Rob Giardinelli
Texas Advocacy Project’s Signature Event Breaks Fundraising Record
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Carhart Photography
THE SCENE: The JW Marriott in Austin was the recent setting for one of the Capital City’s most anticipated annual fall social events. Over 500 of the city’s most prominent community leaders, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the Texas Advocacy Project Black & White Ball. Guests were treated to an incredible night filled with touching tributes, a dazzling auction, and a record fundraising haul for this storied event.
THE VIBE: The black-tie crowd donned their favorite black and white attire, with many taking creative license to bedazzle their ensembles, which created a vibrant and welcoming environment for all who attended. The night began with a stroll down the red carpet, where revelers had a moment of Hollywood Glam before stopping to pose for images to commemorate the evening.
Guests then took part in a lively cocktail hour where after cozying up to the bar to grab their favorite spirits, mingled and engaged in several different experiential activations. Revelers could be seen posing for images in the photo booth, while others looked at the preview of the live auction items. Additionally, partygoers stopped by one of three black and white adorned silent auction tables for an innovative Mystery Gift Pull where patrons donated $100, $250, or $500 and received a gift wrapped in black and white of equal or greater value to their donation.
The festivities then moved to the ballroom for the main program. As guests dined on their multi-course meals they were treated to words from event and organization leaders. Next, came one of Austin’s most fun and anticipated annual live auctions helmed by Heath Hale of Cowboy Auctioneer and Fund-A-Need where revelers bid on an array of dazzling items including an 80-day adventure in South Africa and a trip to Nantucket being the most popular. The night was capped off with an Afterglow party where the fun went on well into the night as guests danced to the music and gambled at their favorite casino gaming tables.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 2024 Texas Advocacy Project Black & White Ball, chaired by Catherine Brophy, raised a record $1.162 for the organization. Proceeds raised from the event will go towards programs that provide free legal and social services to survivors of abuse regardless of their background.
