By Rob Giardinelli        Photography by Demetrius Tapia Photography

Will Hurd and Shannon Sedgwick Davis

THE SETTING: The Red Berry Estate, in San Antonio, was the recent setting of a very special evening honoring one of the city’s most esteemed citizens. A sold-out crowd of 270 of the Alamo City’s most notable VIP’s and philanthropists gathered for The World Affairs Council of San Antonio’s International Citizen of the Year Award Dinner honoring Shannon Sedgwick Davis.

Diana and Mario Pena, Hugo Lizarraga & Samantha Thompson

THE STYLE: The black tie crowd started the evening with a VIP cocktail hour in a speakeasy-inspired Casino level lounge, where patrons sipped spirits and had the opportunity to congratulate the guest of honor on her well-deserved award. The VIPs then ventured outside to mingle with other guests and enjoy the venues spectacular grounds. The event, which featured a vibrant color palette and patterns with pops of pink, red, blue, gold and green, carried into the tropical floral arrangements generously donated by HEB.

Dr. Richardson Gill, Sherry Dowlatshahi and Lillian Riojas

Guests then moved into the event space for dinner and the main program. As guests dined on a delectable multi-course meal, they were treated to a series of testimonials including a special video tribute by Sir Richard Branson, who called Sedgwick-Davis “a beacon of light”. The evening concluded on the lakeside veranda where guests mingled and had the opportunity to receive an autographed copy of Sedgwick-Davis’ memoir, To Stop a Warlord.

Courtney and Laren Poole

THE PURPOSE: The organization’s signature annual fundraising event, chaired by Graham Weston, raised over $214,000 for the World Affairs Council of San Antonio. The organization’ss mission is to promote public understanding of world affairs and help the community and future leaders participate as global citizens.