On February 24, 2017, Wonders & Worries hosted the third annual Unmasked Masquerade Gala at the JW Marriott downtown Austin. This year, the event honored Meredith Cooper, co-founder and former executive director, as well as Shelly and David Bain, who chaired the gala to new heights of philanthropy success.

Presented by Texas Oncology, the 400 Unmasked attendees raised more than $460,000 – the most successful spring gala in the 15-year history of the organization – and nearly double the amount raised in 2016! It’s all because of the generosity of the Austin community individuals, businesses, colleagues and friends.

“I cannot overstate the value of what the organization did for my family in our hardest, most trying times,” shared Shelly Bain, who was diagnosed with breast cancer when her children were 4 and 7 years old. “Our children processed and adapted, thanks to Wonders & Worries. What they did for us is what they do for hundreds of other central TX families – free of charge.”

The evening featured a festive cocktail hour with extensive raffle prizes, including diamond earrings donated by The Menagerie and a rifle donated by Woods General Contracting. Emcee Rod Babers, former Texas Longhorns football player, kept spirits and energy high. Heath Hale of Cowboy Auctioneers led a live auction with gusto before DJ Gatsby mixed tunes for the afterparty.

Wonders & Worries executive director Alex Gabbi said, “I couldn’t be happier with how everything came together for Unmasked. The support we’ve received tonight is phenomenal, and it means we can serve that many more children.”

Photos from the event available on Flickr, courtesy of Marc Swendner Photography.

For more information, read the press release or contact Penney Berryman, Communications Director, at 512-329-5757, Ext. 202 / [email protected].