Taylor’s Gift Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the life-saving effort of increasing organ donor registrations and to financially assisting families touched by organ donation, hosted the second annual Outlive Yourself Awards and fundraising event on Thursday, Nov. 3, at the Belo Mansion in Dallas. This year’s event, presented by Methodist Dallas Transplant Institute, honored Kathy Aulson and Robin Bagwell for making a lasting difference in their community and the lives of others.
The second annual event was a huge success for 6-year-old Taylor’s Gift, with more than $200,000 raised to assist families across the United States touched by organ donation. Nearly 300 guests were in attendance, including event co-chairs Saryn and Jonathan Dietz and Shaley and Javier Espinosa. Throughout the evening, guests were entertained by master of ceremonies George Dunham, host of 1310 Sportsradio The Ticket-Dallas.
“Our daughter Taylor lived her life to the fullest, impacting the lives of many and leaving a lasting legacy. Each year at the Outlive Yourself Awards, Todd and I are able to recognize those who are making a difference right now and doing their part to leave their legacy,” says Tara Storch, co-founder, Taylor’s Gift Foundation.
Proceeds from the event will support the mission of Taylor’s Gift – providing financial assistance to families who have given the gift of life. The organization’s Legacy Gift program was established to provide financial assistance to individuals and families touched by organ donation. Assisting with needs such as burial expenses, utilities, rent and more, Taylor’s Gift Foundation works to help those who are facing immediate need.
2016 Event Sponsors include: Presenting - Methodist Dallas Transplant Institute
Premier - Patricia Dedman Family Foundation
Platinum - NationStar
Gold - Lisa and Clay Cooley
Silver - Southwest Transplant Alliance
Print Collateral - Legacy ER & Urgent Care
Wine Pull Sponsor - Ben E. Keith
Friends of Taylor's Gift - The Barber Shop Marketing, Brian and Kelli Benedik, Lapgevity, Inc, Lifegift, Topgolf
PR Partner - TrizCom PR
Hotel Partner - The Joule
Media Partner – Papercity
2016 Host Committee members include:
Kate and John Dorff
Karen and Tobin Hartman
Holly and Todd Kerr
Roanne and James Lasater
Lisa and Frank Marshall
Marsha and Robert Skinner
Shelly Slater
Sandi and Dr. Bill Taylor
Jo Trizila
Michelle and Kyle Young
Since its inception in 2010, Taylor’s Gift is on a mission to encourage supporters to “Outlive Yourself.” What does it mean to “Outlive Yourself”? It’s a spirit of giving and a mindset of going above and beyond for others and living selflessly. Taylor’s Gift encourages individuals to register as organ donors as one way to Outlive Yourself.