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Austin Unites for Mental Health at Integral Care’s Bridging the Gap Fundraiser

Leaders, artists and advocates gathered for a night celebrating compassion and access to care

Hal Katz Ann Kitchen Jeff Richardson Hon. Donna Howard Trish Young Brown Stephanie Bazan
Hal Katz, Ann Kitchen, Jeff Richardson Hon, Donna Howard, Trish Young Brown & Stephanie Bazan (photo by Kelly Paulémon)

This article is produced by TRIBEZA as sponsored content.

Integral Care’s annual Bridging the Gap fundraiser returned Oct. 15 at East Austin’s Swoop House, bringing together community members, leaders and advocates in support of expanded mental health care. The fundraiser supports Integral Care’s mission to support the health and well-being of Travis County residents living with mental health challenges, substance use disorders and intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Speakers included Integral Care Board of Trustees Chair Trish Young Brown, Integral Care CEO Jeff Richardson, Robin Shepherd of the Shepherd 5 Points Family Foundation and Mayor Pro-Tem Vanessa Fuentes. Each shared powerful stories and unwavering support for Integral Care’s work, highlighting the impact of innovation and collaboration in addressing complex community challenges.

Shelby Goodrum Carmine Salvucci Robin Shepherd Liz Baker
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Shelby Goodrum, Carmine Salvucci, Robin Shepherd & Liz Baker (photo by Annie Lampton)
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Tara Trower and Sedora Jefferson (photo by Annie Lampton)
Amelia Casas Sherri Greenberg Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes
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Amelia Casas, Sherri Greenberg & Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes (photo by Annie Lampton)
Sherri Greenberg Ellen Richards
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Sherri Greenberg & Ellen Richards photo by Annie Lampton)
Jodie Eldridge Marlene Buchanan
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Jodie Eldridge & Marlene Buchanan (photo by Annie Lampton)
Ryan Buchanan Marlene Buchanan Ann Kitchen David Gray
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Ryan Buchanan, Marlene Buchanan, Ann Kitchen & David Gray (photo by Annie Lampton)
Ann Howard Hal Katz Zahra Petri
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Ann Howard, Hal Katz & Zahra Petri (photo by Annie Lampton)
Humberto Gamez Blair Grisham Toby Mills Jeremie Kargnbyne Luther Alaniz
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Humberto Gamez, Blair Grisham, Toby Mills, Jeremie Kargnbyne & Luther Alaniz photo by Annie Lampton)
Ellen Richards Ann Howard
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Ellen Richards & Ann Howard photo by Annie Lampton)
Trish Young Brown
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Trish Young Brown (photo by Annie Lampton)

Supporting access to mental health care

A highlight of the evening was the art walk, featuring works from community members and artists from Art From the Streets. Guests explored a silent auction, which included a stunning mosaic titled “Pennybacker Bridge,” a collaborative piece by Stanton Pittman, EastFork Ceramics and Broad Studios.

Attendees also toured Integral Care’s new Mobile Behavioral Health Clinic, a vital resource expanding access to care. The night concluded with a lively, mission-focused paddle raise and a “Last Hero” giving session, led by auctioneer Gayle Stallings, which energized the crowd to give generously.

The Bridging the Gap event highlighted Austin’s collective effort to expand access to mental health resources, bringing the community together for an evening of support and connection.

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