Rob Giardinelli
Mack, Jack & McConaughey Raises $16 Million Benefiting Five Children’s-Focused Nonprofit Organizations
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Tyler Schmitt of Mill Photography Studio
THE SCENE: For two days, several thousand of Austin’s most notable children’s advocates, sports lovers, music enthusiasts, fashionistas, and philanthropists turned out for the Capital City’s hottest nonprofit event of the year. Those fortunate enough to attend the 12th annual Mack, Jack & McConaughey experienced two days of fun sport, incredible music, stunning fashions, and an epic fundraising haul that will live forever in the annals of Texas social and philanthropy lore.
THE VIBE: The festivities began with a gala where several hundred guests at the ACL Live at the Moody Theater dressed in their favorite cowboy-chic attire. During the cocktail hour, select guests and VIPs had the opportunity to pose for photos on the step and repeat to commemorate the evening before heading to the terrace outside the orchestra level of ACL Live for a cocktail hour where guests sipped on their favorite spirits while perusing an impressive lot of silent auction items.
The action then moved inside to the ACL Live at the Moody Theater for the main program. While partygoers dined on their meals, they were treated to words from Mack Brown, Jack Ingram, and Matthew McConaughey and viewed touching tributes that showcased how the organization has effectively served its mission to empower kids. Next came an epic live auction and fund-a-need helmed by Heath Hale of Cowboy Auctioneer where one package was purchased for over $4 million. The nightwas capped off with a concert by Grammy Award®-nominated artist Luke Combs who brought the crowd to their feet as they sang along to his hit tunes.
The fun continued the next morning with a golf tournament at Barton Creek Country Club and fashion show presented by Neiman Marcus. Several hundred guests turned out for the fashion show which featured the latest collection by legendary designer Oscar de la Renta that dazzled. The festivities, produced by Jennifer Stevens of JHL Company, concluded where it all began at ACL Live at the Moody Theater for a Jack & Friends concert led by Jack Ingram, which featured performances by him and several other musicians that capped off two very busy and successful days of fun and fundraising.
THE NON-PROFIT: Mack, Jack & McConaughey, hosted by Mack and Sally Brown, Jack Ingram, and Matthew and Camila McConaughey, raised an awe-inspiring $15.5 million for the organization. Proceeds raised from the event will benefit five nonprofits who are dedicated to the health, education, and wellness of children including CureDuchenne, Dell Children’s Medical Center, HeartGift, Just Keep Livin’, and The Rise School Austin.
