Dell Children’s Medical Center Gala Shatters Fundraising Records.
By Rob Giardinelli Photography | by Ben Porter
THE SETTING: A beautiful evening at Austin’s JW Marriott hotel was the setting recently for the annual Dell Children’s Medical Center gala. In total, over 1,000 of Austin’s most notable sociables, community leaders and philanthropists were on hand to support one of Capital City’s most venerable organizations for a night of hope, fun and fundraising.
THE STYLE: The fun began even before the impeccably dressed crowd in their finest black-tie attire ascended the escalator to the main ballroom. Here guests had the opportunity to pose for photos on a one-of-a-kind step and repeat, set as a living room, designed by Autumn Rich and Lisa Hickey. Dapper in gowns and tuxedos, the partygoers then made their way to their seats in an impeccably designed ballroom full of orchids courtesy of David Kurio. The program included heart-warming testimonials from families positively impacted by Dell Children’s Medical Center and a spirited live auction. The festivities were capped off in the foyer-turned-disco of the JW Marriott for the after party where guests danced the night away in style.
THE PURPOSE: The event, chaired by Pat and Katherine Jones, raised a
record-setting $1.7 million dollars for Dell Children’s Medical Center. Since 1996, the gala has raised over $18.5 million dollars to provide valuable resources and programs for children and their families.