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Austin Ladies Luncheon Raises $155K for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Research

Philanthropic leaders gathered for a Moroccan-inspired afternoon to support Duchenne research and awareness

(From left) Sara Alexander, Shannon Gardner, Venus Strawn, Barb Lietz, Cassie Bales, Melissa Aufieri, and Tracie Dickey.
(From left) Sara Alexander, Shannon Gardner, Venus Strawn, Barb Lietz, Cassie Bales, Melissa Aufieri and Tracie Dickey at the CureDuchenne Ladies Luncheon on Sept. 18, 2025, at Austin Country Club in Austin, Texas.

Austin’s philanthropic community turned out in style Sept. 18 for the CureDuchenne Ladies Luncheon at the Austin Country Club, where more than 200 guests mingled beneath Moroccan-inspired décor and raised over $155,000 for Duchenne muscular dystrophy research.

The luncheon, themed “Afternoon in Marrakesh,” featured ornate lanterns, fresh florals and raffles, paired with an elegant meal emceed by Keri Bellacosa-Walling. But beyond the tablescapes and themed ambiance, the event spotlighted the resilience of families living with Duchenne.

Among them were Tim and Laura Revell, who founded the luncheon after their sons, Timothy and Andrew, were diagnosed with Duchenne as young children. Now 19 and 22, the brothers attended the event and were honored with a standing ovation.

Susan Arant and Jennifer Mullen
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Susan Arant and Jennifer Mullen
(From left) Merritt Rasmussen, Adair Belisle, Flo Conte, Peyton LeCorgne, and Charlotte Baracco.
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(From left) Merritt Rasmussen, Adair Belisle, Flo Conte, Peyton LeCorgne, and Charlotte Baracco.
Tim and Laura Revell, CureDuchenne Ladies Luncheon founders.
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Tim and Laura Revell, CureDuchenne Ladies Luncheon founders.
Guest speaker Leslie Porter and Grant Porter.
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Guest speaker Leslie Porter and Grant Porter.
Cassandra King and Anat Adi-Atias
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Cassandra King and Anat Adi-Atias
(From left) Christina Hester, Venus Strawn, Cassandra King, Susan Hackney, and Amy Beard.
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(From left) Christina Hester, Venus Strawn, Cassandra King, Susan Hackney, and Amy Beard.
Amy Fearnow, Franchizca Scipio, Maritza Garces, and Nicole Griggs-Pace.
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(From left) Amy Fearnow, Franchizca Scipio, Maritza Garces, and Nicole Griggs-Pace.

United in purpose

“Every year, we’re deeply moved by the love and generosity shown by our Austin community,” said Laura Revell. “Tim and I are driven by a shared purpose—to help CureDuchenne accelerate research and raise critical awareness. This mission goes far beyond our own family; it’s about changing the future for every child affected by Duchenne.”

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a fatal genetic disease that affects about 1 in 5,000 boys. Most lose the ability to walk in their early teens and face a shortened life expectancy. Since its founding in 2003, CureDuchenne has raised more than $50 million, advancing 19 research projects to clinical trials and providing family support programs worldwide.

(From left) Keri Bellacosa-Walling, Jennifer Stevens, Venus Strawn, and Tim, Laura, Timothy and Andrew Revell
(From left) Keri Bellacosa-Walling, Jennifer Stevens, Venus Strawn, and Tim, Laura, Timothy and Andrew Revell.

“We are deeply thankful to Tim, Laura, and the entire Austin community for their unwavering commitment to our mission,” said Debra Miller, founder and CEO of CureDuchenne. “The support from this year’s luncheon is a meaningful step toward making that vision a reality.”

This year’s luncheon was hosted by Venus Strawn, Jennifer Stevens, and Caitlin Houstoun. For more information or to donate, visit www.CureDuchenne.org.

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