuscitation and stimulation. Last year alone, 300 newborns at the Center for New Life needed resuscitation. The resuscitation devices are available to all of the 2,000+ deliveries each year at CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital. These warmers provide lifesaving resuscitation therapy in times of emergency.

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The CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation (Foundation) is proud to announce major medical equipment additions to the Mamie McFaddin Ward Cancer Center and to the Cancer Floor at CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital. For the past several years, the Foundation has worked with local foundations and individual philanthropists to update these cancer care centers with state of the art equipment to offer the best in cancer detection and treatment.

In the past year alone, the Foundation has secured $486,000 in funding for the following pieces of major medical cancer equipment:

$316,000 for a 3D Breast Biopsy Guidance System and accompanying DynaCAD MRI Software. The 3D Breast Biopsy Guidance System is a minimally invasive procedure that provides more precise targeting of mammography abnormalities, resulting in improved workflow, less patient radiation dose, and shorter patient procedure time. The DynaCAD MRI Software, which is connected to the 3D Breast Biopsy Guidance System, enhances productivity and accuracy.

$118,000 for a BK Ultrasound Unit and treatment planning software. This offers a safe and effective treatment for patients who are not suitable for traditional prostate surgery. This unique ultrasound system will allow CHRISTUS to implement a robust hospital-based program that is safe, convenient, well-tolerated, and highly effective.

$52,000 grant for a Bone Density Machine – a system vital for cancer patient care – for the Cancer Floor at CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital. The new Bone Density Machine is vital to the health of our cancer patients here in the hospital. Many of the medications that cancer patients take can cause bone loss. With this system, CHRISTUS physicians can more easily detect bone loss and treat it while it is still manageable.

In addition, this Bone Density Machine will be used by physicians checking for osteoporosis in the general patient population, as well as with gastric bypass patients who are more prone to bone loss due to diet changes. As patients age, this machine assists the physicians with creating prevention plans and treatment plans.

In 2015, the Foundation secured $425,000 to purchase 3D Mammography, which presents a clearer picture to the radiologists, decreasing the number of unnecessary callbacks. The 3D Mammography is more likely to detect invasive cancer at an early stage, catching the tumor before it spreads.

In 2014, The Foundation secured another $425,000 to purchase 3D Mammography for the Mamie McFaddin Ward Cancer Center.

“The Foundation is proud to have raised over $1.3 million to help offer the best in cancer detection and treatment at our CHRISTUS facilities in Beaumont. We strive to give CHRISTUS patients peace of mind knowing they are getting the highest quality in cancer care right here at home,” said Ivy Pate, Foundation President.

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