Metroplex CEO promises donation to victims' families Posted On: Friday, Nov. 6 2009 05:07 AM By Benjamin Gooding
Killeen Daily Herald

The community shifted its focus as the Metroplex Health System Foundation held its 15th annual Gold Star Gala on Thursday night at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center despite the day's events that took place at Food Hood.

Carlyle Walton, president and CEO of Metroplex Health System, addressed the audience at the beginning of the evening and assured that the Metroplex Health System would donate $25,000 to the families affected by the tragedy.

The foundation had already committed to donating $500,000 to the center over a five-year span and is the second-highest contributors behind Sue Mayborn, said Ross Caviness, chairman of the board of trustees of the foundation. However, a separate fund would be set up through the hospital for the families affected by Thursday's events at Fort Hood.

"Due to significant preparation for this evening, we decided to proceed," Walton said.

Walton estimated that about 400 people were going to attend the Hollywood-themed gala to attempt to raise around $132,000 for the Sue Mayborn Women's Center at Metroplex, he said.

"This is the beginning of the healing process," Caviness said. "We can't let one individual stop the community."

The activities included a live auction including a 60-inch plasma screen television and a raffle with prizes including a trip to Angel Fire, N.M.

The entertainment was provided by Vive Les Arts on a stage decorated with purple curtains and gold stars.