Rob Giardinelli
The 21st Annual Event Broke Event Fundraising Records With Its Safari-Chic Theme
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Haley Plotkin and Tyler Schmitt of Mill Photography Studio
and Lorene Phillips
Meredith Harper, Raeanne Thomas
and Kylea Fuchs
and Cassandra Kromar
THE SCENE: The Hilton Austin was the setting for one of the capital city’s most anticipated, fun, festive luncheons that benefits a very worthy cause. Over 1,300 of the city’s most notable community leaders, children’s advocates, sociables, game lovers, and philanthropists turned out for the Center for Child Protection’s 21st Annual Play Bingo Luncheon. Hosted by the Friends of the Christopher Guild, the afternoon featured a dazzling mix of games, prizes, fun, and a record fundraising total for this storied event.
THE VIBE: The “Safari Chic” featured various groups of 10 dressing thematically with prints and patterns representing various animals, including leopards, zebras, and peacocks. This created a playful, festive, and welcoming environment for all who attended.
and Yasmine Daghestani
Dori Stern and Martha Tello
Christi Lowin and Meredith Hardson
The festivities began in the Hilton Austin ballroom foyer for a champagne and welcome reception where friends gathered and admired one another’s creativity of playful ensembles. During the welcome reception, patrons could also be seen perusing an impressive lot of silent auction items, including bespoke children’s chairs, luxury jewelry, luxury resort packages, and more.
The action then moved into the main ballroom of the Hilton Austin for the main event – Play Bingo. Bingo callers and Emcees Melissa Lowe and KXAN Chief Meteorologist Nick Bannin kept the audience entertained and the action moving at a fun, brisk pace.
During the spirited games of bingo, revelers sipped champagne as they awaited numbers on their cards to be called. Throughout the afternoon winners of each bingo game received an array of luxury prizes and experiences…and, of course, bragging rights of being one of the lucky winners of an amazing day of fun and philanthropy in Austin.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 21st Annual Play Bingo Luncheon raised a record-breaking $1.3 million for the Center for Child Protection. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Center for Child Protection support, program, and training services, Since the event’s origins in the mid-2000s, the event has raised over $8 million for the organization.
