2020 March April Archives

STORY OF SONG

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | R.S.V.P. AUSTIN, 2023 January February, Parties

Change Sings At The SAFE Storybook Gala

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Konstantin Belyshev and Justin Rouhier

THE SETTING: The Omni Barton Creek Resort in Austin was the recent setting for a night of fun and fundraising. Over 600 attendees were on hand for the annual SAFE Storybook Gala. The cocktail-attired crowd began the evening with drinks in the foyer outside the venue’s ballroom. Guests were encouraged to wear their favorite attire to showcase their musical flair as a nod to the theme of the evening, Change Sings. As partygoers sipped on their favorite spirits, they had the opportunity to peruse silent auction items, receive a personalized poem courtesy of Typewriter Rodeo, and mingle with other revelers.

THE STYLE: The festivities then moved into the ballroom for the main program. As guests dined on their delicious multi-course meals, they were treated to highly impactful testimonials from the organization’s leaders and those who have benefitted from SAFE’s services. Next came a spirited live auction with many fabulous items, the highlight of which was a private in-home dining experience with Uchiko’s Tyson Cole, which sold twice for $30,000 each.

The evening was capped off by giving the SAFE Guardian Award to Frankie Fowler, who was recognized for her tireless contributions to the organization. Upon receiving the award, she was surprised by an onstage performance by the Austin Chapter of the Texas Gospel Choir, whose beautiful songs brought tears to the eyes of many, and the crowd to their feet, ending the evening on a high note.

THE PURPOSE: The event, co-chaired by Pamela Benson Owens and Diane Land, raised over $900,000 for The SAFE Alliance. Funds raised from the event will provide services for children and adults of abuse, including shelter, face-to-face and digital support, advocacy, prevention, and educational programs.

PERFECT PARK-ING SPOT

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | R.S.V.P. AUSTIN, 2023 January February, Parties

Mumford & Sons Headlines Waterloo Greenway Conservancy’s Gala

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Tyler Schmitt, Mill Photography Studio

THE SETTING: A picture-perfect fall evening at Waterloo Greenway Park in downtown Austin was the recent setting for a fabulous night of dining and music al fresco for a worthy cause. Over 700 of the city’s most notable sociables, philanthropists, and community leaders were on hand for the second annual Glow in the Park, which has quickly become one of the most anticipated events of the fall social season.

THE STYLE: The attire? It was “cocktail with a twist” as partygoers mixed cocktail gowns and suits with sneakers that were ideal for the evening’s festivities. The cocktail hour was held on the concourse of the Moody Amphitheatre under a beautiful and shaded tree canopy, where patrons mingled as they brimmed with anticipation for all the fun ahead.

The festivities then moved down to the lawn of the Moody Amphitheatre for the main program, where partygoers gasped as they descended the stairs onto the lawn, which had been transformed into a stunning al fresco ballroom. As guests dined on a delectable family-style meal courtesy of MML hospitality, they were treated to words by the organization’s leaders, as community leaders Gary Farmer and Chris Mattson were honored for their dedication to the venue.

Next came a live auction and paddles up that raised over $500,000 and included such notable items as a Party Like a Rockstar experience at the Moody Amphitheatre, an International Foodie Lovers trip, and a dinner with world-renowned chef Mathew Peters, being among the most popular. The evening was capped off with a show-stopping performance by Mumford & Sons, whose tunes brought the crowd to their feet and ensured the fun lasted well into the night.

THE PURPOSE: The event, co-chaired by Sabrina Brown and Jamie Chandlee, with Susan and Gary Farmer and Chris Mattson serving as honorary chairs, raised over $1.9 million for the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy. Funds raised from the event provide free programs and access to the 11-acre public greenspace located in downtown Austin, which includes one and a half miles of scenic trails, playscapes, and the world-class 5,000 seat capacity Moody Amphitheatre.

BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | R.S.V.P. AUSTIN, 2023 January February, Parties

Seton Development Board’s Hosts 45th Annual Gala

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Ben Porter

THE SETTING: The Four Seasons in downtown Austin was the recent setting for one of the Capital City’s most beloved and anticipated fall events. It was the 45th annual Seton Development Board gala, where over 300 philanthropists, sociables, and community leaders turned out for an evening of fun and fundraising.

THE STYLE: The black tie optional crowd sported an elegant mix of tuxedos and suits, ballgowns, and cocktail dresses with many vibrant colors spotted in the crowd. The Create the Future theme perfectly accented the cheerful color palette of whites, oranges, yellows, and pinks that dazzled the patrons on hand. The festivities began with a lively cocktail hour where guests posed for photos against a gorgeous floral step and repeat upon arrival. Conversations were had both inside and out as many partygoers opted to have their libations al fresco while enjoying the crisp autumn air.

The action then moved inside to the Four Seasons ballroom for the main program. As the attendees dined on their multicourse meals, they were treated to a series of touching tributes and words from organizational and community leaders on how much the Seton Development Board has positively impacted Central Texas in the past and how it will continue to do so in the future. After the program concluded, guests returned to the ballroom foyer and terrace for a nightcap reception.

THE PURPOSE: The event, co-chaired by Caroline Trube and Ashli Knust, raised over $580,000. Funds raised from this year’s gala will go toward providing support for women’s healthcare needs in Central Texas and beyond. Over the past 45 years, this storied event has raised over $15 million for a variety of Ascension Seton Healthcare projects and initiatives.

ART OF NATURE

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | R.S.V.P. AUSTIN, 2023 January February, Parties

The Contemporary Art Dinner Hosts Gala With Dinner Al Fresco

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Ben Porter

THE SETTING: A gorgeous evening at Laguna Gloria was the recent setting for one of the Capital City’s most anticipated fall social events. Three hundred philanthropists, art collectors, and sociables descended upon the magical space for the 9th Annual Contemporary Art Dinner…and in the process, were treated to a stunning evening of fun and fundraising.

THE STYLE: Partygoers brought their fashion A game with a dazzling mix of bright colors and metallics, creating a happy, welcoming atmosphere that could be felt the second guests entered the upper grounds of Laguna Gloria. Here, the guests could be sipping their favorite spirits and socializing. At the same time, patrons mingled inside the villa on the grounds to view one of the seven lots available during the auction portion of the evening.

As the clock struck eight o’clock, revelers were treated to a performance from a live band, signaling the start of the next part of the night. Dinner and the main program were held on the lower grounds of Laguna Gloria for the first time in the event’s history. More than a few jaws dropped with awe as partygoers entered the open-aired tent, which featured an enchanted nature theme. As everyone dined on the delectable cuisine courtesy of MML Hospitality, they were treated to words from the organization’s leaders, a paddles up fundraiser, and a spirited live auction helmed by Sotheby’s, which featured works from top Contemporary artists, including Carlos Amorales, Gisela Colón, The Haas Brothers, Rachel Wolfson Smith, and others. The evening was capped off with an after party where the fun continued well into the night, courtesy of tunes spun by the Chulita Vinyl Club.

THE PURPOSE: The event, co-chaired by Danielle Nieciag and Teresa Windham, raised funds for The Contemporary Austin’s educational and programming opportunities.

IF YOU CAN BELIEVE IT

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | R.S.V.P. AUSTIN, 2023 January February, Parties

A Good Night For Goodwill Hosts Annual Event At Q2 Stadium

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Ben Porter and Richard Rincon

THE SETTING: Austin’s Q2 stadium was the recent setting for an evening of fun in a fabulous space. Over 350 sociables, philanthropists, and sports lovers turned out on this picture-perfect night for A Good Night for Goodwill with its Believe theme. Throughout the event, guests were treated to touching tributes and one-of-a-kind experiences those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.

THE STYLE: The Austin-chic crowd enjoyed cocktails overlooking the dazzling Q2 field. Guests mingled and sipped on libations while having the chance to take part in several experiential opportunities on hand for patrons. Revelers were able to be photographed in a 360-degree video courtesy of Yuri360 to take as a keepsake, while others opted to take a behind-the-scenes VIP tour of the Q2 Stadium and its VIP levels…including a visit to the Austin FC locker room in a nod to the evening’s theme, Believe.

Partygoers then took their stadium seats for the evening’s main program. The festivities included words from the organization’s leaders, a paddles up, auction, and the presentation of the inaugural Henna Award for Philanthropy to Chris Hymans and Lize Burr. Capping off the night was a surprise video from Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernández, which dazzled the audience and ended the gala’s evening on a winning note.

THE PURPOSE: The event raised over $315,000 for Goodwill of Central Texas. Funds raised from the event will help fund organizational services and free programs in Central Texas.

CELEBRATING WITH LEGENDS

by societytexas | Oct 30, 2022 | R.S.V.P. AUSTIN, 2022 November December, Parties

Celebration of Film Star-Studded 65^th Anniversary Gala Features Meryl Streep Honoring Robert DeNiro

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Vivie Behrens, Rick Kern and Pete Smith

THE SETTING: The AT&T Center and the Harry Ransom Center, both on The University of Texas campus, were the recent setting of a legendary night for the ages. Over 500 sociables, film lovers, and philanthropists turned out for the Harry Ransom Center’s 65^th Anniversary gala, and several hundred more joined in the fun at a lively after party capping off the evening. Touching tributes and words from two of the greatest actors of the past half-century were also featured.

THE STYLE: The black tie clad crowd began the evening at the AT&T Center by posing for photos on the step and repeat, then descended the escalator to join hundreds of other eager guests for a fabulous cocktail hour. Film aficionados sipped on their favorite spirits and brimmed with anticipation of the festivities to come…and to be in the room with two cinematic legends to boot.

The festivities then continued in the main ballroom for the program and presentation. The crowd was wowed as they entered the elegantly designed room with a mix of beautiful florals and cinematic props. As partygoers dined on their delicious, multi-course meals, they were treated to words from the Harry Ransom Center and University of Texas leaders.

Next came the main event of honoring Robert DeNiro. After being treated to a touching tribute by celebrated film critic Leonard Maltin, Academy AwardÓ-winning Actress Meryl Streep took to the podium. Guests could hear a pin drop in the room as Streep regaled the crowd by sharing warm and touching stories highlighting her and DeNiro’s five-decade-long friendship. Capping off the main gala were words by cinematic legend DeNiro himself, who expressed gratitude and appreciation to the Harry Ransom Center for archiving his impressive collection of works and artifacts, many of which mirrored pop culture trends of the last 50 years. Upon completing his speech, the crowd gave the cinematic legend a standing ovation.

After the gala, revelers walked or took rickshaws one block away to the Harry Ransom Center, where the after party was in full swing. Guests could preview the Robert DeNiro archive at the Harry Ransom Center, which included multiple Oscars on display. Photography lovers also had the opportunity to view The Writers: Portraits by Laura Wilson, an exhibit highlighting photographs of many influential modern writers. This once-in-a-lifetime, special night will be talked about for those fortunate enough to be a part of it for years to come.

THE PURPOSE: While the gala did not have designated chairs, the after party was co-hosted by Laura Wilson, Andrew Wilson, Luke Wilson, and Owen Wilson. Funds raised from the evening will benefit the Harry Ransom Center, a world-renowned institution that archives work from the world’s foremost writers, performers, and artists. Near the end of DeNiro’s speech, he perfectly summed up the mission of the organization, “One of the most important things about the Harry Ransom Center is that the materials will be accessible to students and the public. Ultimately, that’s what it’s all about.”