Darrell K Royal Fund celebrates Edith Royal’s 90th birthday

by Special to Texas Lifestyle Magazine on November 13, 2015 in Living Texas, Austin,
Edith Royal Alexandra Isabel Kazen Elena Howard e1447432423567
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The Darrell K Royal Research Fund for Alzheimer’s Disease (DKR Fund) is dedicated to raising awareness and funding research initiatives throughout Texas for Alzheimer’s disease.

Guests were in for a real treat in celebration of Edith Royals birthday. Photo by David Brendan Hall
Guests were in for a real treat in celebration of Edith Royals birthday. Photo by David Brendan Hall

The DKR Fund celebrated Edith Royal’s 90th birthday last Thursday evening at the newly opened Hotel Granduca in Westlake Hills. In addition to paying tribute to Mrs. Royal, who turned 90 on October 27th, the DKR Fund announced the recipients of five research grants totaling more than $750,000. Renowned radio personality Ed Clements emceed the event while Con Huntley provided entertainment for the evening, singing both new songs and old favorites. The gala also featured a live auction that brought in more than $25,000 and special tributes from longtime friends Willie and Annie Nelson, Ricky Williams, Vince Young, David Thomas, and Lowell Galindo of the Longhorn Network as well as Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers.

Matthew McConaughey and Edith Royal
Matthew McConaughey, a close friend, could not pass up the opportunity to show his support for the Royals and join the celebration. Photo by David Brendan Hall

Attendees showed Mrs. Royal love and support throughout the evening. First Lady of Texas, Cecilia Abbot, presented Mrs. Royal with the flag that was flow over the state capitol on her birthday, October 27th ,  the Honorable Judith Zaffarini presented a Texas Senate Resolution and City of Austin Council Member Sherri Gallo declared November 5, 2015 Edith Royal Day. Matthew McConaughey, a close friend to the Royals, brought guests to their feet in singing Happy Birthday and The Eyes of Texas to Mrs. Royal. Ava Late, Julie Crenshaw, Rita Hortenstine, and Debbie Hanna co-chaired the event, with sponsorships starting at $10,000 per table.

Edith Royal, Co-chairs, Ava Late and Debbie Hanna, Matthew McConaughey, First lady of Texas Cecilia Abbott, Ben and Julie Crenshaw, Janis and Doug Maund, Council Member Sherri Gallo. DKR Fund 2015 grant recipients: Dr. Sven Vanneste, Dr. Ismael Al-Ramahi, Dr. Kan Ding, Dr. Bridget Hawkins and Dr. Yingfei Wang and 40 of Coach Royal’s former players.

The DKR Fund is committed to excellence in Alzheimer’s research and care for Texans, the nation and the world. The organization is dedicated to raising awareness and funding research initiatives throughout Texas for Alzheimer’s disease. The DKR Fund serves as an educational resource for patients, caregivers, physicians and the general public for the Alzheimer’s disease. Key influencers, board members and legacy council members of the DKR Fund throughout Texas have continued to build upon the legacy of Coach Royal and fight to find a cure for this deadly disease.

 

Special to Texas Lifestyle Magazine