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Gulf Bend prepares for Cirque du Soleil-style fundraiser

Victoria Advocate - 10/25/2018

Oct. 24--For its second fundraiser of the year, the Gulf Bend Center hopes to raise money for and awareness of its mission to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Specifically, Gulf Bend officials are asking people to join them for a LeCirque, night of drinks, dinner and dazzling acrobatic feats Nov. 1 at Spring Creek Event Center.

Jennifer Rayburn, who has been Gulf Bend's director of fundraising for a year, said she has a family member with intellectual and developmental disabilities who receives services from Gulf Bend, so this cause is important to her and one not many know Gulf Bend provides.

She said the money raised will be used to relieve a primary caregiver so he or she can make a doctor's appointment, run an errand or relax while assured their loved one is in good, professional hands. She said Gulf Bend provides that kind of care, referred to as respite care, for one family at a cost of $960 a year. She said 16 families receive the care from Gulf Bend, and it is for 10 hours each month. Two families are on the waiting list.

"The peace of mind we provide has no price tag," Rayburn said when briefing Gulf Bend's board of directors Tuesday.

She told them there would be a live and silent auction as well as performances by Aqua Acro, of San Antonio. She tried to tempt them with a raffle and some of the prizes, which includes an all-expenses paid fishing trip and a custom fire pit by a local business.

"I'd like to commend Jennifer," Gulf Bend Executive Director Jeff Tunnell said. "She's really stepped in, and her passion, you can hear it in her voice."

Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased at gulfbend.org. Seating can be reserved and sponsorships are available. This is an event best enjoyed by those 21 and up.

Gulf Bend, according to its website, was created under the Texas Mental Health and Mental Retardation Act of 1965, which established a statewide system of locally governed public community mental health and intellectual and developmental disability centers. Every year, it serves about 1,900 adults with mental illness, 550 children and adolescents with an emotional disturbance or mental disorder and 200 people with developmental disabilities.

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(c)2018 Victoria Advocate (Victoria, Texas)

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