February 16, 2015, AUSTIN, TX, — Chasse Consulting president and CEO Beverly Chasse co-chaired the 2015 Manos de Cristo Charity Gala held on Friday the 13th, which raised approximately $145,000+ and set a record for donations raised. The annual gala is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year and was held at the Moody Theater in downtown Austin.
“Manos de Cristo is and continues to be a critical pillar of this community because it provides a true solution to helping the impoverished: provide a hand up, not a hand out. Meaning, Manos de Cristo is a refuge for those not only seeking to improve their lives today – but those who crave the knowledge, skills and resources to change their lives forever,” said Chasse. “The body of work accomplished was teamwork at its finest – from the Manos de Cristo staff, our donors, gala committee and volunteers. It positions Manos de Cristo to grow and thrive in 2015 and continue serving our brothers and sisters of the community and strengthening Central Texas.”
The Event
Beverly co-chaired the event with Manos de Cristo board vice-chair Dr. Tony Pacheco. Pacheco runs a dental practice in northwest Austin. The night was emceed by 36-year broadcast veteran Ron Oliveira, currently the principal of Oliveira Public Communications. Held at the iconic ACL Live! at the Moody Theater, the gala included dinner by the W Hotel, a live auction, casino and music by The Pictures.
Manos de Cristo is an Austin-local non-profit organization dedicated to empowering low-income individuals by promoting dignity and self-reliance through its various services, which includes a low-cost dental clinic, food pantry, clothes closet and educational services.
In her gala speech, Chasse reflected on the personal impact Manos de Cristo has made during her time partnering with the organization:
“Tony [Pacheco] and I stand before you tonight, with past childhoods and families that are replicas of who we serve. At age 11…my sisters and I were separated and passed around to different families until, at age 15, I found myself on my own, trying to support, feed, and clothe myself… I could have easily been a statistic, but instead, by God’s hand, and because someone gave me a chance, I now stand before you today… So I am sure you can see how the back to school program that gives backpacks, clothes and school supplies, and the basic needs program that provides food and clothing, touch my heart at level that words cannot possibly describe.”
Chairing the gala committee reflects both Chasse’s personal commitment to serving others as well as two of Chasse Consulting’s core values: mission in mind and corporate social responsibility. Chasse completed her tenure as board president in 2014. During her time as the board’s leader, Beverly spearheaded several initiatives for the non-profit, including:
Raising more than $1.5 million in funds for the capital campaign
Constructing a new dental clinic to increase support from 4,200 served annually to 11,000
She will continue her involvement through the Back-to-School program and other assorted fundraising activities. Additionally, Chasse will also continue working with Charity:Water, with the goal of building three additional water wells specifically focused on health facilities.
