The 41^st Annual Seton Development Board Gala Delights

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Ben Porter

THE SCENE: A beautiful evening at The Four Season in Austin was the recent setting for the 41^st annual Seton Development Board Gala. This year’s gala, Stardust, featured several hundred of Austin’s most notable Sociables who were on hand to celebrate one of the city’s most heralded organizations.

THE VIBE: From the moment the black-tie partygoers entered the foyer of the Four Season’s ballroom, they knew they were in for a very special evening. The festivities began with a fun and lively cocktail hour, with crooners Ricki Derek and the Vegas Six performing the perfect singing the perfect Havana-themed inspired tunes for the occasion. The cocktail reception spilled out of the foyer and onto the outside terrace where guests brimmed with anticipation of the fun ahead.

The party continued in the main ballroom of the venue for the evening’s program which included honoring Austin philanthropists Charmaine and Gordon McGill and Wofford Denius. As guests dined on a delectable four-course menu courtesy of the hotel’s Chef Elmer Prambs, the festivities flowed at a brisk pace. The program included touching testimonials about Seton to a spirited Odds & Evens auction, offering a fresh and new take on the popular Heads or Tails live auction which kept everything light and fun throughout.

THE CAUSE: The event, chaired by Shannon Dowell and Evelyn Wiedeman, raised over $600,000 for the Seton Heart Institute at Seton Medical Center Austin. Proceeds will go toward the organization’s cardiovascular programs and equipment to ensure top-quality care in Central Texas.