Sidney and Don Faust’s dedication to serving the Texas Children’s Hospital Cancer Center led them to begin hosting retreats at their Squirrel Creek Ranch for children with cancer, their parents and siblings. This “healing tradition” was born of the Faust’s honor as 1998 Pacesetters of the Year at the Cancer League Luncheon when they met the children and expressed their desire to TCH’s Dr. Scott Basinger. Families are flown to San Antonio, met by limousines, and driven to the ranch, where a relaxing, fun-filled weekend awaits them. A grateful parent affirms the healing essence of a ranch visit: “Our experience with cancer was long, but was erased in minutes with all the love that flowed at Squirrel Creek Ranch.” Now having held 25 such retreats filled with precious memories, Don and Sidney received the Cancer League’s 2006 Heart of Houston Award. They plan to continue the retreats which enrich and fulfill their lives as much as the families they serve.
In addition to the retreats, Sidney and [former Houston Treasure] Cora Sue Mach put their hearts into planning a Halloween Party each year to collect toys for the Cancer League’s Annual Toy Party at the Cancer Center. All the patients receive a toy, and for some it is the only Christmas present they will receive.
Sidney and Don support many other charities and organizations including Baylor Research Advocates for Student Scientists (B.R.A.S.S), which named them Angels in 1997 and Honorary Chairs of the 2005 B.R.A.S.S Tea and Toddies. Sidney presently serves as Vice President of B.R.A.S.S. Chaplain for the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, and President of the River Oaks Rose Club. Her many board and chair positions earned her honors from the Women’s Health Summit and CCFA as a Woman of Distinction. Don and Sidney also support the fine arts in Houston as Ballet Ambassadors and Opera Patrons, opening their home for countless fundraising events.
The extended Faust family includes three children, grandchildren, two bearded collies and a trove of treasured friends.