Up-Themed Gala Benefits Dell Children’s Medical Center To Raise Over $3 Million
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Matthew Hooker
THE SETTING: A picture-perfect evening at the Four Seasons in Austin was the setting for an incredible night of fundraising for an incredibly worthy cause. Over 400 of Capital City’s most notable sociables, philanthropists, and community leaders were on hand for the annual Dell Children’s Foundation Gala. This year’s theme, Up, certainly upped the ante for the Austin fundraising scene with a magical night those fortunate enough to be a part of will be talking about for years to come.
THE STYLE: The black tie crowd began the festivities by posing for images to commemorate the evening against a stunning floral backdrop of thousands of flowers courtesy of the city’s celebrity florist, David Kurio. Guests then enjoyed the exterior terrace of the Four Seasons for a cocktail reception. The action then moved to the Four Seasons Ballroom for the main program. Jaws dropped as the color palette of the orange floral backdrop, which guests viewed upon arrival, carried into the gala space, creating a grand, elegant, and sophisticated energy.
Then, as revelers took their seats and dined on a multi-course meal, they were also treated to a touching musical performance by Velora Hall. Next, came an epic Fund-A-Need helmed by TK Kenney of Astounding Auctions. Paddles kept raising the tally going up, up, up to over $1 million, which was generously matched by an anonymous benefactor, resulting in $2 million raised for the organization from the Fund-A-Need alone. The fun then moved to the on-site restaurant, Ciclo for a cotton candy-inspired after party where guests danced the night away, celebrating another successful night for one of Texas’ most anticipated annual galas.
THE PURPOSE: The event raised over $3 million for the Dell Children’s Foundation. Proceeds from the event allow the hospital to fulfill its mission to never turn away a child due to their inability to pay. With 70% of patients uninsured or underinsured, philanthropic funds are necessary to ensure this practice continues. Since its founding in 1996, the Foundation has raised over $250 million to provide children from any financial background access to world-class healthcare. The 2025 Dell Children’s Ball will be held on February 1, 2025. For more information, visit SupportDellChildrens.org.
