By Holly Jackson

Contributing Writer

The Westbank neighborhood is represented by the Circle of Friends’ well-established Loop 360 chapter of the Children’s Medical Center Foundation of Central Texas. The hilltop Westbank home of Congressman Michael and Linda McCaul provided a spectacular setting for the themed evening, Pairing of the Vines.

More than 125 philanthropic partygoers were greeted at the gated grounds by exotic cars of Audi, Maserati, and Porsche from sponsor Roger Beasley. They admired the grand estate that is decorated with Rococo design and decor. The main gathering was held on the breezy outside terrace with its negative edge pool and Austin skyline views.

Different wines and martinis were enjoyed, along with a ring toss for a bottle of wine as a take-home gift. Sullivan’s Steakhouse served an upscale menu of seared ahi tuna, beurre blanc salmon, and a beef tenderloin-carving station. Dessert by the bite featured cheesecake, key lime pie, and mocha mousse cake.

The Loose Wheels band played popular music from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. The entire group is composed of Westbank students that includes G.R. Chiappe, Landon Hegedus, John Kronenberger, and brothers Duncan and Pierce Waldrop. Congressman McCaul even joined in by strumming a guitar and singing, “Sweet Home Alabama.”

“The event featured the sights and sounds of Austin,” said Rita Willoughby, Circle of Friends manager for the Foundation. “The McCauls were gracious hosts for a night to remember. It was a great success to benefit the hospital.”

The event raised more than $17,000 for the Texas Child Study Center, the collaboration between Dell Children’s and The University of Texas that treats children and adolescents with emotional, developmental and behavioral challenges. This facility will develop disease-specific evaluative and interventional programs to address disorders such as autism, depression and other mental health issues.

Monies will be matched, dollar for dollar, by a generous member from one of the Circle of Friends chapters. This network comprises 12 regional support groups in Central Texas that raise awareness and funds for the Foundation to benefit Dell Children’s Medical Center. To join the Westbank chapter, visit www.dellchildrenscircleoffriends.org.