Rob Giardinelli
Gala Helps Essential Needs To Be Met Across Central Texas For Thousands
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Manny Pandya Photography
THE SETTING: The Fairmont Austin was the setting for the Share the Love gala. Hosted by Manos de Cristo, the event featured an elegant Breakfast At Tiffany’s theme and drew over 300 of the city’s top medical leaders, sociables, and philanthropists for an epic evening of fun and fundraising.
THE VIBE: The cocktail attire crowd began the evening in the foyer outside of the Fairmont ballroom for a cocktail reception. Here, revelers sipped on their favorite spirits, mingled with friends, perused an impressive lot of silent auction items, and took images in the keepsake photo booth that sported a Tiffany blue backdrop. The festivities then moved into the ballroom for the main program.
As partygoers found their tables, they were welcomed by a stunning bouquet of white flowers inside a large Tiffany-esque blue box that perfectly tied in with the sophisticated theme of the evening. Emcees Ron Olivera and KXAN’s Sally Hernandez kept the crowd engaged and inspired throughout. Highlights of the program included a multi-course meal, touching testimonials from those who have benefited from Manos de Cristo’s services, and a spirited live auction. After the program, the fun continued with an after party that included casino games, dancing, and live music by The Pictures.
THE NON-PROFIT: The Share the Love Gala, co-chaired by Emily Studer and Julie Schneider, raised $450,000 for Manos de Cristo. The organization provides services to help meet the essential needs of adults and children to over 30,000 Central Texans annually. Services provided by Manos de Cristo include low-cost dental care, educational opportunities, back-to-school programs, clothing, school supplies, and adult education classes.
