Curated Texan
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Ben Porter Photography
Jessica and Jeff Benesch
THE SCENE: The Hotel Van Zandt in Austin was recently the setting for a night of great fun and fundraising. Nearly 300 areas most notable sociables, philanthropists, and VIPs were on hand for the Make-A-Wish of Central and South Texas Wish Ball 2023. Those fortunate enough to be a part of the evening were treated to a fun and impactful time that included a fun theme and moving testimonials, all for a very worthy cause.
THE VIBE: The crowd came to play in their finest and sparkling 70s attire for the disco-themed event, which could be felt the moment attendees walked up the stairs to the mezzanine level of the Hotel Van Zandt for the lively cocktail hour. As revelers mingled with other guests, while sipping on their favorite spirits, they perused and previewed the live auction items. Others were seen commemorating the night by taking a live-action 360-degree video courtesy of Austin 360 photo.
The festivities then moved into the main ballroom for the evenings program which was emceed by Trevor Scott of KEYE-TV’s We Are Austin and Wish Kid Matthew. As guests dined on their delicious multi-course meals, they were treated to a series of powerful testimonials of wishes provided to children with critical illnesses including a Wish Kid Daysia who created a documentary on her struggles with critical the illness Dermatopolymyositis, and Wish Kid Julia, a child with Trisomy 18 who fulfilled her wish of writing a book, which included the surprise showing of the completed cover of her book.
Next was a spirited live auction helmed by Heath Hale and the Cowboy Auctioneers which included a romantic excursion to Puerto Vallarta. This was followed by a fund a need, which was introduced via video by 3-year-old wish kid Noah. The evening was capped off with an after party where revelers danced the night away to their favorite disco tunes.THE NON-PROFIT: The event, chaired by Jessica and Jeff Benesch, raised over $450,000 for Make-A-Wish of Central and South Texas which provides wishes to children facing critical illnesses. Proceeds raised from the evening will go towards granting wishes of the over 500 children currently waiting for a life-changing wish.
