Medical Students Host Lubbock City Lights

Charity Gala Raises Money for Local Organizations

• By Suzanna Cisneros
• March 2, 2020

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) first-year medical students will host the 23nd Annual Lubbock City Lights Charity Gala 6 p.m. April 4 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.

Abigail Jackson & Chelsea Gerlicki, both first-year medical students, are executive co-chairs for this year’s event. Lubbock City Lights team members also include: Joy Josephs and Sarah Haque – charity ball co-chairs; Karishma Desai and Alec Giron – special events; Kristine Chen, Jonathan Abraham, Ranger Kile and Kate Holder – sponsorship and auction; Max Pourghaed and Bernardo Galvan – public relations and community outreach; and Ben Becker and Neil Jain – finance and tickets.

“Supporting deserving charities that provide services for Lubbock and contributing to our community is a privilege,” said Gerlicki. “Our class is ready to partner with the Lubbock community and make a difference.”

This year’s Lubbock City Lights theme is Arabian Nights. All proceeds from the event and the auctions will go to five 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.

● 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.

● Court Appointed Special Advocates or CASA of the South Plains recruits, trains, and supports a diverse community of volunteers who advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the foster care system.

● Open Door

“This year’s event offers fun for the community,” said “By attending Lubbock City Lights, you can take pride in knowing your support will benefit four great organizations.”

 

TTUHSC Medical Students to Host Lubbock City Lights 5K Run  

This year, TTUHSC School of Medicine students will host the Lubbock City Lights 5K Run at 10 a.m., March 28, at Urbanovsky Park (1701 Flint Ave.). Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.

Proceeds from this 5K run will go to 23rd Annual Lubbock City Lights Charity Gala charities. Cost for the run is $20 per TTUHSC student and $25 per community member. Each participant will receive a free Lubbock City Lights T-shirt with registration.

For more information, visit lubbockcitylights.org. Click here to purchase tickets.