The Center for Child Protection’s Annual Dancing with the Stars Features 12 Austin Celebrity Dancers

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Estrella Chacon, Jeff Loftin Photography, Christina Murphy and Haley Plotkin Photography

THE SCENE: Recently, the Center for Child Protection hosted its 12^th annual Dancing with the Stars event presented by Lexus of Austin and Lakeway. This annual winter social mainstay, held at the JW Marriott, featured 850 notable and stylish Austinites for an evening of fun those on hand will not soon forget.

THE VIBE: This black-tie extravaganza began in the ballroom foyer of the JW Marriott for cocktails where Austin’s hip and chic mingled with other partygoers as well as the celebrity dancers. The festivities then moved to the ballroom where guests took to their seats and as they dined on a multi-course meal listened to personal video testimonials of how the Center for Child Protection has positively impacted the Austin community. Next was a spirited live auction where guests bid on a host of luxury items.

After the live auction, came the main event, the performances by the 12 celebrity dancers. Cheering on their favorites, the revelers were often brought to their feet by the show-stopping performances. Guests then voted for their favorite dancers before Kendall Beard McMinn was crowned the winner. Then, the action continued well into the night as guests danced the night away to the tunes of DJ Gatsby.

THE CAUSE: The event, chaired by Francie Little and Jenny Mason, raised $1.4 million for the Center for Child Protection. Over the past 25 years the Center for Child Protection has served as a first stop for children in Travis County who have witnessed violent crimes or have experienced physical or sexual abuse.