During the check presentation, Rich Crist, Allstate's Field Vice-President for Texas quipped, "Here's my check. I hope the rest of you brought yours!" The audience took him seriously and made additional commitments in excess of $15,000! "Allstate realizes that insurance isn't the only way to help Texans feel secure at home," Crist said. "Texas Advocacy Project offers the kind of resources which lead to a measurable decline in rates of domestic violence. That is something Allstate can definitely get behind." 

Special guest, Texas Representative Patrick Rose, spoke about the importance of the Project's work, encouraging guests to make a difference in the struggle to end domestic violence in Texas. "Texas Advocacy Project combines cutting edge legal strategies with an aggressive social conscience," Rose said. "The result? A powerhouse non-profit that looks like, and is, the state's best and brightest family law firm." 

Keynote speaker, U.T. Women's Basketball Coach Gail Goestenkors, spoke movingly about the need for people to take risks in life and challenge themselves to come out of their comfort zone in order to make a difference in their community. Other notable guests included Judge Bea Ann Smith; Catherine L. Robb; KVUE General Manager Patti Smith; Jody Scheske, and Sarah Foster. 

Project Executive Director Andrea Sloan helped put the Project's work in perspective. The key phrase when talking about Texas Advocacy Project and the services we provide is ‘long-term,'" Sloan said. "Legal services actually break the cycle of violence, allowing victims to get out of these abusive relationships and stay out...that's how they get back on track, leading healthy, productive lives." 

The female members of the Project's Board of Directors hosted the luncheon by inviting nine colleagues each to be their guests, as a way to raise money for the Project while providing a networking opportunity for Austin women. Hosts included Linda T. Benge; Beryl Crowley; Laura O'Donnell; Katy Wells; Marla Broaddus; Janet Mitchell, Vice President of Marketing for the Lance Armstrong Foundation; Jennifer Cafferty; Alice Lawler; Susan Zachos and Laura Stephens. "It is rare that we all get to see one another outside of the office environment," said Beryl Crowley, Chair of the Project's Board of Directors. "This event allows Austin's most influential women the chance to come together socially for a great cause."

A special thank you from the Project, goes to KaBloom of Austin, http://www.kabloomofaustin.com/, for setting the tone of the luncheon with absolutely beautiful centerpieces of roses and gerbera daisies.

If you would like to join Allstate Foundation and other local professionals in their support of Texas Advocacy Project please visit http://www.texasadvocacyproject.org/ for program, event and donation information.