Curated Texan
Center for Child Protection’s Dancing With The Stars Gala Dazzles
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Dale Murphy, Haley Plotkin and Estrella Chacón
THE SCENE: Always one of the most fun nights in Austin, this year’s Dancing with the Stars did not disappoint. Presented by Mercedes Benz of Austin, the Center for Child Protection event drew over 1,100 of the city’s most notable sociables, community leaders, and philanthropists turned out for a night of dazzling dance routines, heartfelt tributes that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.
THE VIBE: From the moment guests ascended the escalators to the ballroom foyer of the JW Marriott in Austin, they knew they were in for a very special evening. The festivities began with what is always one of the most fun cocktail hours in town where friends, supporters, and guests of the dancers got to mingle with one another…and for a brief period of time, the dancers themselves. As is tradition with the event, dancers are easy to spot in the sea of black-tie fabulousness for they wear robes covering their dazzling dance ensembles before they dance on stage.
Lance Avery Morgan
and Tobie Funte
The festivities then moved into the ballroom of the JW for the main program. As guests dined on a multi-course meal, they were treated to emotional testimonials and stories of how much the Center for Child Protection positively impacts the community. Next came a spirited live auction and Fund-A-Need where paddles raised for a series of luxe experiences and to support various initiatives at the organization.
and Allison Morrison
Sasha Kurashko Hilss
Then came the main event–the dancing routines themselves. The dancers, who spend several months training for their performance, cut their moves to the dance floor, which continually kept the crowd on their feet. Upon the conclusion of each performance, judges Jeff Jumonville, Gary Little, and Becca Tobin kept the crowd engaged with witty and positive commentary of the routines. After the routines were completed, guests voted for their favorite dancers to award the coveted Mirror Ball trophy to one lucky duo, which this year went to Liza Edebor and Ferenc Kiss. On a high, the fun continued well into the night on the main dance floor as guest danced the night away and celebrated another marvelous evening of fun and fundraising.
THE NON-PROFIT: The event, co-chaired by Betsy Hudson and Stephanie O’Neill, raised over $1.8 million for the Center for Child Protection. Proceeds raised went towards providing forensic interviews, medical exams, counseling, and intervention programs to children who have experienced or witness abuse as well as their caregivers.
