The Rise School Austin’s Travel The Vine Event Raises Key Funds

By Rob Giardinelli – Photography by Tyler Schmitt and Nostalgia Photo Booth

THE SETTING: The Hotel Van Zandt in Austin was the recent setting for The Rise School’s annual Travel the Vine event. The evening featured over 300 of the city’s philanthropists and wine lovers for an evening of food, wine, and conversation.

THE STYLE: The Austin-chic crowd kicked off the night with a cocktail hour in the ballroom foyer of the Van Zandt where VIP’s sipped their favorite spirit, and many wines of choice, while searching through the impressive array of silent auction items up for bid.

The action then turned to the main ballroom for the evening’s program. As guests dined on a scrumptious multi-course meal, they were treated to words by Chris Wilbratte, the board co-chair, and Hannah Bricker, the organization’s program director. The evening was capped off with the main event, the annual wine auction. Bidders had the opportunity to purchase one of thirteen luxury wine packages, which included a getaway to Telluride, Nestled in Napa, and The Best of Sonoma wine experiences and a seven-night getaway for eight in Siena, Tuscany.

THE PURPOSE: The event raised over $460,000 for The Rise School Austin. The mission of The Rise School is to provide an education of the highest quality for all children ages 12 months to five years–gifted, traditional, and developmentally delayed in an inclusive environment to allow all children to reach their fullest potential.