Country Star Parker McCollum and Former Texas Longhorn QB Case McCoy Host Benefit for Texas Children’s Hospital
Donors and community leaders unite to support Texas Children’s Hospital and its critical-care transport team coming to Central Texas
Texas Children’s Hospital kicked off its 2025 Austin Ambassador recruitment with a dinner event at Austin Country Club on September 9, bringing together a crowd of community leaders, young philanthropists, and local supporters for an inside look at the hospital’s mission and expanding footprint in Central Texas.
Chaired by the McCollums, McCoys, and others, the event spotlighted the Kangaroo Crew, Texas Children’s critical-care transport team and the focus of 2026 Ambassador fundraising.
Expanding access across Central Texas
Guests explored interactive activations from Texas Children’s Orthopedic Medicine, Women’s Services, and Kangaroo Crew, while Dr. Jeffrey Shilt, president of Texas Children’s Hospital Austin, shared the hospital’s vision for growth and regional access.
“The Kangaroo Crew is something that we are really excited to bring to Austin and Central Texas,” said Dr. Shilt. “We consider ourselves to be the ‘gateway to West Texas,’ offering those families the care that they don’t have access to closer to them by being able to transport patients to our hospital.”
The specialized team provides 24/7 critical-care transport for children and begins treatment before patients even leave the scene.
McCoy on giving back
Former Texas Longhorn quarterback Case McCoy, now a father of four, spoke candidly about his own experience as a pediatric patient and why his family has been involved with the Ambassadors since the program launched in Austin in 2023.
“Austin is a growing city, and having more resources to serve families is only a positive in our eyes,” said McCoy, who credits a children’s hospital with saving his life.
He also highlighted one practical benefit of being an Ambassador. “My favorite part about the Ambassador program is what I call the VIP Black Card. Jess and I have four kids, with the oldest being 6 years old, so we need to be prepared for emergencies. It is comforting to have this amazing program where you call one phone number and have the best of the best health care professionals waiting for you at Texas Children’s to help when you need it.”
Ambassadors give annually and receive access to exclusive events, volunteer opportunities, and a dedicated concierge line for emergencies. Each year, funds are directed toward a specific hospital initiative. So far in 2025, Ambassador contributions have already raised over $1 million to support nursing. Next year’s goal: the Kangaroo Crew.
To learn more or become an Ambassador, visit texaschildrens.org/ambassadors.