Imagine Muny II Attracts Thousands, Raises Over $1M
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Tyler Schmitt of Mill Photography Studio
THE SCENE: The Moody Theatre at Austin City Limits was the recent setting for a night of fun, music, and fundraising to support one of Austin’s most notable and beloved green spaces. Over 2500 sociables, philanthropists, music lovers, sports enthusiasts and community leaders turned out for Save MUNY’s Imagine Muny II event in support of the 99-year old Lions Municipal Golf Course.
THE VIBE: The cowboy chic crowd could feel the magic in the air as enthusiasts ascended the staircase to the mezzanine level where guests were greeted with a green carpet, which replicated a putting green, that allowed partygoers to take photographs and commemorate the evening. After taking photos, the crowd cozied up to the bar during cocktail hour where guests sipped on their favorite spirits al fresco while mingling with a mix of familiar and new faces.
The doors to the ACL Moody Theatre then opened for approximately 500 revelers to take their seats for the main program. As guests on the orchestra level dined on a multi-course meal, they were treated to a fabulous main program. Highlights of the program included emotional testimonials on how the Lions Municipal Golf Course has positively impacted the Austin community and a spirited live auction that raised several hundred thousand dollars. The evening continued as more music lovers poured into the mezzanine levels of the ACL Moody Theatre for a concert by Texas music legends Ray Benson, Charley Crockett, Jack Ingram, and Lyle Lovett who brought the audience to their feet, capping off a perfect Austin evening.
THE NON PROFIT: The event, co-chaired by Ben Crenshaw and Scotty Sayers, raised over $1 million for The Muny Conservancy. Founded in 2019, the conservancy was established to preserve Lions Municipal Golf Course, one of Austin’s iconic green spaces. Located just west of downtown Austin, the 141-acre space is a well-known community gathering space that hosts over 60,000 rounds of golf each year and holds the largest number of charity golf tournaments in the Austin area.