Here at the Foundation, we have much to celebrate as the sunshine and warmer weather return to Central Texas. Toast of the Town is off to a good start after another great Preludes and Accolades, and Health's Angels has awarded their $50,000 grant to AGE. More than 120 students have applied for our St. David's Neal Kocurek Scholarship, up almost 50 from last year last year. And our friends over at St. David's Medical Center were just named one of the top 100 hospitals in the nation by Thomsen Reuters.

We plan on keeping this spirit of celebration alive, and continuing to do what we can to positively impact community health.

Earl Maxwell, CEO
St. David's Foundation

Preludes and Accolades, held February 24th, marked the start of the Toast of the Town season. Hosts University of Texas Chancellor Dr. Francisco Cigarroa and his wife Graciela welcomed approximately 175 sponsors, party hosts and committee members to their home, the Bauer House. Preludes and Accolades provided the first opportunity to view 20 signature soirees to be held April 11 – May 23. Proceeds from Toast of the Town parties benefit St. David’s Neal Kocurek Scholarship Fund. During the program, Dr. Cigarroa spoke about his support for the scholarship and the opportunities it provides for youth who might otherwise not go to college. He also noted that the UT System benefits from the enrollment of many Kocurek scholars.

The St. David’s Neal Kocurek Scholarship Committee received a record 124 applications – almost 50 more than last year – from outstanding Austin area high school seniors interested in health care careers. After reviewing the applications and interviewing students, the committee will announce 25 new St. David’s Neal Kocurek Scholars in May. In addition, St. David’s Foundation Community Fund will give $50,000 to Austin Community College Foundation to create 25 new scholarships in 2010 for ACC students going into health-science related programs. After awarding the 2010 scholarships, there will be more than 110 Kocurek Scholars attending a college or university.

On March 29, St. David’s Medical Center was named one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals by Thomas Reuters after an in-depth analysis of 3,000 hospitals. The award recognizes hospitals that have achieved excellence in clinical outcomes, patient safety, patient satisfaction, financial performance and operational efficiency. David Huffstutler, Chief Executive Officer of St. David’s Medical Center, commented: “St. David’s Medical Center has grown into a regional center of excellence for the treatment of complex conditions related to a wide range of specialties, attracting patients from all over the state of Texas and even around the globe. This honor is a testament to the work of our team of physicians and employees who provide state-of-the-art care for patients in our community and beyond.”

Austin Groups for the Elderly (AGE) will be able to significantly expand its Durable Medical Equipment Program thanks to a $50,000 grant from Health’s Angels. The grant will help AGE recruit donations of gently used medical equipment needed by older adults, such as wheelchairs, walkers, shower benches and canes. AGE then gives the equipment to people who need them free of charge. These simple items can be life-enhancing and help older adults live more safely in their homes. Members of Health’s Angels selected AGE after hearing presentations from three grant finalists at their spring luncheon at Shoreline Grill on April 1. Health's Angels is a volunteer group dedicated to serving the aging community and the agencies that serve them.

April is filled with site visits for Healthy Living and Healthy Minds. Healthy Living supports organizations that promote healthier eating, physical activity and exercise and improve access to healthy food for low-income families; Healthy Minds supports organizations improving access to behavioral health programs for low-income youth and adults. After reviewing many grant proposals and visiting numerous agencies, St. David’s Foundation will finalize decisions and announce grant recipients in June.