Oh, what a night!
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas (RMHC CTX) recently hosted the 36th Annual Bandana Ball, an inspiring evening of Texas-style entertainment and heartfelt storytelling that brought community members together to celebrate and support Ronald McDonald House (RMH). The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum provided the perfect backdrop for a Texas-inspired night of revelry that raised an impressive $676,000 to further RMHC CTX’s mission of keeping families close to the medical care their children need.
Trevor Scott, co-host of CBS’s We Are Austin, emceed the exciting event, which included a lavish dinner featuring Texas cuisine. This year’s “Aspen Meets Austin” theme blended mountain chic with Hill Country charm, setting the perfect tone for the evening.
Guests enjoyed a variety of Western-inspired activities, including an Alvie’s boot bar, offering custom-designed cowboy boots, while Bronte Treat provided live embroidery on personalized bandanas.
For the gutsy guests, a Longhorn steer was on-site to pose for memorable photos beneath the museum’s iconic Texas star. Other festive highlights included armadillo races, spirited live and silent auctions, and a themed photo booth. Guests also participated in a “Sponsor a Family” paddle raise, pairing competition with compassion in the true spirit of generosity.
One of the most powerful moments of the night came from a moving video featuring Mallory Sumner, who shared how much RMH meant to her family when her infant daughter required surgery and hospitalization nearly a decade ago.
“The moments that we had in the Ronald McDonald House room before her surgery, as a family, were some of the best and strongest moments of the three of us,” shared Sumner.
Sumner praised RMH as “a place of strength,” expressing how grateful her family is for the support the House provided during that difficult time. She emphasized the importance of the community’s support of RMH for their vital role in easing the burdens families face.
Cindi Ferguson, whose organization, Ferguson Family McDonald’s, was the presenting sponsor of this year's Bandana Ball, reflected, “For over 34 years, our family and business have supported RMHC CTX. This year’s sponsorship is a legacy for our son, who always gave back to the House that gave so much to others.”
For more than 40 years, RMHC CTX has offered lodging, meals, and compassionate support to families with hospitalized children across Central Texas.
To learn more or support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas, please visit rmhc-ctx.org.
