Nine hundred seats filled the ballroom at Horseshoe Bay Resort on Saturday, Feb. 21, as laughter, applause, and the unmistakable call of “Bingo!” marked the 14th Annual Designer Purse Bingo benefiting the Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center.
Presented by The Mahomet Social Club and CK Medical Spa, the sold-out fundraiser blended celebration with a powerful purpose: standing in the gap for children who cannot advocate for themselves.
“Good morning and welcome,” began HCCAC President Wade Langley, addressing the full room. “On behalf of our board of directors, staff, and the children we serve, thank you for being here.
The generosity and support that you show today has a direct impact on the lives of the children who lack the ability to advocate for themselves.”
Langley, who has served as president for more than six years, praised the dedication of board members and community partners across business, criminal justice, education, and public service.
But he was quick to point to the true heartbeat of the organization –its staff.
“These ladies and gentlemen are who law enforcement call when they encounter a child who has experienced the worst crimes civilization has ever known,” Langley said.
In the past decade alone, the center has conducted more than 2,000 forensic interviews, provided over 500 medical exams, and served more than 2,500 children; quiet, steady work carried out in the darkest hours of a child’s life.
Founded 33 years ago, the Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center operates with a clear mission: to empower child abuse victims, their families, and the community through education, healing, and justice. Saturday’s event was both a testament to that mission and a celebration of the partnerships that sustain it.
“We have a longstanding relationship with Baylor, Scott & White, and their support is truly reflected in the attendance of their employees at Designer Purse Bingo,” said Lora Cheney, Development Coordinator for HCCAC. “Their commitment to our event and our cause means so much to us.”
The presence of healthcare professionals alongside civic leaders, business owners, and families underscored the broad community investment in protecting local children.
Guests enjoyed lunch, boutique popup shopping, silent and live auctions, and 20 bingo rounds featuring coveted designer purses.
Blackout Bingo brought cheers as tables competed for David Yurman gifts, and the pink party wagon drawing added to the excitement.
The afternoon concluded with a raffle for a Louis Vuitton purse sponsored by Tammie Bennett.
One live auction item struck a particularly meaningful chord: funding for Guardify, the center’s digital evidence management platform.
The $15,000 goal would secure three years of safe, organized storage for forensic interviews, medical documentation, and investigative materials, software that protects a child’s voice while bringing clarity and accountability to their case.
Other auction highlights included the HCCAC Sunshine Logo Pendant and Earrings in Tiffany Blue, a seven-night Paradise Bali retreat, and more.
Creativity also took center stage as 90 tables competed in a decorating contest judged by audience vote.
After narrowing to five finalists, each table shared the inspiration behind its theme before Marci Kaye Interiors was announced as the winner.
By the close of the afternoon, the impact was unmistakable.
The 14th Annual Designer Purse Bingo raised a record-breaking $360,000 in support of the Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center’s work, ensuring that children facing unimaginable circumstances are met with compassion, protection, and hope for years to come.
