TREASURE SEEKING: SETTLEMENT HOME’S 49th ESTATE & GARAGE SALE IN AUSTIN HAPPENS THIS MONTH

TREASURE SEEKING: SETTLEMENT HOME’S 49th ESTATE & GARAGE SALE IN AUSTIN HAPPENS THIS MONTH

By Lance Avery Morgan      Photography courtesy of The Settlement Home For Children Austin, Archival

Some call it the greatest show on earth. We couldn’t agree more. For collectors of all types, a cornucopia for gathering new items is almost here. It turns out that one of the most unique fundraisers in Austin is celebrating its 49th year, a true milestone for the city and the organization: The Annual Settlement Home for Children Charity Garage & Estate Sale which takes place happens Weds, October 30 – Sunday, November 3 at the Palmer Events Center at 900 Barton Springs Road.

Aptly named the largest charity sale in Texas, The Settlement Home Charity Garage & Estate Sale is a year-long effort that culminates into several days of shopping. It’s one of our favorite events in the state of the year, in fact. Organized and led by members of The Settlement Club, the Garage & Estate Sale boasts an impressive and diverse inventory of merchandise, all donated by the community. More than 25,000 shoppers will browse for treasures and bargain-priced deals in our 21 well-organized departments. We learned that the funds raised do a tremendous amount of goodness for such a worthwhile charity.

We caught up with the 2024 Event Co-chairs Taylor Armstrong, Pam Hawkins and Ann Palmer, the personalities behind the sale, to learn about their point of why the sale is so important to the organization…and the community.

What initially drew you to support The 2024 Settlement Home Garage & Estate Sale, and

why is it meaningful to you?

Ann: My mother was a member of The Settlement Club, and some of my favorite

childhood memories are attending The Garage & Estate Sale. Having seen so many

through the years, it’s such an honor to be able to chair one.

Can you share a memorable moment from a past Settlement Home Garage & Estate Sale

you’ve been involved in?

Pam: A teacher from El Paso has come several years in a row and she shops the holiday

department to find gifts her students can purchase as a fundraiser for their computer lab.

Ann: The first time I experienced the box sale was eye-opening. I always thought people

were exaggerating until I witnessed the doors opening one year, and I thought it was

thundering when it was the rush of shoppers coming in and heading toward their

favorite departments.

Taylor: I had the opportunity to volunteer for The Sale in college, and while sorting in the

clothing department one of my friends found a Patagonia jacket for less than $20, which

was striking gold in college.

As co-chairs, what unique strengths or skills do each of you bring to the organization of

this Garage Sale?

Taylor’s tech savviness and ability to create processes to get things done efficiently have

helped save time where possible. Ann’s public speaking has helped publicize information

to our Settlement Club membership in various settings and we look forward to hearing

her speak at The Sale. Pam’s patience and communication with various community

members have allowed us to learn from folks with different ideas and perspectives about

The Sale.

All three of us have been really open to getting together and consulting each other as we

work on items for this event. This is a strength as we are considering various perspectives

and making the best decisions we can come up with.

How has your background or career influenced your approach to organizing charitable

events like this one?

Ann’s career post-law school has primarily focused on child welfare communication for

the state and nonprofits. She has been able to use these skills to think through how to pull

off this event. Pam’s background working for child protective services influenced her

desire to work on this event since she has seen where these children have been and

experienced in their past.

What do you hope attendees will take away from participating in this year’s Sale?

We hope they have fun, find unique treasures and learn more about the amazing work that

is done at The Settlement Home.

What challenges have you faced while preparing for this event, and how have you

overcome them as a team?

There are a million moving pieces that go into making this event possible. We have

overcome this with the teamwork that we developed not only within ourselves as chairs

but with the greater team including Settlement Club members and community volunteers.

Describe a typical day leading up to The Sale…what does your role involve during this

busy period?

There is no typical day. Every day brings new and unique challenges and opportunities.

We are finalizing the details at this point but being flexible and open to solutions has been

the focus for the busy days.

Beyond fundraising, how do you see an event like this impacting the organization?

It brings awareness to the hard work that The Settlement Home does for the children in

their care. This event is also a “green” event where all the merchandise is donated by

members of the community and gets a second home versus going to waste.

What advice would you give to someone looking to get involved in organizing a charitable event like The Settlement Home Garage & Estate Sale for the first time?

Be open and flexible to solutions and willing to incorporate new ideas. Learn from what

people have done before you to build off and add your own touch or improvements. We

have been in a process of continual improvement for 49 years with The Garage & Estate

Sale.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of the Garage & Estate

Sale and the cause it supports?

Like The Sale, we would like The Home to adapt and grow by being open to the

changing needs of the child welfare system. We look forward to seeing this event

grow over time and continue being an Austin staple.

Here are more details: 

Wednesday, October 30

Preview Party – 7-10 p.m. | $125

CLOSED ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31 

Friday, November 1

Early Bird Shopping – 9-10 a.m. | $30 *limited tickets!*

General Shopping – 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | $20

Saturday, November 2

Early Bird Shopping – 9-10 a.m. | $15 *limited tickets!*

General Shopping – 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | FREE

Sunday, November 3

General Shopping – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | FREE

Box Sale – 3-5 p.m. | Purchase a box at the event for $10 and fill it with items–whatever fits, you keep! (one box size available)

All proceeds from the Charity Garage & Estate Sale go to The Settlement Home for Children, an Austin non-profit that cares for children with histories of severe trauma, abuse and neglect. Programs include a residential treatment center, group home program, transitional living program and foster and adoption program for individuals with histories of severe trauma, abuse and neglect. The Settlement Home provides housing, food, schooling, therapy and hope to children who are trying to heal from the pain of abuse and neglect. More information is available at http://www.settlementhome.org

HERE’S HOW COURAGE TRIUMPHS

HERE’S HOW COURAGE TRIUMPHS

Holocaust Museum Houston Annual LBJ Moral Courage Award Dinner And Gala Honors Ambassador Stuart E. Eizenstat

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Wilson Parish and Jacob Power

THE SETTING: The Hilton Americas-Houston was the setting for one of the city’s most popular and anticipated spring fundraising events. Over a thousand of the city’s top civic and community leaders, sociables, and philanthropists were on hand for the Holocaust Museum Houston’s annual LBJ Moral Courage Award Dinner.

THE STYLE: The cocktail-attired crowd began the evening with a VIP reception where guests had the opportunity to meet the evening’s featured guests, CNN’s Dana Bash, Ambassador Stuart E. Eizenstat, and Marion Ein Lewin. Patrons then headed to a larger reception outside the ballroom for a cocktail hour where the attendees mingled before the action moved to the ballroom for the main program. After guests were treated to words from the Holocaust Museum Houston and the event’s leaders, they dined on a multi-course kosher meal. Next, Ambassador Stuart E. Eizenstat was honored with the annual LBJ Moral Courage award. Following his moving speech, the night was capped off with a conversation moderated by Dana Bash with Eizenstat and his partner and child Holocaust survivor, Marion Ein Lewin. The trio engaged in a moving discussion about Eizenstat’s relationship with LBJ and the hope for a future free of prejudice and hate.

THE PURPOSE: The LBJ Moral Courage Award Dinner, co-chaired by Stephanie and Frank Tsuru, and with Sue Smith serving as honorary chair, raised $1.3 million for Holocaust Museum Houston. Proceeds from the event will go towards the museum’s educational programs.

CLIMB THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN

CLIMB THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN

Memorial Hermann’s No Mountain High Enough Gala Dazzles In $4.8 Million Night

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Katy Anderson, Johnny Than, and Michelle Watson

THE SETTING: The Hilton Americas-Houston was the setting for one of the city’s top galas and, as always, raised the stakes for fun and fundraising in a city already well-known for hosting epic philanthropic events. Over 500 business leaders, sociables, and philanthropists were on hand for Memorial Hermann’s annual spring gala. The theme, No Mountain High Enough, was in full display throughout the night and the result was an event that climbed the highest mountain and soared to new heights.

THE STYLE: The black tie-attired crowd featured a vibrant mix of ensembles with bright colors blending with more traditional formal wear, creating a sophisticated environment for all. The evening began with a cocktail reception in the ballroom’s foyer. After guests posed for photos on a stunning, mountain-style step and repeat that beautifully combined pastel and white flowers with green floral elements, they enjoyed a cocktail and mingled about. Patrons then headed to the ballroom for dinner and the main program. Revelers were greeted with a choir of Memorial Hermann employees singing Ain’t No Mountain High Enough alongside the Ernest Walker Band, in honor of the evening’s theme. As diners savored a multi-course meal courtesy of Chef Aaron Bludorn, they were treated to words from the event’s leaders on how their support helps assist so many patients in the Memorial Hermann system. The crescendo of the evening happened during the dessert portion with the announcement of a $500,000 contribution, which resulted in a flurry of additional donations. The fun continued well into the night with an after party where revelers could dance the night away.

THE PURPOSE: The event, chaired by Hallie Vanderhider, honored longtime supporters Melinda and Greg Armstrong, Linda and Willie Chiang, Jane and Harry Pefanis, and Plains All American, and raised over $4.8 million for the Memorial Hermann Foundation. Proceeds raised from the event will benefit the Memorial Hermann programs and equipment, including Memorial Hermann Life Flight®, which is the nation’s busiest air ambulance service.

GLOW AND THE CITY

GLOW AND THE CITY

Downtown Waterloo Greenway Conservancy’s Glow In The Park Shines Bright

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Tyler Schmitt of Mill Photography Studio

THE SETTING: The Moody Amphitheater in Waterloo Park in Austin was the setting for one of Austin’s top fall galas. The third annual Waterloo Greenway Conservancy Glow in the Park gala attracted nearly a thousand community leaders, music lovers, sociables, and philanthropists for a night of epic fun and fundraising.

THE STYLE: The “tennis shoe glam” attire invited patrons to don their favorite cocktail attire, mixed with tennis shoes, to allow guests to explore Waterloo’s world-class grounds with comfort and style. The festivities began at the Waterloo Park Pavilion with a cocktail reception where guests sipped on their favorite spirits and brimmed with anticipation for the night ahead. Revelers then made their way down to the lawn of the Moody Amphitheater for a main program al fresco. As partygoers dined on a family-style menu from MML Hospitality, they were treated to words by the event’s leaders and touching tributes about how the park has positively impacted the city. The night continued with a spirited live auction and was capped off with a performance by the platinum-selling band,  The Revivalists.

THE PURPOSE: The event, co-chaired by Maile Roberts-Loring and Daisy Cho, raised funds for Waterloo Greenway Conservancy. Proceeds from the event will provide free community events and educational initiatives at Waterloo Park. The 2024 Glow in the Park event will be held on October 10, 2024, and co-chaired by Gary Farmer and Katherine Farmer-Thornhill. For more information, visit WaterlooGreenway.org.

TOASTING A RECORD

TOASTING A RECORD

St. David’s Foundation Toast of the Town Breaks Fundraising Record

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Matthew Fuller

THE SETTING: During May, over 600 of the top community leaders, sociables, and philanthropists turned out to celebrate a milestone for one of Austin’s most beloved fundraising events. Toast of the Town, benefiting the St. David’s Foundation, celebrated the 40th anniversary of this spring staple of the Austin social scene by hosting a curated list of 18 tailored,  intimate events ranging from 8 to 80 guests. This year, for the first time, at least one Toast party was held in each of the five counties that St. David’s Healthcare serves.

THE STYLE: Each gathering featured an Austin-chic crowd who enjoyed bespoke experiences at highly coveted, unique, and sought-after spaces. The Toast season had an epic start out of the gate with a Western-themed event at the legendary Franklin Barbecue with Austin Gamblers CEO JJ Gottsch and Head Coach Michael Gaffney. Guests enjoyed some of the establishment’s barbecue and heard tales from the professional bull riding circuit. In addition to Franklin’s, revelers also had the opportunity to eat, drink, and be merry at an array of Austin’s most sought-after restaurants. During the month, patrons of Toast parties dined at local hot spots, including J Carver’s, The Pershing, Donn’s Depot, Scholz Garten, a farm-to-table wine dinner at Eden East, and a dining experience with two-time James Beard Award-winning chef Mashama Bailey.

Patrons also had the opportunity to experience many other one-of-a-kind experiences throughout the month with a dazzling array of events that had something for everyone. Those who love sports and fashion had several opportunities to experience a night with notable University of Texas icons. These included a night at The Austonian with UT Head Football Coach Steve Sarkisian and stylesetter Loreal Sarkisian, a night at the Austin home of Melissa and Kent Ferguson with UT Athletic Director Chris del Conte, and a brunch at Nômadé with UT Volleyball Head Coach Jerritt Elliott.

Those who love culture were treated to several fun experiences throughout the Austin area. These events included an evening in Lockhart where guests checked out several women-owned establishments, a night on the Georgetown Square with PBS’s The Daytripper host Chet Garner, Dino-hunting at the newly reopened Texas Science and Natural History Museum, and an evening with Last Plane Out of Saigon author Richard Pena.

No Austin party series would be complete without music. Throughout the month, music lovers were treated to a series of performances. This included Austin icon Ray Benson hosting a concert for 50 at The Music Box House, a night at a Texas Hill Country estate to listen to tunes performed by country band The Derailers, and the final Toast party of the year, which was a night with Asleep at the Wheel, Floyd Domino, and Danny Levin at Arlo Studios.

THE PURPOSE: The 40th Annual Toast of the Town led by Event Chair Tobie Funte, Vice Chair Laurée Moffett, and Honorary Chair Ray Benson raised nearly $2.3 million for the St. David’s Foundation. Proceeds from each year’s Toast party series benefit the Neal Kocurek Scholarship Program, which provides Central Texas high school seniors an annual $7,500 scholarship for up to eight years for those pursuing medical careers. Since establishing the Neal Kocurek Scholarship Program in 2005, over 700 students in Travis, Hays, Williamson, Caldwell, and Bastrop counties have received scholarships. The 41st Annual Toast of the Town party series will be held in May 2025. For more information, visit ToastAustin.org.