Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2011 > April > 06 > Entry
Seton Breast Cancer Center Reception at Russell Collection
Longtime Austinites can remember when mega-projects like the Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas and the Long Center for the Performing Arts were but gleams in the eyes of a few dreamers. Nobody believed that scores of millions of dollars could be raised from scratch, no matter the demonstrable need for such undertakings.
Binh Pham, Vi Hoang and Bruce Levy
Mere months ago, social connectors Susan Lubin and Marcia Levy imagined a place where Austinites dealing with breast cancer could receive comprehensive services in one setting. No more trudging around town to undergo examinations, consult specialists or receive treatments. Why not just create a breast cancer center?
Susan Lubin and Marcia Levy
The leaders of the Seton Family of Hospitals said “yes.” The idea fit into a proposal already conceived by the likes of surgical oncologist Dr. Rob Fuller, who envision a cluster of such cancer centers for Austin. In short order, Lubin, Levy and friends raised $1.7 million for the starter Breast Cancer Center, says Lubin. The goal: $6.5 million.
Jan Barfield and Lisa Russell
A reception for the center at the Russell Collection Fine Art Gallery on Tuesday brought out some potent donors like Teresa Long, Lynn Meredith and Allan “Bud” Shivers Jr. The occasion was a preview of works from nine artists created especially to raise money for the center.
This was a lively group that dallied over white wine and prickly pear margaritas. They listened to short, impassioned speeches and mingled in the galleries, where more works by the Texas artists were displayed.
I spoke a some length with former Austinite Brad Ellis — now of Dallas — whose blue and white dotted canvas served as a backdrop for speeches. I think Ellis has a future as designer for performance. He likes to work on a monumental scale. Another beginning?
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Arts, Charity
Comments
When commenting, we ask that you keep things civil and abide by our Visitor Agreement. To report comment abuse, click here.