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.
