After having to cancel its fundraiser in 2020 due to COVID-19,  People Against Leigh Syndrome (PALS) alongside chairs Rosie Murphy and Peyton Jones hosted a hugely successful comeback fundraiser last week that set new records in both attendance and fundraising.

“With nearly 500 tickets sold and more than $200,000 raised, Green Out for PALS at Armadillo Palace was the highest grossing and most well attended fundraiser in PALS history,” said Jones, who also serves as Treasurer on PALS’ Board of Directors.  “We couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity to further our mission to fund research toward a cure.”

The crowd of supporters adorned in green – PALS’ signature color – reveled in the sounds of country crooner Max Flinn while they enjoyed Goode Company’s legendary food and libations.  

During the formal program, attendees heard more about Leigh syndrome, a pediatric-onset, progressive and fatal neurological disease closely linked to Parkinson's Disease.  Among those addressing guests included Lori Martin, whose son Will was the impetus behind PALS, as well as Dr. Mary Kay Koening, M.D., medical director at UTHealth Mitochondrial Center of Excellence, and Michele Times.  Times’ son Asher was the event’s honoree.

Times shared her family’s journey, detailing Asher’s two year battle with Leigh syndrome.  As she concluded, she thanked guests for taking an interest in the disease and encouraged them to go home and kiss their babies or call their grown children.  “Be deeply aware that you have the privilege to do so.  Some families here tonight don’t have that anymore,” she added.

The night culminated with a silent and live auction that featured multiple trips, original artwork, cooking classes, vintage wine, and more.

“This event was a labor of love,” said Murphy.  “Peyton and I are humbled by the support we received, from our fabulous host committee to local businesses that really stepped up with sponsorships and auction items. And the best part, we now have 500 additional people who know and care about the mission.”

Event sponsors included Veritex Community Bank, The Kostelnik Family, Hall Counseling, Goode Company, Bobby and Morton Cohn Family Foundation, Momentum Minerals, The Billipp Family, Partners Capital, Riverway Title, Caroline Schlemmer, ProFrac, Course Construction Group, Mary and Larry Peterson, The Lily Center, and Sharlene and Chad Bowser, among others.