Seton Development Board’s Paint The Town Pink Gala Dazzles

By Rob Giardinelli – Photography by James French Photography

THE SETTING: The Four Seasons in Austin was the recent setting for the 42^nd annual Seton Development Board gala. The evening featured over 400 of the capital city’s most notable philanthropists and sociables who were on hand for an evening full of fun and fundraising.

THE STYLE: The black-tie crowd began the evening with a cocktail hour in the ballroom foyer that spilled  onto the terrace, which was lovely on such a picture-perfect evening. Women were spotted in elegant ballgowns in  an eclectic array of black, metallic, and solid colors, including several who took the Paint the Town Pink theme to heart in many shades of the lovely hue. The men looked dapper as well in a mix of traditional tuxedos as well as ensembles featuring white, blue, and velvet dinner jackets.

The festivities then moved into the main ballroom where celebrity florist David Kurio transformed the space into a lush, pink oasis that had everyone in awe. As guests dined on a delectable, multi-course meal, they were treated to the evening’s main program. Highlights included the presentation  of the Daughters of Charity Mission Award to Mary Ann and Andrew Heller, a heads or tails auction that included a gift certificate to The Menagerie jewelry store, and a Tito’s tailgate package including a Traeger grill and a Tito’s cooler full of goodies. The night was capped off with dancing to toast the success of an evening that left everyone tickled pink.

 THE PURPOSE: The event, co-chaired by Acia Moody and Leigh Richards, raised over $450,000 for the Seton Development Board. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit capital projects, patient care, and technology at the Ascension Seton Breast Care Center. Since it was founded in 1977, the Seton Development Board has raised over $15 million for an array of Seton services and projects.