Phoenix supporters raise $1 million
Tenth Anniversary cupcakes await diners at the Phoenix Center Gala Saturday night, Feb. 18. Supporters contributed more than $1 million to the operation and new facility of the children's trauma treatment program.
Glynis Crawford Smith
The Highlander
The Phoenix Center is roughly a million dollars closer to it's five-year goal for a new $6.6 million treatment facility and program operations.
Even before the tally was complete of contributions and bids on exclusive auction items at Saturday night's 10th Anniversary Gala, it was apparent the event would top $1 million, organizers said Monday.
The presentation at the event repeated the numbers showing the six-counties served by the innovative trauma therapy program—Burnet, Llano Blanco, Lampasas, Mason and San Saba-- have twice the state average of child sexual abuse.
Since the program was established by Sarah Rosen Garrett in 2007, the number of children served has grown from 84 to 724 in a year for a total of 3,382 children and families served. More than four in five of them from low-income homes.
“Many low-income families in these counties can only access critical mental health care through the Phoenix Center,” said Garrett. “No child is turned away from the Phoenix Center due to inability to pay.”
With eight major therapy programs that draw on specialized training, the center has formed collaborative partnerships with The University of Texas at Austin, TexasState University, Baylor University and Texas A&M University, as well as the Marble Falls Independent School District.
The 100-acre site of the proposed new facility is planned to include a 16,000-square-foot structure.
The five year goal for program expansion is $2.226 million and, for the new center development, $6.605 million. In all they aim at $9.723 million.
“We have raised over $3.5 million dollars in secured funds and pledges to date,” Garrett said Monday. “Funds raised at the gala place us much closer to our $9 million dollar goal.”
"We are overwhelmed with gratitude,” she continued. “Our donors and volunteers are our heroes. They change children and families lives and make all that we do possible.
“After the gala, I'm motivated to work even harder to reach our goal as soon as possible. Children who have experienced trauma with critical needs should not have to wait. The need is now. And we can make a difference now."
