Pay it Forward with Daniel Curtis benefiting Lone Star Paralysis Foundation @CarillonAustin

You might have remember that Austin has a pretty awesome food community.  In that community are really awesome people.  Unfortunately, sometimes not awesome things happen.  Just over a year ago in a diving accident, Daniel Curtis's life changed completely.  He suffered a life threatening injury to his spinal cord, and with the support of many, he is well on his way to recovery.  Here's last year's event.

To relieve the medical expenses, his friends, family, and co-workers raised $65,000 by producing an amazing fundraiser with the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation.  I'm not biased or anything.  :o)  Through this event, I was able to get to know the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation, an organization that amazes me over and over.  The supporters of this group are earnest in their support and work ethic.  It is pretty cool just to be near a group that is so pure of heart.  Here's another post on a previous Lone Star Paralysis Foundation Vodka Dinner at the Carillon. 

Two years ago, I put on the Cupcake Smackdown 2.0 on my birthday.  It was a pretty awesome day, and even Dave Chappelle showed up.  This year, you have a chance to celebrate my birthday with me again.  Now that Daniel is on his way to recovery, he is intent on fulfilling his vow to payback all that was done for him last year.   

The 1st Annual Pay it Forward with Daniel will be held on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at ATT Conference Center in Austin.  All proceeds will benefit The Lone Star Paralysis Foundation in helping people with spinal cord injuries.   Tickets can be purchased at: www.payitforwardwithdaniel.org.  Tickets are $100, and VIP Tickets are $150.  Don't forget to their your checkbook for the auction items. Music will be provided by Kat Edmonson and a Special Guest.

This year's chefs are:

• Josh Watkins — The Carillon
• Plinio Sandalio — The Carillon
• Kenzie Allen — Asti
• John Bates — The Noble Pig
• David Bull — Congress, Second Bar & Kitchen
• Shawn Cirkiel — Parkside, Olive & June, The Backspace
• Jack Gilmore — Jack Allen's Kitchen
• Zack Northcutt — Swift's Attic
• Callie Speer — Swift's Attic
• Philip Speer — Uchi & Uchiko
• Shane Stark — Kenichi
• David Alan — The Tipsy Texan

If you want your un-birthday to be as awesome as my birthday, enjoy some delicious bites from some of Austin's accomplished chefs, have a cocktail, and hang out with a truly moving nonprofit.  Buy tickets here. 
Here's some pictures from The Lone Star Paralysis Foundation's golf fundraiser in April.  At every few holes, there was food, drinks, and good company.  Serious, Serious fun. 

Pulling off an event of this size is no small feat.  Check out all those happy golfers!

This station was Cover 3.  Green Chile Mac and Cheese with Grilled Chicken was pretty darn tasty.

Bacon wrapped shrimp from El Arroyo!

Bacon wrapped quail leg from Jack Allen's on a Goat Boat. 

This signed poster was auctioned off later that night. 

And Daniel Curtis in the flesh.  He walked across the stage that night.  Amazing.