Rob GIardinelli Archives

GLOW AND THE CITY

by societytexas | Sep 1, 2024 | Fall/Winter 2024, Austin

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

by societytexas | Sep 1, 2024 | Fall/Winter 2024, Austin

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.

HERE’S HOW COURAGE TRIUMPHS

by societytexas | Sep 1, 2024 | R.S.V.P. HOUSTON, Fall/Winter 2024

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

by societytexas | Sep 1, 2024 | R.S.V.P. HOUSTON, Fall/Winter 2024

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.

IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES

by societytexas | Sep 1, 2024 | Fall/Winter 2024, Austin

Imagine Muny III Hosts 100th Anniversary Gala Of Historic Green Space

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Amy Price and Tyler Schmitt of Mill Photography Studio

THE SETTING: ACL Live at The Moody Theatre was the recent setting for an epic fundraising night in support of one of Austin’s most iconic public spaces. Imagine Muny III benefiting The Muny Conservancy, drew 500 sociables, and an additional thousand music lovers from every corner of Austin’s philanthropic community, for an evening with special friends and great music. The night took on an extra special feeling as it celebrated the 100th anniversary of one of Austin’s largest public green spaces, Lions Municipal Golf Course.

THE STYLE: After the cocktail party, the action headed into The Moody Theatre for the main program. JHL Company produced the event, leading the fabulous execution of the family-style barbecue meal that allowed the cocktail conversations to flow freely over the dinner tables. As guests were winding down dinner, they were treated to a touching tribute video showcasing the historical value of the state’s first integrated golf course and how it continues to be a gathering space for children of all backgrounds today. Next came a dazzling live auction and Fund-a-Need. Heath Hale of Cowboy Auctioneer helmed an impressive list of items that included a VIP experience during Master’s Week in Augusta, with the signed flags from Master’s Tournament winners Ben Crenshaw and Sergio Garcia being the most coveted.

The evening was capped off with a once-in-a-lifetime musical performance lineup by acclaimed artists, including Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel, Larry Gatlin, Jimmy Vaughan, and Gary P. Nunn. Their generosity and love of the Muny course were felt throughout the room during their singing of many classic tunes that often brought the crowd to their feet and capped off a night of fundraising that those fortunate enough to be a part of will talk about for years to come.

THE PURPOSE: Imagine Muny III, co-chaired by Ben Crenshaw and Scotty Sayers, raised over $1 million for The Muny Conservancy. The organization was founded to preserve one of Austin’s most iconic green spaces, Lions Municipal Golf Course. Proceeds from the event will go towards preserving the course, so current and future generations can enjoy the 141-acre green space in Central Austin.