by societytexas | Jul 13, 2023 | Parties, Austin, Blog
Ballet Austin’s Cinderella Themed Fête & fête*ish Dazzle
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by John Pesina
THE SCENE: The JW Marriott in Austin was the setting for a night of great fun and fundraising. During the evening, over 550 of the Capital City’s most notable philanthropists, sociables, and art patrons were on hand to celebrate Ballet Austin’s annual Fête & fête*ish. This year’s Cinderella theme, which celebrated the recent Mother’s Day production of the beloved fairytale, created a magical experience that those fortunate enough to each live their own happily ever after.
THE VIBE: The black-tie crowd felt the magic of the evening the moment they stepped off the escalator and entered the ballroom foyer of the venue. Upon arrival, guests were treated to champagne and the opportunity to pose for a photo in front of a step and repeat to commemorate the evening. Patrons then made their way further into the ballroom foyer for a lively cocktail hour where they were treated to jazz music in the background, courtesy of Parker Jazz Club, as well as the opportunity to spot “little mice” running in unison to add to the magical, storybook theme of the evening. These adorable characters were comprised by the youthful participants of Ballet Austin.
The action then moved to the main ballroom for the main program. As guests took to their seats and began eating their delectable multi-course meals, they were interrupted by a very special guest, Cinderella herself. During the program, Cinderella emcee Cassandra King effortlessly kept the audience engaged as partygoers were treated to words from organization leaders as well as emotional testimonials of how Ballet Austin has positively impacted the Central Texas community. Next came a spirited live auction with the top items including a trip to San Miguel, the opportunity to star as a Mother Ginger in this year’s annual Ballet Austin Nutcracker performances over the holidays, and a luxury kitchen remodel donated by Build 512.
Next came one of the most anticipated moments of the Austin social season. The moment where the ballroom doors to the 350 attendees of Ballet Austin Fête to reveal one an additional 200 patrons at the fête*ish after party that was already in full swing. From there, two audiences combined as one where revelers danced the night away until the clock stuck midnight to the tunes of DJ Cassandra.
THE NON PROFIT: The event raised over $500,000 for Ballet Austin, which is one of the 15 largest classical ballet companies in the United States. Funds raised from this year’s Fête & fête*ish will go towards Ballet Austin programs to fulfill their mission of providing exceptional arts education and artistic programming to Central Texans.
by Lance | Jul 7, 2023 | Parties, Austin, Blog
Manos de Cristo Celebrates 35 Years With Dazzling Share The Love Gala Honoring Dr. Tony Pacheco
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Marc Suarez
THE SCENE: Austin’s Fairmont Hotel was the recent setting for a night of fun and fundraising for a very worthy cause. Over 350 sociables, doctors, and community leaders turned out for Manos de Cristo’s annual gala. The evening featured a series of touching tributes and emotional testimonials, seamlessly blended in with dancing and fun, while creating a night that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.
THE VIBE: The evening’s theme, Share The Love, was felt from the very second guests arrived in the foyer outside of the Fairmont ballroom for libations. Here, the cocktail-chic crowd cozied up to the bar to grab their favorite spirits and promptly went to mingle with other guests, all the while perusing an impressive lot of silent auction items as well as the opportunity to take photos at the festive photo booth to commemorate the evening. The action then moved into the ballroom for the main program. Emcees Yvonne Nava and Ron Olivera effortlessly kept the evening flowing at a brisk, fun pace. While guests dined on their multi-course meals that were perfectly paired with award-winning wines from Meierstone Vineyards, they were treated to heartwarming testimonials on how Manos de Cristo has positively impacted the Central Texas community.
Following the testimonials came a spirited live auction that featured top items such as “How do you spell green? Gruene or Verde” which included a stay for 20 guests at a waterfront home in Gruene and a five-night stay for six at a clifftop villa in Virgin Gorda. Next, Austin’s celebrity dentist Dr. Tony Pacheco was honored for his tireless work and donation of time and talent to the organization. The night was capped off with an after-party that featured a casino and live music by The Pictures, which kept the fun going well into the evening.
THE NON-PROFIT: The event, presented by Nicole and Ramzi Al-Rashid, raised over $445,000 for Manos de Cristo. Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the organization provides low-cost dental care and educational opportunities for children and adults. Funds raised from this year’s event will Manos de Cristo’s programs which benefit over 30,000 Central Texans annually.
by Lance | Jun 26, 2023 | Parties, Blog, San Antonio
Artpace San Antonio Celebrates Artist Residency Alumni Sir Isaac Julien
By Lance Avery Morgan Photography by Abraham Aguillon Orsagh
The Setting: Artpace San Antonio celebrated its Artist Residency alum, Sir Isaac Julien, and Emeritus Board Member, Janet Lennie Flohr, at An Intimate Evening with Sir Isaac Julien. The event included a cocktail reception, dinner in Artpace’s Hudson Showroom, and an after-dinner rooftop lounge featuring music by Carbonlily. The floral designs were created by Statue of Design, and the cuisine was provided by Rosemary’s Catering.
The Style: Guests learned from Honorees Sir Isaac Julien and Janet Lennie Flohr about the essential role Artpace’s International Artist-in-Residency program plays in the local, regional, national, and international contemporary art communities. Since its founding in 1995 by artist and philanthropist Linda Pace (1945-2007), Artpace has hosted 275 artists through its world-renowned residency chosen by 89 of the world’s leading contemporary art curators. Artpace Artist Residency Endowment Chairs Rick Liberto and Patricia Ruiz-Healy encouraged guests to continue to be a part of the organization’s goals.
Sir Isaac Julien, RA (b.1960) is a critically acclaimed British artist and filmmaker. Julien is the recipient of numerous awards, including a coveted Turner Prize nomination in 2001 for his films, one of which he created during his residency at Artpace in 1999. He was made a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2017 and granted a knighthood as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Honours List 2022. His most recent exhibition, What Freedom Is To Me, is a 40-year survey of his work currently on view at the Tate Britain.
The Purpose: Event Chairs AnaPaula and Mark Watson helmed the stellar evening. Artpace San Antonio is a nonprofit residency program which supports Texas, national, and international artists in the creation of new art. The organization is committed to providing the public the opportunity to challenge themselves to expand the bounds of creativity and engagement.
by Lance | Jun 21, 2023 | Parties, Blog, San Antonio
San Antonio’s McNay Museum Luncheon Has Misty Copeland As Guest Speaker
By Lance Avery Morgan Photography by David Sixt Photography
Houston Frost, Rachel Drake, Lou Celia Frost, Misty Copeland, Don Frost, CeCe Griffin and James Griffin
Carla Brozovich and Misty Copeland
THE SETTING: It was the perfect day for the McNay Art Museum to host a luncheon that featured Misty Copeland, a world-renowned ballerina with the American Ballet Theatre, one of the three leading classical ballet companies in the United States, as the keynote speaker. In addition to her dance career, Copeland has become a public speaker, celebrity spokesperson and stage performer. She has written two autobiographical books and narrated a documentary about her career challenges, A Ballerina’s Tale.
Deborah Roberts and Misty Copeland
THE STYLE: A budding art collector of African American Art, Copeland has works in her collection by Ndidi Emefiele, Nathaniel Mary Quinn, Lorna Simpson, and Deborah Roberts, who is also in the McNay’s collection. Copeland is an avid philanthropist and an ambassador for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, of which she is also an alum. In 2022, she launched The Misty Copeland Foundation, with its first signature program BE BOLD, which aims to bring greater diversity, equity, and inclusion to dance, especially ballet. This year’s luncheon chair was Cece Frost Griffin, and the committee was Carla Brozovich, Amelita Mauze, Sarah Moore, Emilie Petty, and Corinna Richter.
Lou Celia Frost, Lila Malone, Bonnie Chumbley, CeCe Frost Friffin and Jeanne Alfaro
Sarah Moore, Catharine Vexler, Dr. Sara McCamish and Hannah Hudson Beard
THE PURPOSE: The McNay extends special thanks to The Bennett Prize, the Luncheon Title Sponsor, and acknowledges the significant funding from the Louis A. and Frances B. Wagner Endowment for Misty Copeland’s participation. Generous underwriting support is provided by the John R. and Greli N. Charitable Trust, and Frost Bank, Trustee. The McNay Art Museum engages a diverse community in the discovery and enjoyment of the visual arts. It is San Antonio’s place of belonging, where the Museum’s expanding community is reflected in transformational art experiences.
Misty Copeland with the Boys and Girls Club of San Antonio guests
Matthew McLendon, Don Frost, CeCe Frost Griffin,Darryl Byrd and Misty Copeland
Luncheon guests
Sarah Moore, Emilie Petty CeCe Frost Griffin, Misty Copeland, Amelita Mauze, Carla Brozovich and Corinna Richter
by Lance | Jun 17, 2023 | Parties, Austin, Blog
Museum Unveils New Grounds At Dazzling 60th Anniversary Gala
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Sloan Breeden Photography
Judy Tate
Simone Wicha, Ross Moody and Elle Moody
THE PURPOSE: It was a stunning spring night at the Blanton Museum of Art where 350 of Texas’ (and the country’s) most notable art patrons and sociables gathered for an unforgettable night of art, fun, and fundraising. The Blanton Museum of Art’s 60th anniversary gala highlighted its storied history with an epic gala and it’s perfectly named theme, A New Landscape, that celebrated the completed transformation of the museum’s New Grounds Initiative that was over a decade in the making.
Carrie Healy and Clayton Maebius
The scene at the Blanton Museum Of Art 2023 gala
THE STYLE: The artful, black-tie crowd was dazzled from the second they walked up to the newly transformed grounds, where patrons were mesmerized by the white petal installation. The refraction of the early evening sun against a permanent installation of three-story tall white petals highlighted the installation. It created a magical glow around the entire space where many could be seen taking images and videos of these exquisite new grounds…and the art that adorns it. The installation, located on the Moody Patio of the Blanton Museum, allows the public to view and take in this space for free.
Suzanne Deal Booth and LeMel Humes
Anthony Grant and Jack Shear
Revelers then explored the grounds both inside and outside the museum for a lively cocktail hour, where after partygoers enjoyed a glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne, and mingled as they toasted and celebrated the significant and historical artistic milestone of one of the state’s most beloved and world-class art institutions. Additionally, guests could be seen taking photos on a gorgeous step and repeat to commemorate the night.
Chris Hyams, Emma Hyams and Mazie Hyams
Linda van Bavel and Sarah Butler
Patrons then headed to the beautifully erected tent on the exterior museum grounds for the evening’s main program. The open aired tent allowed for the picture-perfect weather to envelop the space as guests had stunning views of the Texas State Capitol to the south and Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin, located on the grounds of the Blanton Museum, to the north. As guests dined on a delectable, multi-course meal, they were treated to words from organization leaders, board members, and prominent supporters of the organization.
Jasmine and Lamarr Houston, Kenyon Adams, Suzanne McFayden & Christian Palominos
Jill Wilkinson and Holly Borham
The festivities continued with a “petals up” auction, that offered a clever spin to the traditional paddles up auction, while serving as a nod to the new installation which raised over $250,000. The evening was capped off with a toast by Blanton Museum Director Simone Wicha, who perfectly summed up the night by saying “I’m really proud of what we are doing together. The journey of the Blanton, from its layered history to today, to where we are going is all built on people…artists and visitors, teachers and students, alumni and residents, alumni and local residents, university partners and business leaders all who keep the museum vibrant and flowing.”
Lara and Bill Perkins
Rob Giardinelli, Kelli Blanton and Lance Avery Morgan
THE PURPOSE: The event raised over $1.3 million for the Blanton Museum of Art. Proceeds raised from the event will help fund exhibitions as well as education and public programs.
by Lance | Jun 12, 2023 | Parties, Blog, San Antonio
Texas Biomedical Forum Celebrates With Gala
By Sallie Lewis Photography by Katie Clementson of Billo Smith Photography
THE SETTING: Recently, The Argyle was in full bloom for the 52nd annual Texas Biomedical Forum Gala. Every year, this event is one of the most anticipated soirees of the spring season–and this year was no exception. Gala Co-Chairs Triana Grossman and Gloria Dilley presented this year’s theme, Birds of a Feather Flock Together, in honor of the covey of women who’ve helped the Forum fly to new heights since its founding in 1970. And are the women of the past, present, and future who’ve made a lasting impact on our community.
On a balmy Saturday evening, hundreds of people descended on The Argyle’s front lawn, where live finches greeted guests from inside a beautiful antique birdcage. Cocktails were served beneath a soaring sail tent that was fashioned with a Greek key trim, draped twinkle lights, and fresh flowers in every imaginable shade of pink. The gala’s custom crest, with its floral and avian motifs, was painted onto the event’s large circular bar and dance floor, while DJ RomiQ and the Dallas String Quartet (DSQ) played onstage amidst a meadow of flowering cherry blossom trees. Elsewhere in the tent, chic lounge areas in shades of ivory and celadon flanked tall folding screens wrapped in Gucci’s Green Heron wallpaper. Linda West, the Dallas-based fortune teller and cheeky “Lipsologist,” also brought her lip-print reading prowess to the celebration this year.
Texas Biomedical Forum Gala Committee 2023
Miguel and Gloria Dilley & Triana and Brandon Grossman
Amelita Mauze, Avril Byrne, Lauren Biegler, Allegra Hawkins, Adrianna Grossman, Christina Ketabchi, Megan Steves, Bonnie Muecke, Amy Berg and Elaine Vornsand
Tracee Feik, Jessica Berg, Heather deRojas, Nancy Finney, Ashley Campbell, Angel Myers, Amy Garcia and Rita Feik
THE STYLE: The 2023 Ribbon Pull was another highlight of the event–and one that helped bolster the fundraising goals. Four glimmering life-size trees draped with red ribbons and acrylic birds revealed a medley of prizes, from gift cards to Kelly Wade Jewelers to local fitness, beauty, and photography packages. Later, guests were treated to a magical, candlelit dinner inside the club. Fresh garlands woven with lush green vines, hot pink peonies, fragrant roses, and cherry blossoms graced every room and table in what was surely one of the most glamorous nights at The Argyle on record. The three-course menu thoughtfully paid homage to the night’s avian theme, from the club’s favorite chicken fried quail to a decadent chocolate Faberge egg presented in a phyllo nest for dessert.
Clark Mandigo lll, Camille Mandigo, Clark Mandigo ll, Kay Mandigo, Keri and John Moses & Molly Mandigo
Christopher and Adrianna Grossman, Heather Russo, Cece Griffin, Lee Lee, Emilie and Christopher Petty & Amelita and David Mauze
JB and Corinna Richter & Jordana and Benjie Matthews
As the night progressed, Forum members and guests alike bid on silent auction items that ranged from fine jewelry by David Webb and Fannie Thomas, to premium Formula 1 tickets, mink shawls by Mackenzie Brittingham, and trips to Tuscany and Laguna Beach. Dallas-based jeweler Joe Pacetti donated jewelry to the auction as well. Undoubtedly, the night’s most precious prizes came from the five-month-old French Bulldog and three-month-old Goldendoodle puppy, both of whom made the rounds all evening with fresh floral collars.
Emilie Petty, Gloria Dilley, Claire Cavender, Triana Grossman and Bonnie Muecke
Ann Cross, Kristan Northington, Alice Welder and Margye Northington
After the party, guests returned to the whimsical tent for an after party featuring live music and late-night bites. Before flying the nest, guests left with a parting gift courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue, who generously donated their popular Nest candles to all in attendance. It was an evening to remember–and one for the record books.
The scene at the Texas Biomed 2023 gala
Table setting at the Texas Biomed 2023 gala
THE PURPOSE: This year’s event grossed over $1 million, which will help spearhead and support the groundbreaking research at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute. A special thanks goes to Batchelor Cadillac and Cavender Cadillac for their sponsorships which make such a difference.
