Community Update

Experience the Magic: 2024 CHRISTUS Gala $5,000 Disney Gift Card Raffle

 Embark on a journey into the enchanting world of Disney magic with the 2024 CHRISTUS Gala’s $5,000 Disney Gift Card Raffle! Picture the excitement of clutching the golden ticket that unlocks the gates to a realm where dreams become reality. This remarkable raffle offers a getaway to the most enchanting place on earth, presenting a heartfelt opportunity to impact the lives of children in Southeast Texas.

Envision yourself empowered to craft your very own Disney fairy tale, whether it’s exploring the wonders of Disneyland, Disney World, or setting sail on a magical adventure with Disney Cruise Line.

But the magic extends beyond the realm of fantasy. The true enchantment lies in your involvement in supporting the Children’s Miracle Network in Southeast Texas. Each dollar raised through this raffle serves as a beacon of hope, bringing smiles and healing to the children of SETX. Your generosity acts as the pixie dust that transforms their lives, providing them with the care and resources necessary to overcome obstacles and embrace a brighter, healthier future.

You don’t have to be present to win.

Join us in spreading joy and making miracles happen!

Purchase your entries now: https://go.rallyup.com/christusgala2024

Announcing the Honoree for the 41st Annual CHRISTUS Gala!

We are thrilled to unveil that local businesswoman and philanthropist, Gisela Houseman, will be honored at the highly anticipated 41st Annual CHRISTUS Gala on April 20.

Gisela Houseman, Owner and CEO of The Houseman Companies in Orange, Texas, has an inspiring journey. Originally from Hamburg, Germany, she embarked on her American journey at the age of six, eventually obtaining citizenship in 1956. Her path led her to Dallas, where she met her late husband, Tony Houseman, before settling in Southeast Texas in 1987. Together, they made significant contributions to land development and home construction projects across Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana. Following Tony’s passing, Gisela assumed sole leadership of the business, continuing their legacy with unwavering dedication.

Her impact extends far beyond the business realm. Gisela Houseman and the Houseman Foundation played a pivotal role in bringing the recently-opened CHRISTUS Hospital – Orange facility to life by generously donating the land on which it was built. Named in her honor, the 20-acre Gisela Houseman Medical Campus is a beacon of health care in the Orange community, offering a wide range of services including 24/7 emergency care, extended stay units, diagnostic imaging, and a dedicated women’s center.

“We are deeply grateful to Gisela Houseman for her remarkable generosity and commitment to improving healthcare in the Orange community,” said Teri Hawthorne, CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation executive director. “Her donation of land for the new CHRISTUS Hospital – Orange is a testament of her compassion and concern for the well-being of others. We are honored to recognize her contributions at our 41st Annual CHRISTUS Gala.”

Gisela Houseman’s philanthropic endeavors have left an indelible mark on the community. She has established scholarships at local educational institutions and serves on multiple foundation boards. Her dedication has earned her various honors, including Southeast Texan of the Year, the Frances Monk Award for Leadership, and induction into the Women’s Conference of Southeast Texas Hall of Fame.

Join us for the unforgettable 41st Annual CHRISTUS Gala, where we celebrate philanthropy, community, and honor Gisela Houseman’s extraordinary contributions. The evening promises refined entertainment, exquisite dining, and an intimate performance by the legendary Goo Goo Dolls. Proceeds from this year’s Gala will support acquiring life-saving equipment at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System.

Save the date and be a part of this momentous occasion!

Goo Goo Dolls Headline 41st Annual CHRISTUS Gala

Prepare to be swept away as the Goo Goo Dolls take center stage at the 41st Annual CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation Gala, set to dazzle audiences at the Beaumont Civic Center on Saturday, April 20th.

The CHRISTUS Gala is an esteemed black-tie affair and promises an evening of sophistication and philanthropy. Attendees can look forward to a refined entertainment experience beginning with cocktails and conversation, followed by an exquisite gourmet meal, culminating in an intimate performance by the legendary Goo Goo Dolls. Proceeds from this year’s Gala will go towards acquiring life-saving equipment at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System.

For over thirty years, the Goo Goo Dolls have left an indelible mark on the music industry, captivating listeners worldwide with their signature sound and chart-topping hits. With an impressive track record of 15 million records sold globally, the band has not only achieved commercial success but has also garnered critical acclaim, boasting four GRAMMY® Award nominations and a plethora of platinum and gold singles. Their astonishing 16 number one and Top 10 hits solidify their place in music history, with the Goo Goo Dolls holding the all-time radio record for “Most Top 10 Singles.”

The timeless appeal of the Goo Goo Dolls’ music continues to resonate, with hits like “Slide,” “Black Balloon,” and “Better Days” achieving platinum and gold statuses. “Iris,” which dominated the charts for 18 weeks, recently attained seven-times-platinum status following a TikTok revival, showcasing the band’s enduring relevance and impact.

Past Gala lineups have featured notable artists such as Keith Urban, James Taylor, Reba McEntire, Don Henley, Aretha Franklin, and most recently, Wynonna Judd, showcasing the Foundation’s commitment to providing top-tier entertainment while furthering its mission of extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.

For those interested in attending and supporting the CHRISTUS mission, reservations for tables at the event can be made at HERE. Join us for an unforgettable evening in support of a noble cause.

Spreading Holiday Cheer

The 26th Annual Christmas Contest was a heartwarming celebration of creativity and generosity at CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth. Various departments adorned table-top Christmas trees, each a labor of love, to aid the silent auction benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network. Together, we raised over $7,500 to support this noble cause.

Community judges lent their expertise, recognizing outstanding efforts and spreading cheer through awards:

  • Emergency Department snagged the Grand Prize, Crowd Favorite & Most Beautiful accolades with their nostalgic “In My Barbie Era” theme, a whimsical delight.
  • Admitting showcased their ingenuity with the “Merry Magnolia” tree, earning them the title of Most Creative.
  • CHRISTUS Urgent Care exemplified CHRISTUS spirit with a cancer-fighting hero theme, clinching the Best CHRISTUS Spirit award.

And the excitement didn’t end there! The raffle winner, Kim Parrott, added another layer of joy to this charitable event. Through these collective efforts, funds were raised to support the Children’s Miracle Network at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System, making a meaningful difference in the lives of the children in our community.

Spoons For Smiles: A Sweet Day for a Great Cause!

We all know and love Dairy Queen’s annual Miracle Treat Day, but this year, DQ is going above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of children in need. Dairy Queen has decided to add an additional opportunity to raise funds for CMN by dedicating October 21st to SPOONS FOR SMILES! For every Blizzard sold at ALL Dairy Queen locations across Texas, they’ll donate $1 to CMN!

This is your second chance to indulge in your favorite Blizzard treat while making a massive impact on the lives of children.

The Children’s Miracle Network in Southeast Texas is dedicated to helping our local kids receive the care they need when facing serious health issues. Dairy Queen’s Spoons for Smiles is an incredible opportunity to positively impact the lives of these brave children and their families.

Let’s come together as a community to make this day a huge success. With every Blizzard you enjoy, you’ll be putting a smile on a child’s face.

See you at Dairy Queen on Saturday, October 21st, for Spoons for Smiles!

Remember, it’s more than a delicious treat; it’s a chance to make miracles happen.

Not sure where your closest DQ location is? CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT!

 

Brooklynn’s Toy Box: Bringing Joy to Pediatric Patients at CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth

Meet 10-year-old Brooklynn, a compassionate and thoughtful fourth-grader at All Saints Episcopal School in Beaumont, Texas. Brooklynn’s heart is as big as her dreams, and she has been on a mission to make a difference in the lives of children facing health challenges. Her inspiring journey began when her younger brother experienced several hospital stays, which opened her eyes to the struggles young patients face during their hospitalization.

Brooklynn’s determination to bring joy and comfort to these children led her to a remarkable initiative. She created an Amazon wishlist dedicated to collecting toys and goodies for the pediatric unit at CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital. Her wishlist became a beacon of hope, filled with colorful toys, books, and games that could bring smiles to the faces of young patients in need of a pick-me-up.

It wasn’t just about the toys; it was about sending a message of care, empathy, and understanding. Brooklynn knew firsthand how scary and challenging hospital stays could be, especially for kids. She wanted every child in the pediatric unit to feel a glimmer of comfort and happiness during their stay.

Brooklynn’s commitment to her cause has been nothing short of inspiring. Together with her friends and family contributions to her Wishlist, she filled it with various items that could brighten any child’s day.

This is Brooklynn’s second time to donate to the Children’s Miracle Network for Pediatric patients at CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth. Each toy she has supplied is not just a plaything; it is a reminder that there are caring souls like Brooklynn who understand the importance of spreading love and positivity, even in the face of adversity.

Brooklynn’s story is a testament to the incredible impact that one young, pure-hearted philanthropist can have on the community. Her compassion, empathy, and determination have made her a shining example of the power of giving. Through her simple yet profound act of kindness, Brooklynn is not only providing toys but also spreading hope, love, and happiness to children in their time of need. She reminds us all that we can make a positive change, no matter our age, and that a small act of kindness can light up the darkest of days.

If you wish to support Brooklynn’s mission, please visit her Amazon Wishlist at: https://tinyurl.com/ukh5r9h4
Or to learn more about her impact, follow her Instagram at Brooklynnstoybox

Miracle Brews – Brewing Hope for NICU Awareness Month

In honor of NICU Awareness Month, we are thrilled to announce Neches Federal Credit Union‘s latest fundraiser supporting Children’s Miracle Network (CMN). Together with The Golden Cup coffee bar in Nederland, they bring you “Miracle Brews – Coffee for the Cause”!

Discover the Golden Cup’s exclusive “Miracle Brew” blend, available in convenient 2.5 oz sample-sized bags specially crafted for this event. These ready-to-brew pouches can make a whole pot of coffee or several single cups (compatible with K-cups). Each bag is priced at just $5, and $2 from every sale goes directly to Children’s Miracle Network.

For those craving more magic, 1-pound “The Miracle Brew” bags are available for $20 (cash-purchase only) at The Golden Cup, located at 1336 Boston Ave, Nederland.

This year’s coffee promotion is a fresh take on fundraising, a collaboration between Megan Hanks, Neches FCU Business & Community Development Supervisor, and Brandon Hammock, publisher of BeLocal Golden Triangle and promoter of The Golden Cup coffee bar.

Megan Hanks shares, “Credit Unions for Kids (CU4Kids) benefitting Children’s Miracle Network holds a special place in Neches Federal Credit Union’s heart. The funds we raise each year directly support CMN in Southeast Texas, thanks to our dedicated employees and members.”

Neches has supported CU4Kids since 1996, turning it into an annual fundraiser at all our branches. For over 25 years, they have been raising awareness about the challenges faced by newborn families using NICU facilities and collecting funds for CHRISTUS of Southeast Texas, the local network partner for CMN. In 2023, Neches FCU raised nearly $12,000 through the Miracle Balloon campaign and fundraising merchandise sales like candy bars, baked goods, and popcorn.

Caralee Thompson, Program Manager for CMN at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation, expresses her excitement, “We are so thrilled that Neches FCU and The Golden Cup have joined forces to create Miracle Brew coffee for the benefit of Children’s Miracle Network at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System. CMN has a long-standing partnership with Neches FCU, and their generous annual contributions significantly impact sick kids in Southeast Texas.”

Funds raised by credit unions and initiatives like The Miracle Brew stay in Southeast Texas, benefiting all campuses from Port Arthur to Jasper. Megan Hanks adds, “We are delighted to partner with The Golden Cup and BeLocal Magazine to sell coffee at our branches this September, strengthening and promoting local businesses. Raising funds for sick and injured children in Southeast Texas with the help of a small business owner directly aligns with the credit union philosophy – ‘People Helping People’.”

Brandon Hammock, publisher of BeLocal Golden Triangle and The Golden Cup promoter, encourages community involvement, saying, “We encourage all our business partners & advertisers to get involved with community initiatives. The Golden Cup ownership has repeatedly stepped up to help with nonprofit and charity causes. When I suggested that we sell coffee packets instead of sweets or candy, Janna Bartz, the owner, jumped at the idea.”

The Golden Cup owner, Janna Bartz, is deeply involved in community-centered efforts, including The Rotary Club of Nederland and her church. She hopes that people will see the great work that Children’s Miracle Network does and contribute to the fund, even if they don’t buy any coffee.

“The Miracle Brew” Coffee Fundraiser aims to raise over $7,000 in September. For more information, visit the Neches FCU website at www.nechesFCU.org or search on social media @nechesFCU. To learn more about The Golden Cup coffee bar, search @TheGoldenCupCoffeebar

Let’s brew up some miracles together! 

Summer Serves was a smashing success!

A BIG THANK YOU to all who participated in the Summer Serves volleyball tournament benefiting CMN!

Last school year, West Brook junior Zain Sayyed and senior Raj Patel hosted a Kicks for Kids soccer tournament in April at the Cris Quinn Indoor Soccer Complex. With the participation of over 10 teams and 110 passionate players, this event raised an outstanding $2,165 for the Children’s Miracle Network at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas.

Inspired by the success of Kicks for Kids, Zain and Raj decided to continue their mission. They organized a thrilling double elimination sand volleyball tournament at the Beaumont Municipal Athletic Complex, featuring 12 amazing teams from the Beaumont/Port Arthur area.

These two young champions went above and beyond, securing sponsorships from generous partners like Sam’s Club, Exygon Health & Fitness, Pinnacle Physical Therapy, and Vidor Advanced Dental. Their dedication and hard work shone brightly, making Summer Serves a resounding success! Zain and Raj, along with all participants – raised an impressive $1,900 during Summer Serves, bringing their total contribution to CMN to a remarkable $4,065!

To Zain and Raj, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your unwavering support and dedication have made an immeasurable impact on the lives of children in SETX. We can’t wait to see the incredible things you both will achieve in your future endeavors!

And to all the participants, sponsors, and supporters, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your enthusiasm and generosity have driven this incredible event’s success, and we look forward to continuing this journey together!

 

Tee Up For Kids!

Join the Sabine Chapter of Credit Unions (SCCU) for their annual Kids Classic Golf Tournament on October 27, 2023, at Bayou Din Golf Club. Registration starts at 7:30 am, with a Shotgun Start at 8:00 am. It’s a four-man scramble with par as your friend, followed by awards and door prizes.

Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) of Southeast Texas. Your contributions provide essential neonatal and pediatric equipment, helping children in need.
For over three decades, your support has made this tournament possible. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of Southeast Texas residents.

Join us, support CMN, and help local children receive vital medical care. Together, we can achieve CMN’s mission of saving and improving children’s lives in the community.

For more information and Sponsorship opportunities, please click here!

Bringing Color and Hope to Pedi!

In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, it’s heartwarming to witness individuals who go above and beyond to make a positive impact on the lives of others. One such individual, Caitlin Good, a Registered Vascular Technologist at CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Outpatient Pediatric Pavilion (OPP), is spreading kindness and joy in our pediatric unit, leaving a trail of smiles among young patients and their families.

Coloring Books for Compassion

Caitlin’s journey of spreading joy began with a simple yet impactful idea – creating coloring books for the children at the pediatric unit. These coloring books weren’t just ordinary ones; they were thoughtfully designed to captivate the imaginations of young minds and bring endless hours of creative joy. The pages are filled with enchanting illustrations, from whimsical animals to magical landscapes and everything in between.

But Caitlin’s kindness didn’t stop there. She took it a step further by generously donating these coloring books to the pediatric unit. These acts of generosity and compassion instantly brightened up the young patients’ days, offering a temporary escape from the challenges they face.

A Bigger Impact on the Horizon

While Caitlin’s coloring books have already made a significant impact, she’s now taking her mission of spreading joy even further. Throughout the month of August, for every coloring book sold, Caitlin is donating $1 back to Children’s Miracle Network (CMN). This initiative adds another layer of positivity to her already inspiring efforts. By purchasing a coloring book, you not only support Caitlin’s compassionate endeavor but also contribute to a greater cause, helping CMN in its mission to provide critical medical care to children in need.

How Can You Get Involved?

If you’re interested in joining Caitlin’s mission and purchasing one of these enchanting coloring books, you can find them on Amazon through the link below:

ABCs Under the Sea: https://tinyurl.com/5n6mcez8

Magical Mandalas: https://tinyurl.com/75dj5jr9