The Great Epilepsy Steakout held at Amarillo Civic Center

The Epilepsy Foundation Texas held its 9th annual fundraiser, "The Great Epilepsy Steakout," on Saturday evening at the Grand Plaza in the Amarillo Civic Center. Along with a steak dinner, attendees were able to participate in festivities including a live and silent auction, music, dancing, and a casino.

According to the foundation, all contributions to the Epilepsy foundation make it possible to create life-impacting opportunities and experiences for people with epilepsy. Ninety-five cents of every dollar raised goes directly toward services and programs that are offered at no cost in the community.

Molly Sievers, West Texas Special Events Coordinator, spoke about her group's mission and the impact of the event to serve those with epilepsy. She said the foundation provides camp programs, clinics for adults and an education program to train those in schools and other sectors to know what to do in the case of epileptic health situations such as seizures. The camping program for the chapter is the largest of its kind in the world for kids with epilepsy, according to Sievers.

“This camping experience is valuable to help kids to feel normal with interacting with other kids with epilepsy like them,” Sievers said. “We are here to help those with epilepsy or those that have families or jobs that deal with people with epilepsy.

Last year, the event raised $30,000, and this year’s goal is $38,000. Prior to the event, the foundation had raised about $20,000 of its goal.

For more information on the foundation, go to EFTX.org or to donate to this fundraiser go to greatepilepseysteakout.com. Bids can still be taken on auction items at steakoutauction.com.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: The Great Epilepsy Steakout held at Amarillo Civic Center