Dell Children’s Medical Center Foundation will hold its’ annual Gala benefiting Dell Children’s Medical Center on January 28, 2017 at the Austin Convention Center.

Presented by Nyle Maxwell Family of Dealerships, the funds raised from the event will go to Dell Children’s area of greatest need. This years’ theme, Believe, will feature two moving patient stories from two rapidly growing areas within the hospital, cardiology and mental health. Chaired by Emily and Joe Price, the Gala will begin with a cocktail hour, followed by a two-hour dinner program beginning at 8 p.m. The night will conclude with live music, casino-centered entertainment and an exclusive, VIP ticket-only after party.

“Thirty years ago Dell Children’s sought an opportunity to raise awareness through a night designed to raise funds and have attendees yearn for more fun, but also bring in dedicated, passionate and generous donors to our hospital,” Director of Annual Giving, Armando Zambrano says. “Since then, we’ve not only been fortunate enough to make lasting partnerships with donors and the growing Austin community, but we’ve exceed our goals and evolved each year to provide a once-a-year night that can’t be missed. This year is no exception and we are looking forward to believing with everyone that Dell Children’s Medical Center truly is a magical place.”

Last year’s gala centered on the Frazier family, whose daughter underwent a life-saving surgery at just 5 weeks old and spent several months post-delivery in the NICU at Dell Children’s due to a rare occurrence of her internal organs growing outside of her stomach while in utero. The Presenting Sponsor of the night, Nyle Maxwell Family of Dealerships, helped to welcome more than 1,000 attendees for the event.

“Dream was the perfect theme for [last] year because it highlights that we all have dreams, but for some of our patients, they may never get to live them out because of an illness or injury,” Zambrano said. “Each year we are gifted the opportunity to make this celebration come to life not only for our donors who selflessly give to our foundation, but for the children, whose dreams we are fighting for.”

The Dell Children’s Gala began 30 years ago and raised $65,000 from the first event. Since then, the Gala has gone on to raise $17.1 million collectively, including last year’s Dream gala, which raised $1.26 million dollars, benefiting Dell Children’s special projects and programs.