Masking Up for a Great Cause

Medical Students to Host Annual Charity Gala & Casino Night

• By Suzanna Cisneros
• March 11, 2019

With the same school spirit of the Texas Tech Masked Rider, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) first-year medical students invite the community to mask up to celebrate the 22nd Annual Lubbock City Lights Charity Gala & Casino Night at 6 p.m. April 6 at the Overton Hotel and Conference Center, 2322 Mac Davis Lane.

Medical students began the Lubbock City Lights tradition in 1997. Since then, more than $1 million has been raised and helped numerous local charities and organizations in the West Texas community. Ellen Wilson and Patrick Bettiol are executive co-chairs for this year’s event.

“Supporting deserving charities that provide services for Lubbock and contributing to our community is a privilege,” said Lexi Neighbors, first-year medical student and Lubbock City Lights public relations co-chair. “Our class is ready to partner with the Lubbock community and make a difference.”

This year’s Lubbock City Lights theme is Masquerade. The event will include a dinner, live and silent auction, casino tables and live performances by the Flying Fitness Aerial Arts Studio and the Texas Tech Ballroom Dance Team. All proceeds from the event and the auctions will go to four charities in the local community.

This year’s charities include:

• The Free Clinic, a TTUHSC School of Medicine student-run initiative that offers medical services, health education and social resource counseling to the uninsured community of Lubbock every Wednesday.
  
  
• Voice of Hope provides victims of sexual abuse, sexual assault and/or sex trafficking in Lubbock County and the surrounding communities with free, confidential crisis assistance, advocacy and support and promotes public awareness of the realities of sexual victimization and strives towards its elimination through outreach, activism and community education.
  
  
• The Children's Advocacy Center of the South Plains serves children between the ages of 2 to 17 as well as developmentally delayed adults who have been victims of abuse/trauma. Their mission is to bring together community resources to speed the healing of child victims of abuse and trauma.
  
  
• Lubbock Meals on Wheels is a private, non-profit organization committed to helping people remain home, well fed, and independent. Meals on Wheels provides a nutritious meal, companionship and a watchful eye on the health and safety of seniors. 

“This year’s event offers fun for the community,” said Sarah Bayless, first-year medical student and Lubbock City Lights public relations co-chair. “By attending Lubbock City Lights, you can take pride in knowing your support will benefit four great organizations.”

Tickets for Lubbock City Lights are available online. For more information, to purchase tickets or donate, visit lubbockcitylights.org.