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VIP Advocates are an invitation-only group of passionate individuals. They use their platform to serve as ambassadors for CC4C children and our overall mission. This year’s VIP Advocates are centered around our inaugural Parade 2 Uplift event.
April Braun
April is advocating for Champion Child Isabella. She is currently a stay at home mom working on her Holistic Nutrition Masters Degree. April has supported CC4C for several years and is our liaison for the Lake Travis Chapter of National Charity League. She is the incoming Executive Director of the Texas Heritage Songwriters Association and serves on the Board for TexArts Association.
Instagram: @ajbraun9
Michelle McCool-Calaway
Michelle is advocating for Champion Child Nicolette and is a retired WWE Superstar. She and her husband, The Undertaker, have advocated for several CC4C children over the years. Michelle is also involved in ambassador work with WWE, Special Olympics, and Texas Advocacy Teens Hope Program.
Instagram: @mimicalacool
Twitter: @mccoolmichellel
Tony Ciola
Tony is advocating for Champion Child Abby. He is a successful restauranteur in the greater Austin area with Tony C’s, The League Kitchen & Tavern and TC4 & Co Catering. Tony has supported CC4C for several years, and is also involved with Austin Safe, Nobelity Project, Austin Childrens Services, APA, and multiple school districts.
Instagram: @tonyciola
MaryBeth Kenis
MaryBeth is advocating for Champion Child Irene. She is an entrepreneur, magazine publisher, and racquet club owner. She publishes Neighbors of Lakeway & Bee Cave, Neighbors of Spicewood, and Lake Travis Sports. MaryBeth is a longtime supporter and advocate for CC4C. She also serves on the Board of the Lake Travis High School Tennis Booster Club. Outside of serving her community, MaryBeth enjoys spending time with her six children and two grandchildren.
Instagram: @ltneighbors; @marybeth_neighbors_of_lakeway
Isabel May
Isabel is advocating for Champion Child Tyler. She is a Production, Event, and Content Specialist. Isabel has been involved with CC4C since 2017, and currently serves as the brilliance behind our social media platforms! She actively volunteers her time to ensure our social media platforms are up-to-date. Isabel has also been involved with Make A Wish Foundation.
Instagram: @isabel_may
Ryan Mortensen
Ryan is advocating for Champion Child Emalyn. He is one of Austin’s top exotic car salesmen and a well-known reviewer. Ryan also sponsors Hand of Hope ministries that frees children from human trafficking. In his previous life, Ryan served as a Camp Director at Morningstar Camp for single or no family kids.
Instagram: @MortensenMotorsports
Youtube: Mortensen Motorsports
Akshay Pradeep
Akshay is advocating for Champion Child Kyle. He is currently a Lake Travis High School student. Akshay has been involved with CC4C for 3 years and has fundraised over $9,000 for the annual Run 2 Uplift. He is also a dedicated volunteer and former member of CC4C’s Jr Board of Directors. He is now the Fundraising Chair for our new Teen Advocates 4 Children program and a member of Young Men’s Service League. Akshay is the youngest VIP Advocate to ever be invited to the program.
Instagram: @akshaypradeep2004
Joshua Perdue
Joshua is advocating for Champion Child Solana. He is a financial trader and has owned his own business from a young age. Joshua is new to CC4C and is excited to spread the word about our mission and Solana’s story throughout his global network. He has also been involved with the Suicide Walk in Austin.
Twitter: @FinFreeFlex
Heather Sanders
Heather is advocating for Champion Child Charlotte. She is a teacher and mother. Heather was inspired to join CC4C’s mission after losing her daughter to a rare form of cancer. She is also involved with Mobile Loaves and Fishes, Lake Hills Church, Chloe’s Wish, and select baseball leagues.
Instagram: @missheathersanders
Dillar Schwartz
Dillar is advocating for Champion Child Cooper. She is a realtor and owns The Dillar Group. Dillar was inspired to join CC4C after Cooper’s family won a contest hosted by her business. She is also involved with Hill Country Ride for Aids, The Christi Center, and a dance group known as Women in Work.
Instagram: @dillar_ATXrealtor
Amanda Tatom
Amanda is advocating for Champion Child Sophia. She is a TV Host and Social Media Influencer. Amanda is new to CC4C and is excited to use her platform to share our mission. She is also involved with American Cancer Society-Cattle Baron’s Ball, Helping Hand Home for Children, and Make A Wish of Central Texas.
Instagram: @amandatatom
Carson Vaughn
Carson is advocating for Champion Child Ava. He is a mortgage lender at Guild Mortgage. Carson and his wife, Lara, have supported CC4C for many years. He most recently created a large third-party fundraiser through Guild Mortgage that supports CC4C. He is also involved with Salvation Army and Bless Foundation.
Facebook: Carson Vaughn