Community Update

Newly Renovated Maternity Floor

We are thrilled to announce the completion of the newly renovated third floor, now dedicated to supporting expectant mothers and their newborns. In a special unveiling and dedication ceremony, the hospital celebrated the upgrades to the labor and delivery and mother-baby units—enhancements made possible by the generous support of community donors through the CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation.

The renovations have brought state-of-the-art equipment and modernized spaces to both units, ensuring that moms and their families receive the best care possible. The labor and delivery unit now features 19 private delivery rooms, each upgraded with new bathrooms, birthing beds, fetal monitors, and innovative cableless fetal monitoring systems. These advancements offer moms the flexibility to move freely and find comfort during labor without being tethered to machines.

“Our rooms look incredible and bring an extra layer of comfort with new paint, floors, and technologies,” said Britni Hidalgo, Clinical Director of Labor and Delivery at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas – St. Elizabeth. “Thanks to the CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation and our community donors, we are proud to provide these extensive upgrades and new technologies to care for our mothers and their babies both before and after birth.”

The mother-baby unit also saw significant improvements, with 34 recovery rooms receiving fresh paint, new flooring, upgraded bathrooms, and advanced monitoring equipment to ensure mothers and babies are well cared for post-delivery.

“The cableless fetal monitoring systems are a game-changer for us,” Hidalgo explained. “The birthing process can be uncomfortable, and moms appreciate being able to move around freely. These new systems allow that, which can help make the experience a little more comfortable.”

Additionally, the renovations include updates to seven obstetrics emergency and surgery rooms, designed to provide additional monitoring and care for complicated pregnancies and scheduled cesarean surgeries.

Teri Hawthorne, Executive Director for the CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation, emphasized the critical role that community support played in making this project a reality. “We could not have achieved this without the generosity of our southeast Texas community donors,” she said. “These donations will have a lasting impact on our patients and their families, helping us welcome more newborns into the world and sending them home safely to bright futures.”

This exciting renovation reflects CHRISTUS Southeast Texas – St. Elizabeth’s continued commitment to delivering exceptional care for mothers and their newborns in an environment designed for comfort and safety.

Cool Off and Make a Difference on Miracle Treat Day!

Mark your calendars for the coolest and sweetest day of summer! Thursday, July 25th, Dairy Queen will be celebrating Miracle Treat Day by donating $1 or more from every Blizzard sold back to Children’s Miracle Network in SETX!

100% of these funds stay local and help kids at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas!

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.

It’s more than a delicious treat- it’s a chance to make miracle happen!

Not sure where your closest DQ location is? Click here to find out!

Pre-Order forms can be found here.

We’d like to extend a great, big THANK YOU to Dairy Queen Fans and the participating Dairy Queen restaurants across Southeast Texas! Together, you are helping change kids’ health and change the future for kids in SETX!

Tee Up for a Great Cause – Join Us at the Kids Classic Golf Tournament!

We’re excited to announce the upcoming Sabine Chapter of Credit Unions (SCCU) Annual Kids Classic Golf Tournament, benefitting Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas. For 32 years, SCCU has proudly hosted this tournament, and we’re thrilled to continue this tradition of supporting our community. All funds raised—100%—will be donated to CMN, helping us provide the best possible care to sick kids in our local community.

We invite you to swing into action and join SCCU in raising funds and awareness for local kids in Southeast Texas. The generosity of local businesses and individuals like you keeps our mission on par, and we greatly appreciate your support.

Event Details:

  • Date: Friday, October 25, 2024
  • Location: Bayou Din Golf Club

Click HERE to see the team and sponsorship details for this year’s tournament.

Together, we can hit a hole-in-one for the kids and “Change Kids’ Lives and Change the Future.”

Thank you for your support!

The 41st Annual CHRISTUS Gala proved to be an unforgettable evening!


The CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation held its 41st Annual Gala on Saturday, April 20, at the Beaumont Civic Center. This event has become one of the most anticipated fundraising events each year and has drawn some of the biggest names in entertainment. This year, we were honored to add the legendary Goo Goo Dolls to our long list of amazing entertainers.

This year, the Foundation had the privilege of honoring local businesswoman and philanthropist Gisela Houseman. 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 for her invaluable contribution.

We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible support we’ve received from our 2024 sponsors. Your generosity has played a pivotal role in making this event a tremendous success and, more importantly, in furthering our mission of extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.

This gala wouldn’t have been possible without your support, and we are profoundly grateful for that. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing by us and your enduring support. Here’s to another year of making a meaningful impact, hand in hand.

Save the date! We’re counting the days until the next Gala, April 5, 2025. We can’t wait to see you all again and create more unforgettable memories together.

Warmest regards,

The CHRISTUS Foundation Team

Click here to view our amazing 2024 Gala Sponsors!

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

42nd Annual CHRISTUS Gala
Sponsorship Opportunities

Heritage Circle – $75,000 

  • Premium seating for thirty (30)
  • Round-trip limousine service from a Southeast Texas location to the event.
  • VIP gifts for all guests
  • Hors d’oeuvres and elevated dinner menu 
  • Open bar with private waiter
  • VIP Reception for all guests
  • Two (2) full-page spreads in the event program
  • 30 tickets for night of raffle items
  • Custom branding opportunities available upon request.
  • Website Recognition

Legacy Circle – $50,000

  • Premium seating for twenty (20)
  • Round-trip limousine service from a Southeast Texas location to the event.
  • VIP gifts for all guests
  • Hors d’oeuvres and elevated dinner menu 
  • Open bar with private waiter
  • VIP Reception for all guests
  • One (1) full page ad in event program
  • 20 tickets for night of raffle items
  • Website Recognition

Chairman’s Circle – $25,000

  • Premium seating for ten (10)
  • Valet Parking Service for five (5) vehicles
  • VIP gifts for all guests
  • Hors d’oeuvres and elevated dinner menu
  • Open bar with private waiter
  • VIP Reception for all guests
  • Half page ad in event program
  • 10 tickets for night of raffle items
  • Website Recognition

President’s Circle – $15,000

  • One (1) preferred table of ten (10) 
  • Valet Parking Service for five (5) vehicles
  • Hors d’oeuvres and elevated dinner menu 
  • Open bar with private waiter
  • VIP Reception for all guests
  • Quarter page ad in event program
  • 10 tickets for night of raffle items
  • Website Recognition

Visionaries – $10,000

  • One (1) preferred table of eight (8)
  • Valet Parking Service for four (4) vehicles
  • Table wine, dinner, and dessert
  • Quarter page logo in event program
  • 8 tickets for night of raffle items
  • Website Recognition

Benefactor – $5,000

  • Table of eight (8)
  • Table wine, dinner, and dessert
  • Listing in event program
  • Website Recognition

Partner – $3,000 

  • Table of eight (8)
  • Table wine, dinner, and dessert
Underwriting Opportunities

$7,500

  • Table with preferred seating for eight (8)
  • VIP Reception for eight (8)
  • Recognition as a sponsor of one of the following: VIP Reception or Social Hour

$4,000

  • Table for eight (8)
  • Recognition as a sponsor of one of the following: Valet Parking Service, Photo Booths, Watercolor Artist

$2,000

  • Shared table seating for four (4)
  • Recognition as a sponsor of one of the following: Bid Paddles, Golf carts, Coffee Bar