ABUNDANCE OF KINDNESS

ABUNDANCE OF KINDNESS

by | Sep 1, 2024 | Fall/Winter 2024, Austin

The Kindness Campaign Hosts A Dazzling Art of Kindness Gala

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Ben Porter Photography

THE SETTING: The Line Hotel was recently the setting for an epic evening of fun and fundraising. A sold-out crowd featuring 300 of the city’s most notable community leaders, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for one of the city’s most anticipated spring galas, the Art of Kindness. 

THE STYLE: The crowd brought their finest shades of azure ensembles, including gowns, cocktail dresses, suits, jeans, and sportscoats, which created a soothing environment for all who attended. The action began with a VIP party where guests mingled while enjoying several experiential activations, including a champagne raffle sponsored by Korman Fine Jewelry and a money machine game where attendees had the opportunity to win a Hermès Birkin Bag.

The action then moved to the ballroom for the main program, which continued the blue theme and tied all the festivities of the evening together. As guests dined on multi-course meals, they were treated to words from the event’s leaders. Next came a spirited live auction featuring an array of luxe items, including an African Safari, a fashion experience with Jonathan Simkhai, and a Top Chef experience with Chef Paul Qui, being among the most popular. The evening culminated with a trio of fabulous musical performances by Olivia Van Der Beek, Welsh Wolf, and THEBROSFRESH, which capped off a dazzling night.

THE PURPOSE: The Art of Kindness gala, co-chaired by Lisa Jauregui and Susan Thomsen, raised over $600,000 for The Kindness Campaign. Since its founding by philanthropist Andra Liemandt in 2015, the organization has provided social-emotional learning programs to school-aged children and focuses on four pillars: experiences, curriculum, development, and fun and games. The 2024 Art of Kindness Gala will be held on April 10, 2025. For more information, visit TKCKindness.org.

KINDNESS ABOUNDS

KINDNESS ABOUNDS

by | Jun 29, 2022 | R.S.V.P. AUSTIN, 2022 July August

Art of Kindness Kicks Off Two-Day Festival With Party At The Pershing

 

By Rob Giardinelli         Photography by Ben Porter

THE SETTING: The Pershing, a private club in Austin, was the recent setting for an evening that kicked off two days of fundraising for a very worthy cause. Over 150 of the city’s most notable sociables, VIPs, and philanthropists arrived at the Art of Kindness Kickoff party. They were treated to a fabulous evening those fortunate enough to attend will not soon forget.

 

THE STYLE: The fun mix of cocktail and Austin-chic attire exuded a kind and welcoming environment that could be felt from the moment the guests walked up to the Pershing to pose for photos in front of the large-scale Art of Kindness light installation at the venue entrance. Once inside, all sipped on spirits during a fun and lively cocktail hour, became acquainted with old friends and made new ones.

 

Guests then gathered in front of the venue’s stage for the evening’s program. Highlights of the program included words from the organization’s leaders and touching video tributes. A live auction followed where guests bid on a series of stellar items, including a trip to Costa Rica, an ATXclusive Package, and a Flight to Space courtesy of World View. The festivities for the evening were capped off with dancing courtesy of tunes by DJ Cassandra. The evening set the tone for the second day, held at Easy Tiger, where the organization distributed 1,500 vouchers to children from Title 1 schools for a community-focused, festival-style event. 

 

THE PURPOSE: The two-day event, co-chaired by Lisa Jauregui and Loreal Sarkisian, raised over $620,000 for The Kindness Campaign. Funds from the event will create and provide accessible mental health programs for children and adults in homes and classrooms. The organization’s core message, I AM ENOUGH, is driven by four core pillars: self-image, emotional awareness, empathy, and community.

CHANNELING CHANEL: ATELIER BEAUTÉ CHANEL LAUNCHES SIX WEEK POP-UP AT SXSW

CHANNELING CHANEL: ATELIER BEAUTÉ CHANEL LAUNCHES SIX WEEK POP-UP AT SXSW

by | Mar 21, 2022 | Blog

By Rob Giardinelli        Photography by Sam Frost and Fulton Davenport

Atelier Beauté CHANEL pop-up. Austin, TX

Atelier Beauté CHANEL pop-up. Austin, TX

What happens when the platinum standard of beauty brands descends upon Austin for SXSW? A glowing success that will stay in Austin for several weeks until SXSW ends. On March 11th, Chanel proudly launched their Atelier Beauté CHANEL pop-up with an exclusive cocktail party that featured dozens of Austin’s most notable influencers, sociables and style mavens.

Andra Liemandt, Kelly Green and Erin Thornton

Andra Liemandt, Kelly Green and Erin Thornton

The Austin-chic crowd descended upon stunning boutique located on Austin’s Music Lane where they mingled and shipped champagne while viewing the impressive array of CHANEL makeup, skincare and fragrance products. The launch party featured complimentary consultations and services courtesy of CHANEL celebrity makeup artist Tasha Reiko Brown and CHANEL brow artist Jimena Garcia. The atelier allows patrons experiment and create, with no limits, from a wide range of CHANEL products.

Atelier Beauté CHANEL pop-up. Austin, TX

Those who embark on the experience begin by placing their personal items in a locker, named by each icon of the House. Guests then enter the interactive where, via the Atelier’s app, they will have full access to all the products, find detailed product descriptions, book services or events…and make purchases. The result? A dazzling, one-of-a-kind beauty experience where guests can customize CHANEL makeup, skincare and fragrance offerings that perfectly aligns with their own personal aesthetic.

Jamie Chandlee, Kristin Nix and Erin Tice

The Atelier Beauté CHANEL pop-up, located at 1009 South Congress Avenue in Austin is open daily from 10AM-7PM through April 24. For more information, visit AtelierBeaute.Chanel.com/Austin.

Rob Giardinelli, Kathryn Bowyer, Lance Avery Morgan and Kirstin Ross

EVENING OF MERRIMENT

EVENING OF MERRIMENT

by | Feb 28, 2022 | Host, 2022 March April

Amber and Al Koehler Host An Evening Of Holiday Cheer

 

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Ben Porter Photography

THE SETTING: The home of Al and Amber Koehler in Austin was the recent setting for an evening of merriment and revelry. The several hundred who attended the holiday party for the ages were treated to an evening of festive holiday spirit…and spirits, great friends, and live entertainment. The fête was the perfect mix of adult fun and childlike joy. In fact, guests look forward to it all year long.

 

THE STYLE: The holiday-chic crowd sported a mix of cocktail dresses, sportscoats, and holiday-inspired ensembles that created a welcoming environment for all. The duo, always the consummate hosts, provided a wide range of exciting experiences for their guests, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy. While some cozied up to the bar for their favorite cocktail or grabbed a nosh at one of the plentiful food stations, others aimed their sights toward the gigantic inflatable snowball where they could have their picture taken to remember the evening.

 

The Austin event would not be complete without live music, of course, and guests were in for a special night as they listened to a lively performance by Skyrocket. Those who stayed into the wee hours of the morning experienced an unforgettable musical surprise…an impromptu performance by musician Lukas Nelson, the son of Willie Nelson, capping off a memorable night of celebration.

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THE KINDNESS OF FRIENDS

THE KINDNESS OF FRIENDS

by | Feb 28, 2021 | 2021 March April, R.S.V.P. AUSTIN, Parties

The Kindness Campaign Hosts An Evening Of Giving With Friends

By Rob Giardinelli      Photography by Ben Porter

THE SETTING: Recently, The Kindness Campaign’s Friends-Giving event provided the opportunity for social VIP’s and philanthropists around Austin the ability to purchase a Gala-In-A-Box in celebration of the holiday season, which allowed many in Texas’ capital city to give in a safe, socially distant way. The festivities were capped off with a five-star spread at a private residence in Austin featuring The Kindness Campaign’s founder, Andra Liemandt.

 

THE STYLE: The Austin-chic crowd adorned their favorite ensembles for the alfresco dinner held within the local social distance guidelines. Tables of four were set underneath single open-air tents that created the illusion of an extended family table, allowing families of four the opportunity to celebrate among others safely.

 

To make sure guests were safely able to enjoy the full extent of the evening, each tent featured a customized bar cart featuring whiskey, tequila, wine, and champagne. The intimacy of the evening was perfectly accented by the décor, which featured a soft color palette and warm lighting, which perfectly accompanied the cool yet comfortable Texas air.

 

After dinner, guests enjoyed additional socializing at one of the several plush and luxurious outdoor living rooms on the grounds, again for safe socializing. Fireplaces were placed between every other seating area that kept all guests warm and ensured the fun would safely go well into the night, capping off a magical evening guests will not soon forget.

 

THE PURPOSE: The event raised funds for The Kindness Campaign, which seeks to improve outcomes for young people by improving emotional health through the teaching of a positive self-image, empathy, emotional awareness, and community. This year, The Kindness Campaign donated a meal to a family in need for each Gala-In-A-Box purchased in support of the organization.

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