Dancing With The Stars Austin Gala Elevates Austin’s Fall Season To New Level

The 18^th Annual Event Benefiting the Center For Child Protection Dazzles In $2.8 Million Fundraising Evening

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Jeff Loftin Photography, Tico Mendoza Studios, Ashley Navarro, and Haley Plotkin

THE SCENE: The JW Marriott in Austin was the setting for one of the Capital City’s most anticipated annual fundraising events that put an exclamation point on the fall fundraising season. Over 1,100 of Central Texas’ top community leaders, children’s advocates, sociables, and philanthropists gathered for the 18^th Annual Dancing with the Stars Austin. Benefiting the Center for Child Protection, the night featured touching tributes, show-stopping performances, and a room full of cheering that made the event a night to remember for those fortunate enough to be a part of the fun.

THE VIBE: The black-tie crowd featured a fun mix of classic ensembles and bold color choices, featuring tuxedos and ball gowns in an array of bold colors, sequins, and feathers, creating a fun, festive, and welcoming environment for all who attended. The energy of the evening could be felt from the second guests exited the escalators to the foyer outside of the JW Marriott Ballroom for cocktail hour.

During cocktail hour guests could be seen sipping on their favorite spirits and taking the opportunity to preview the impressive live auction items that would be on bid later in the evening. Revelers took the opportunity to pose for images in photo booths to commemorate the evening, others purchased a custom art bottle courtesy of Golden Hour Live Art. Additionally, friends had the opportunity to mingle with the evening’s dancers who were easy to spot as they adorned black robes to not reveal their costumes before their big numbers later in the evening.

The action then moved into the JW Marriott Ballroom for the main program. After revelers took to their seats, emcees Chris Harrison and Lauren Zima greeted the enthusiastic crowd and kept the festivities flowing at a fun, brisk pace. As patrons dined on their multi-course meals, they were treated to words from event leaders as well as moving and impactful videos that highlighted the critical work the Center for Child Protection does to protect children at their most vulnerable.

Next, Seth Hale of Cowboy Auctioneer helmed a spirited live auction. Revelers had the opportunity to bid on an array of luxury experiences and travel packages. The fundraising continued with the Fund-A-Need bidding opportunity, where guests’ hearts were moved and the fundraising totals kept climbing thanks to the generosity of the supportive crowd. Additionally, one lucky raffle winner won a Mercedes, courtesy of the event’s longtime presenting sponsor, Mercedes-Benz of Austin.

After the auction came the main event. Revelers were treated to 11 show-stopping dance routines featuring local Austin notables, each of whom was paired with professional dancers who graced the dance floor and kept the crowd on their feet in applause with each passing routine. Dancing with the Stars Austin judges Bill Bayless, Christy Carlson Romano, and JR Martinez entertained the audience with their fun critiques that added to the feel of warmth in the room.

Once the routines were completed, the crowd texted vote for their favorite dancer which allowed the votes to be completed and tallied in a matter of minutes. Dancers then returned to the dance floor to hear the results…with Monica Fabbio of The Fab Property Group emerging as the winner of this year’s coveted mirror ball trophy. Partygoers then stormed the dance floor where they danced the night away themselves, capping off an epic evening and an amazing Fall nonprofit gala season.

THE NON-PROFIT: The 18^th Annual Dancing with the Stars, co-chaired by Amy Beard and Bridget Ramey, raised an eye-popping $2.8 million for the Center for Child Protection. Proceeds raised from the event will go towards program initiatives to reduce trauma for children during the investigation and prosecution of crimes against them. Since the event’s inception in 2007, the event has raised over $25 million for the organization.