The gala featured a stirring story from Babe Laufenberg and a compelling mission video
LEAP Global Missions 2025 Gala Miracles in Motion, chaired by Stephanie and Michael Byrd along with Dr. Michael Lee, celebrated LEAP celebrated LEAP and their mission inspired by the love of Christ to bring specialized surgical services to underserved populations around the world. Since 1991, LEAP Global Missions has been called to serve others by sending surgical teams to treat children without access to appropriate medical care, bringing hope and healing in an effort to make the world a better place.
A most compelling statement and in reality, the nonprofit truly changes lives for the better for not only the patients, but their families, as well.
Guests mixed and mingled at the reception while enjoying wines, cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres before entering the ballroom, which was set to capacity.
J.D. Miles, emcee and an award-winning reporter for CBS Texas, welcomed the crowd, and Michael Byrd gave the invocation. As everyone began their three-course meal, Dr. Lee introduced a video showcasing LEAP’s work around the world, saying they show love through service in places such as Mexico, Ukraine, Belize and Zimbabwe.
Babe Laufenberg, the featured speaker and a longtime friend and supporter of LEAP, took the stage, saying he was honored to join everyone this evening and shared the story of his late son’s life’s journey, cancer diagnosis and passing. He said that he understands how the parents of LEAP’s patients feel, watching their children suffer and thinking there is nothing someone can do, nothing can change it. But with LEAP, miracles do happen, and LEAP’S surgeons and doctors do change lives through their surgical services.
Dr. Alejandra Garcia de Mitchell, LEAP’s Medical Director, introduced a video, the story of a child named Dominic in Belize who is so brave, even though he has suffered so much pain from his condition and many surgeries. He and his family said they are overwhelmed with gratitude and that truly, LEAP performs Miracles in Motion.
A most entertaining portion of the evening was the spirited live auction conducted by J.D. and Babe, which raised even more funds with the paddle raise.
After a few updates and news of past and ongoing missions, Stephanie closed the evening saying next year is LEAP’s 35th Anniversary celebration, thanked the staff, host committee and board.
This event is LEAP’s only major annual fundraiser. It raises funds to support the organization and help continue providing free specialized surgical and medical care to those in need around the world.
Host committee are Kamela and Kenneth Aboussie, Dina and Jason Arnott, Amy and Dr. Evan Beale, Debbie and Justin Bono, Lindsey and Ben Brewer, Darla Cherry, Mary Kat and Dr. Jeffrey Cone, Brooke and Blake Davenport, Alexis and Dr. Richard Derksen, Mimi and Dr. Grant Gilliland, Linda Hardison, Brooke Hollis Hortenstine, Emily Huskinson, Natalie and Mike McGuire, Caroline and Brian Mitchell, Linsey and Ryan Nixon, Michelle and Dr. Thornwell Parker, Abby and Peter Ruth, Bunny and Michael Tibbals, Adair and Clark Webb, Missy and Chris Wyszynski.
To know more about LEAP Global Missions, inside scoop with photos and more about their specialized surgical services and how to support them, visit the website at www.leapmissions.org
About LEAP: LEAP Global Missions is dedicated to enhancing and enriching the lives of people around the world by providing free specialized medical and surgical services inspired by the love of Christ. Founded over 33 years ago by Dr. Craig Hobar, LEAP volunteers have performed over 10,800 surgeries and procedures on patients (mostly children) from 24 countries at no cost to the patients and their families.
LEAP Global Missions sends teams of highly skilled medical professionals to other countries to provide medical and surgical care and clinical education. Our current outreach includes Belize, Mexico, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe. While our primary focus is on craniofacial conditions such as cleft lip and cleft palate, LEAP also provides oculoplastic and ophthalmological, orthodontic and dental, Mohs skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, hand, and ENT surgical care based on the needs of our host countries. We also bring patients with complex surgical needs to the US from other countries for surgical care when needed.
LEAP is committed to developing long-term relationships with our patients, their communities, and other partners involved in our missions. By returning to the same countries, we are able to build trust, offer ongoing education, and continue caring for those who need long-term medical services.
Learn more by visiting the website at www.leapmissions.org
Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio