HATS OFF TO 30 YEARS OF SUCCESS

HATS OFF TO 30 YEARS OF SUCCESS

Elizabeth Ann Seton Board Hosts Kentucky Derby Themed 30th Anniversary Gala

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Ben Porter

THE SCENE: A beautiful night at Austin’s Camp Mabry was the recent setting for one of the Capital City’s most anticipated and well-attended Spring social events. Over 800 sociables, philanthropists, and VIPs came out for Elizabeth Ann Seton Board’s, 30th annual gala. This year’s theme, Off to the Races, featured great food, amazing company, sensational fashion, and dazzling performances which created a magical evening perfectly befitting of a milestone celebration.

THE VIBE: The Kentucky Derby themed event was on full display from the moment guests walked up to the Camp Mabry grounds for the gala al fresco. Revelers were spotted wearing their derby finest including intricate hats and bright spring colors which created a festive, welcoming environment for all who attended. After checking in, partygoers engaged in a lively cocktail hour, where patrons sipped spring cocktails including Mint Juleps, while others could be seen taking photos next to the giant trophy step and repeat installation to commemorate the evening.

The action then moved to the open-aired tent for the main program. While dining on a delectable meal the attendees were treated to words from the organization’s leaders and touching tribute videos showcasing how Ascension/Seton has positively impacted so many families in the Austin community. Next came a spirited live auction with top items including a week away in 30A for 15 guests and a 2024 Kentucky Derby VIP package and was followed by a fund-a-need raise where patrons generously opened their hearts and wallets to support the organization. The night was capped off with live music courtesy of SKYROCKET, which had the crowd dancing the evening away and ensured the fun continued well into the night.

THE NON-PROFIT: The event, co-chaired by Sheridan Butler Binford and Kyndall Johnson, raised over $1.35 million dollars for Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin. Funds raised from Off to the Races will support programs, building and equipment needs for the Marialice Shivers and Dell Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Kathryn Frances Walker Center for Neonatal Intensive Care and Family Support at Ascension Seton Medical Center in Austin.

IF YOU CAN BELIEVE IT

IF YOU CAN BELIEVE IT

A Good Night For Goodwill Hosts Annual Event At Q2 Stadium

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Ben Porter and Richard Rincon

THE SETTING: Austin’s Q2 stadium was the recent setting for an evening of fun in a fabulous space. Over 350 sociables, philanthropists, and sports lovers turned out on this picture-perfect night for A Good Night for Goodwill with its Believe theme. Throughout the event, guests were treated to touching tributes and one-of-a-kind experiences those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.

 

THE STYLE: The Austin-chic crowd enjoyed cocktails overlooking the dazzling Q2 field. Guests mingled and sipped on libations while having the chance to take part in several experiential opportunities on hand for patrons. Revelers were able to be photographed in a 360-degree video courtesy of Yuri360 to take as a keepsake, while others opted to take a behind-the-scenes VIP tour of the Q2 Stadium and its VIP levels…including a visit to the Austin FC locker room in a nod to the evening’s theme, Believe.

Partygoers then took their stadium seats for the evening’s main program. The festivities included words from the organization’s leaders, a paddles up, auction, and the presentation of the inaugural Henna Award for Philanthropy to Chris Hymans and Lize Burr. Capping off the night was a surprise video from Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernández, which dazzled the audience and ended the gala’s evening on a winning note.

THE PURPOSE: The event raised over $315,000 for Goodwill of Central Texas. Funds raised from the event will help fund organizational services and free programs in Central Texas.

AUSTIN CITY LIMIT-LESS WITH AMEX EXPERIENCE

AUSTIN CITY LIMIT-LESS WITH AMEX EXPERIENCE

By Lance Avery Morgan    Photography courtesy of Matthew Niemann for American Express

What’s not to love about a V.I.P. experience? In fact, for 2022, the Amex Experience has returned to Austin City Limits Music Festival for all fans plus a card member only lounge on the second floor. How does it work? Card members can use their American Express-linked wristband or show their card to gain access, with one guest, to an exclusive bar with lounge seating and a viewing deck with direct line-of-sight to the American Express Stage. It’s one of the best seats in the house. You can also participate in epic experiences including a glam station with face gems by Half Magic Beauty, co-founded by Donni Davy (Emmy AwardÒ-winning head makeup designer on HBO’s Euphoria) and chain stitching of bucket hats.

When you arrive, you’re greeted by an expansive tree that extends upward to the Card Member Lounge, can make do-it-yourself phone charms, receive complimentary ice cream from local ice creamery, Bésame, and take epic photos against a mural by local artist Zuzu.

For the super techno-minded, for the first time, American Express has partnered with POAP Inc, the creator of The Proof of Attendance Protocol, to offer Austin City Limits Music Festival attendees limited-edition POAPS, or digital mementos that signify important events. These non-fungible tokens have also been designed by local artist Zuzu.  This POAP pilot is a fun and simple way to connect ACL Fest experiences with attendees engaged or interested in Web3. POAP preserves memories in an immutable format that is well known and loved in the Web3 community.

Photo by Ben Porter

Plus, on each festival day, a unique digital artwork by Zuzu can be reserved via email or minted directly to a Web3 wallet by scanning the dynamic QR code located on the first floor of Amex Experience. Each attendee will be able to mint up to 6 POAPs. American Express is excited to learn and grow alongside its Card Members as they explore the Web3 ecosystem.

Amber Koehler, Lance Avery Morgan, Rob Giardinelli & Jenny and Andrew Mason

If guests register their wristband for ACL Fest Cashless Payments with their American Express Card, they will receive exclusive Card Member benefits which include a $5 Cashless spend credit that can be used at ACL Fest, a dedicated Fast Lane for expedited access at the main merchandise tent and exclusive access to a limited-edition festival merch collection.

We also love that American Express Card Members will receive exclusive and early access to make an online purchase from the limited-edition Austin City Limits Music Festival capsule collection of merchandise.  The capsule collection was  available from amexcollection.aclfestival.com prior to the festival and on the first floor of the American Express Experience. What are you waiting for? Experience the Amex ACL experience.

TROPICAL SUCCESS

TROPICAL SUCCESS

Ascension Seton’s EASB Havana Nights Breaks Fundraising Record

By Rob Giardinelli       Photography by Ben Porter

THE SETTING: Camp Mabry in Austin was the recent setting for the Elizabeth Ann Seton Board’s Havana Nights event. One of the city’s most anticipated spring social events, this year’s gala included a bevy of sociables and philanthropists. Guests were treated to an evening of food, music, and fun in the evening that had a tropical atmosphere.

 

THE STYLE: The Austin-chic crowd sported a fun mix of bright, beautiful colors and classic white ensembles that created a vibrant, welcoming environment for all. As guests arrived during the cocktail hour, partygoers sipped spirits from one of the many generously stocked bars and sampled bites from several Havana-inspired food stations featuring delectable bites including empanadas and Cuban sliders.

 

The action then moved to the open-air tent that was erected on the grounds of Camp Mabry for the main program. As the attendees continued to sample the delicious Cuban fare, they were treated to words from the organization’s leaders like EASB President Caroline Smith, as well as touching tributes and testimonials, including a mission video that highlighted a year in the life of an NICU nurse. Emcee and media personality Anne Hudson Andrews effortlessly kept the evening moving along at a brisk pace and foregoing a live auction, helmed a mobile give to raise more funds. The night was capped off with an after party where revelers danced the night away to the tunes of popular, Texas-based band, Memphis Soul.

 

THE PURPOSE: The event, co-chaired by Lauren Smith Ford and Katie Owen, raised a record $1.5 million. The proceeds that were raised from the event will support programs, building and equipment needs for Mother/Baby services, and The Marialice Shivers and Dell Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at The Kathryn Frances Walker Center for Neonatal Intensive & Family Support at Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin.

CARING HEROES

CARING HEROES

Texas Alzheimer’s Association Honors DK Reynolds As Community Caregiver Of The Year 

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Tyler Schmitt of Mill Photography Studio

THE SETTING: The Four Seasons in Austin was the recent venue for the Hidden Heroes Caregiving Award Luncheon. The event featured over 200 of Austin’s most notable sociables and philanthropists to honor philanthropist DK Reynolds.

 

THE STYLE: The Austin-chic crowd began the afternoon in the foyer of the Four Seasons, where guests mingled and enjoyed the opportunity to personally congratulate the guest of honor. The festivities then moved to the Four Seasons ballroom for the main program. Highlights of the event included a touching tribute video, words from the Texas Alzheimer’s Association Board President Dr. Char Hu, and a lively Q&A conversation with TAA Board Member Rita Hortenstine and Chief Director of the Center for Brain Health at The University of Texas at Dallas Dr. Sandra Bond Chapman. The program was capped off by honoring DK Reynolds for her tireless work and support as a humanitarian, philanthropist, and dedicated caregiver.

 

THE PURPOSE: The event, co-chaired by Sarah Beuerlein and Sheri Krause, raised funds for the Texas Alzheimer’s Association. The organization’s mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s Disease and related disorders through the advancement of research and enhance much-needed support for individuals, families, and caregivers inflicted by the disease.

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