Seton Care-A-Van event raises $260,000 for children’s health
Former Texas Tech University head football coach Spike Dykes introduces former University of Texas athletic director Deloss Dodds to attendees of the 12th annual Emory Bellard-Spike Dykes Seton Kids Care-A-Van Tailgate Party and Golf Tournament. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro
JENNIFER FIERRO • STAFF WRITER
BURNET — Few events line up better than Father’s Day weekend and the 12th annual Emory Bellard-Spike Dykes Seton Kids Care-A-Van Tailgate Party and Golf Tournament.
The event, which was held June 19-20, benefits the Care-A-Van, which serves uninsured and underinsured children across the Highland Lakes.
The two-day event netted more than $260,000 thanks to 633 attendees of the tailgate party and 236 golfers at the tournament.
“It was the best year ever in fundraising,” said Becky Fox, director of development for Seton Highland Lakes Hospital. “We are so humbled and grateful for the incredible generosity of our community.”
The silent and live auctions and Fund A Child, which allows people to make donations without buying merchandise, brought in $93,000 during the tailgate party June 19.
And while it rained some June 20, there was no lightning, so golfers played out the tournament at Delaware Springs Municipal Golf Course.
More than 100 volunteers ensured the event occurred without a hitch, and Fox said individuals and businesses were quick to donate auction items.
Fox chuckled when she received an email June 22 asking what the dates are for the 2016 event, which will be June 17-18. That shows how much people enjoy coming.
She credits former Texas A&M University head football coach Emory Bellard and former Texas Tech University head football coach Spike Dykes for jumping on board the Care-A-Van event several years ago so uninsured children across the Highland Lakes received health care.
“They lent their names to this event,” she said. “They are so well-respected. People want to be on their team, and they still do.”
Ballard passed away in 2011.
The other reason the event is successful, Fox said, is because of the very people the Care-A-Van serves.
“Our mission is to serve five communities all year long,” she said. “This is about the Care-A-Van. It goes out to help the children and families who are in need.”
Dykes said he is happy to know others look forward to this annual event as much as he does.
“It means a lot to me,” he said. “You feel tickled doing this. Becky and the ladies are unbelievable. Several people tell me it’s their favorite event of the year. It’s a great cause. What better cause is there than kids? It does your heart good.”
jfierro@thepicayune.com