The Darrell K Royal Research Fund for Alzheimer’s Disease (DKR Fund) is dedicated to raising awareness and funding research initiatives throughout Texas for Alzheimer’s disease. Last week, the DKR Fund celebrated Edith Royal’s 90th birthday at the newly opened Hotel Granduca in Westlake Hills of Austin, Texas. In addition to paying tribute to Mrs. Royal, who turned 90 on October 27th, the DKR Fund announced the recipients of five research grants totaling more than $750,000. $450,000 of the grant money awarded went to Dallas-area researchers all part of The University of Texas school system. Of the $450,000 awarded to Dallas researchers, the Lee Jarmon Golf Tournament provided an astounding donation of $150,000 raised during their annual tournament, chaired by Steve Folsom and Matt Bryant. Renowned radio personality Ed Clements emceed the event while Con Huntley provided entertainment for the evening, singing both new songs and old favorites. The gala also featured a live auction that brought in more than $25,000 and special tributes from longtime friends Willie and Annie Nelson, Ricky Williams, Vince Young, David Thomas, and Lowell Galindo of the Longhorn Network as well as Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers. Attendees showed Mrs. Royal love and support throughout the evening. First Lady of Texas, Cecilia Abbot, presented Mrs. Royal with the flag that was flow over the state capitol on her birthday, October 27th, the Honorable Judith Zaffarini presented a Texas Senate Resolution and City of Austin Council Member Sherri Gallo declared November 5, 2015 Edith Royal Day. Matthew McConaughey, a close friend to the Royals, brought guests to their feet in singing Happy Birthday and The Eyes of Texas to Mrs. Royal. Ava Late, Julie Crenshaw, Rita Hortenstine, and Debbie Hanna co-chaired the event, with sponsorships starting at $10,000 per table. To learn more about this organization, visit http://www.dkrfund.org/.
Photos: (left) Matthew McConaughey with Edith Royal for her 90th birthday celebration. (right) Dr. Munro Cullum, Julie Crenshaw, Rita Hortenstine, Dr. Kan Ding, Dr. Yinfei Wang, Dr. Ismael Al-Ramahi, Dr. Bridget Hawkins, Ben Crenshaw, Ava Late. Photos by David Brendan Hall