Any Baby Can's Annual Gala Raises over $291,000 for Central Texas Families

Austin, TX – Any Baby Can's annual One Stellar Night gala, held on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Brodie Homestead, was an inspiring evening bringing together the community to chart a better, more equitable future for children in Central Texas.

The event underscored the importance of not only supporting families in a moment of need, but also empowering them to find their direction, gain confidence, and one day give back to the very community that helped them along the way.

The heart of the gala was the story of profound challenge, resilience, and love shared by former Any Baby Can client and current board member Russell Duke, formerly Operations Director at Applied Materials. Russell’s journey with Any Baby Can began more than 20 years ago, born from a deeply personal connection to the organization’s mission.

Russell connected with Any Baby Can following his daughter’s diagnosis with pediatric cancer. After her passing, he put his grief into action. Today, Russell serves as a dedicated board member and advocate in the community, helping to guide the future of the organization.

Any Baby Can raised over $291,000 during One Stellar Night, directly benefitting programs that provide critical support services to more than 3,000 children and parents each year. Any Baby Can also conducts more than 65,000 direct service visits a year; that’s an average of more than 178 per day!

"We believe something simple and powerful: no family should have to navigate choppy seas by themselves, " said Veronda L. Durden, President & CEO of Any Baby Can, "We’re incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support shown at One Stellar Night."

Attendees enjoyed spirited bidding during the live auction, with guidance from auctioneer Tiwana Kenney of Astounding Auctions. Thanks to emcee Russell Duke and event committee chairs Chris and Colleen Lynch, Any Baby Can raised critical funds during a time of funding instability.

Event sponsors included the Harvest Classic Legacy Crew, Dan and Kathy Brown, The Paulos family, Colleen and Chris Lynch, Amy and Greg Van Wyk, Nancy Harris and Joyce Hurst, and Kelley and Jay Lamy. In addition, Mission Partners like Greater Texas Credit Union help fund Any Baby Can’s mission with year-round support.

The evening served as a powerful reminder of the critical role Any Baby Can plays in helping families overcome obstacles, build resilience, and create a brighter future for children and families.

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About Any Baby Can: Any Baby Can is a Central Texas nonprofit that provides critical family services in the home or other safe space. With support for children with developmental challenges or medical diagnoses, first-time mothers navigating pregnancy, and parents facing life’s toughest moments, Any Baby Can ensures no family has to face the unknown alone.

See more press releases from Any Baby Can.