Rob Giardinelli
Stephen Sanchez Concert Caps $1.64 Million Night For Waterloo Greenway Conservancy
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Lauren Slusher
THE SCENE: The Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park was the setting for one of Austin’s most anticipated, fun, and fashionable fall events. Over 700 of the Capital City’s community leaders, outdoor enthusiasts, music lovers, sociables, and philanthropists descended upon this world-class space for the 4th Annual Glow in the Park gala benefiting the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy. Guests were treated to a dazzling night of festivities that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.
and Laura Hill Keller
and Bryan Dabbs
THE VIBE: The “Tennis Shoe Glam” attire had patrons donning festive cocktail attire paired with comfortable shoes, perfect for the al fresco setting of Waterloo Park. In the crowd, one could spot classic cocktail fare mixed with bright colors and bold prints that perfectly complemented the green space and created a warm, welcoming environment for all who attended.
and Ashley Bruekner
and Michelle Luke
The night began with cocktails, where attendees could be seen sipping on their favorite beverages and mingling with other guests underneath a stunning canopy of heritage oak trees. As the cocktail hour wound down, revelers made their way to the lawn of the Moody Amphitheater for the main program.
Autumn Rich of The Panacea Collective turned the Moody Amphitheater lawn into a stunning landscape of round tables with soft, earth-tone linens with vibrant pops of orange and pink florals on each table, elevating the space to new heights. The exquisite floral decor was provided by David Kurio Designs, adding warmth and elegance to the outdoor landscape. Partygoers took to their seats and began dining on a delectable, five-star, family-style meal courtesy of MML Hospitality while treated to words from event and community leaders, including Austin Mayor Kirk Watson.
Next, nationally acclaimed auctioneer Lydia Fenet led a paddles-up and live auction of curated, five-star experiences. The most popular items with the most spirited bidding included a private lunch at Jeffrey’s for 40 people, a golf trip for eight to St. Andrews in Scotland, and a Franklin’s BBQ Basket for Waterloo Greenway Conservancy’s Pop-Up Picnic in the Spring of 2025 being the most popular.
VIP table-holders and their guests then headed down to lounge areas in front of the Moody Amphitheater Stage in anticipation of the evening’s main event, a concert by Platinum-Selling musician Stephen Sanchez. The charismatic musician had revelers dancing the night away on a beautiful Fall night in Texas to several of his hit tunes, capping off a phenomenal evening of fun and fundraising.
THE NON-PROFIT: Glow in the Park, co-chaired by father-daughter duo Gary Farmer and Katherine Farmer Thornhill, with Suzanne Deal Booth and Jeanne Klein serving as honorary chairs, raised $1.64 million for the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy. Proceeds raised from the event will go towards building, operating, activating and sustaining the park system, which provides free education, programs, and family-friendly events for residents of Austin and beyond.
