Center for Child Protection’s Dancing With The Stars Gala Dazzles
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Haley Plotkin and Tico Mendoza
THE SETTING: Always one of the most fun nights in Austin, this year’s Dancing With The Stars did not disappoint. Presented by Mercedes Benz of Austin, the Center for Child Protection’s event drew over 1,100 of the city’s most notable sociables, community leaders, and philanthropists who turned out for a night of dazzling dance routines and heartfelt tributes.
THE STYLE: From the moment guests ascended the escalators to the ballroom foyer of the JW Marriott, they knew they were in for an extraordinary evening. The festivities began with what is always one of the most fun cocktail hours in town where friends, supporters, and guests of the dancers got to mingle with one another…and, for a brief period, the dancers themselves. As is a tradition with the event, dancers are easy to spot in the sea of black tie since they wore robes covering their dazzling dance ensembles before performing on stage. The festivities then moved into the ballroom of the JW for the main program. As guests dined on a multi-course meal, they were treated to emotional testimonials and stories of how much the Center for Child Protection positively impacts the community.
Next came a spirited live auction and Fund-A-Need, where paddles were raised for a series of luxe experiences and to support various initiatives at the organization. Then came the main event…the dancing routines themselves. The dancers, who had spent several months training for their big night, cut their moves on the dance floor, captivating and keeping the crowd on their feet. Upon the conclusion of each performance, judges Jeff Jumonville, Gary Little, and Becca Tobin kept the guests engaged with witty and positive commentary of the routines. After the production, attendees voted for their favorite dancers. This year, the coveted Mirror Ball trophy was awarded to one lucky duo, contestant Liza Edebor and professional dancer Ferenc Kiss.
THE PURPOSE: The event, co-chaired by Betsy Hudson and Stephanie O’Neill, raised over $2.8 million for the Center for Child Protection. Proceeds raised went toward providing forensic interviews, medical exams, counseling, and intervention programs to children who have experienced or witnessed abuse, as well as their caregivers. The 2024 Dancing with the Stars Austin Gala will be held on December 7, 2024. For more information, visit CenterForChildProtection.org.
