Rob Giardinelli
Organization’s Event Series Breaks Fundraising Record
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Matthew Fuller
THE SCENE: During the month of May, over 600 of the top community leaders, sociables, and philanthropists turned out to celebrate a milestone for one of Austin’s most beloved fundraising events. Toast of the Town benefiting the St. David’s Foundation celebrated the 40th anniversary of this Spring staple of the Austin social scene by hosting a curated list of 18 curated, intimate events ranging from 8 to 80 guests. This year for the first time, at least one Toast party was held in each of the five counties that St. David’s Healthcare serves.
THE VIBE: Each of the parties featured an Austin-chic crowd who enjoyed bespoke experiences at highly coveted, unique, and sought-after spaces. The Toast season had an epic start out of the gate with a Western-themed event at the legendary Franklin Barbecue with Austin Gamblers CEO JJ Gottsch and Head Coach Michael Gaffney where guests got to enjoy some of the establishment’s legendary barbecue and hear about tales from the professional bull riding circuit.
In addition to Franklin’s, revelers also had the opportunity to eat, drink, and be merry at an array of Austin’s most sought-after restaurants. During the month, patrons of Toast parties dined at local hot-spots including J Carver’s, The Pershing, Donn’s Depot, Scholz Garden, a farm-to-table wine dinner at Eden East, and a dining experience with two-time James Beard Award-winning chef Mashama Bailey.
Patrons also had the opportunity to experience many other one-of-a-kind experiences throughout the month with dazzling array of events which had something for everyone. Those who love sports and fashion had the several opportunities to experience a night with notable University of Texas icons. These included a night The Austonian with Austin power couple UT Head Football Coach Steve Sarkisian, and style icon Loreal Sarkisian, a night at the Austin estate of Melissa and Kent Ferguson with UT Athletic Director Chris del Conte, and a brunch at Nômadé with UT Volleyball Head Coach Jerritt Elliott.
Those who love the culture were treated to several fun experiences throughout the Austin area. These events included an evening in Lockhart where guests checked out several women’s, owned establishments, a night on the Georgetown Square with The Day Tripper host Chet Garner, Dino-hunting at the newly reopened Texas Science and Natural History Museum, and an evening with Last Plane Out of Saigon author Richard Pena.
Lastly, no Austin party series would be complete without music. Throughout the month, music lovers were treated to a dazzling series of dazzling performances the month. This included Austin icon Ray Benson hosting a concert for 50 at The Music Box House, a night at a Texas Hill Country estate to listen to tunes performed by country music band The Derailers, and the final Toast party of the year which was a night with Asleep at the Wheel, Floyd Domino, and Danny Levin at Arlo Studios.
Shanti Marsilli-Pham
THE NON-PROFIT: The 40th Annual Toast of the Town led by event chair Tobie Funte, vice chair Laurée Moffett, and honorary chair Ray Benson raised a record amount of funds for the St. David’s Foundation. Proceeds from each year’s Toast party series benefit provides Central Texas high school seniors with an annual $7,500 scholarship for up to eight years for those pursuing medical careers. Since establishing the Neal Kocurek Scholarship Program in 2005, over 700 students in Travis, Hays, Williamson, Caldwell, and Bastrop counties have received scholarships through the program.
