TEMPLE, Texas — Central Texans came together on Saturday, May 4 for the Boots and Bandanas fundraiser, enjoying a night of music, dancing and barbeque while raising money for a good cause.
All in all, the event helped raise $550,000 for the Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Medical Center, which the hospital says will go towards the purchase of a Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Bypass machine.
Baylor Scott & White says the machine is "crucial" to the development of the cardiovascular surgery program, as it serves as a temporary artificial heart during procedures that require the heart to be stopped, like open heart surgery or transplants.
The event was held from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Schoepf's BBQ Backyard Venue in Belton, with Central Texans showing up in their best cowboy boots or rain boots to enjoy live music from award-winning country band Diamond Rio, food and an auction. Tickets were completely sold out ahead of the event.
Those who were not able to attend in person could even donate online.
"Thanks to you, this machine will enable our medical team at McLane Children's to deliver advanced cardiovascular surgery care to children in Central Texas," said the hospital in a statement thanking those who donated. "Your generosity will change a child's life."
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