Katie Perez, Hannah Bricker, Kaity Bonville, Grace Verslues and Taylor Blackburn
Rise School Austin Hosts Annual Shine for Rise Gala on the University of Texas at Austin Campus
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Keira Hand
Jamie Lipp, Chris Rapp, Drew and Sarah Gibbs & Elisha Rapp
THE SETTING: The Etter-Harbin Alumni Center on the University of Texas campus in Austin was the recent setting for annual Shine for Rise event. The event drew over 300 of Austin’s most notable sociables, educators and philanthropists for an evening of fun and fundraising.
Lutie Butler and Nicole Grupp
THE STYLE: The cowboy-chic crowd began the evening on the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center patio for a lively cocktail hour. Partygoers sipped on their favorite spirits while perusing a well-curated list of silent auction package that had something for everyone. Additionally, guests were spotted playing a wine toss game, where revelers who successfully threw a ring around a bottle of spirits receiving a libation as a takeaway item for the evening. All this was done against the backdrop of live music courtesy of Band of Bandits.
Brandon and Natalie Melendez & Bob Woody
The festivities then continued in the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center for the main program. While dining on a delicious, multi-course meal, guests were treated to a series of heartwarming testimonials showcasing how the Rise School has positively impacted so many young lives. Next came a live auction which included such impressive items as a private island in Belize and artwork created by Rise School students in a collaboration with Austin-based Artist Kelly Brynteson and was capped off with a Heads-or-Tails live auction with the lucky winner receiving a weekend for two at the Palmilla Resort in Cabo San Lucas.
Bill Bayless and Jennifer Beese
THE PURPOSE: The event raised over $645,000 for the Rise School of Austin. The Rise School provides inclusive learning for children ages 12 months to five years, has a 50% traditional and 50% developmentally delayed learning environment who 100% learn together to help all students succeed to their maximum potential. For more information, visit www.riseschoolaustin.org.
Corra Dunigan
