The Trail Conservancy’s “Twilight On The Trail” Gala Lights Up The Night In Austin

Several Hundred Support To Raise Over $540,000 For The Organization

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Ross Lucksinger

THE SCENE: The Four Seasons Hotel was the setting for one of Austin’s most fun al fresco annual events. Nearly 400 of the city’s top community leaders, nature lovers, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the annual Twilight on the Trail benefiting The Trail Conservancy. Attendees were treated to a fun, fabulous night to help preserve and enhance one of the capital city’s most beloved green spaces.

THE VIBE: The cocktail with a twist-attired crowd featured revelers donning bright colors, bold prints, and pastels that created a wonderful contrast and tapestry to the stunning greenery of the Four Seasons outdoor grounds along Lady Bird Lake. This created a youthful, festive, cheerful, and welcoming environment for all who attended.

The festivities began with a cocktail hour on the terrace and lawn of the Four Seasons. As guests sipped on their favorite spirits, they mingled with other guests, perusing the impressive lot of silent and live auction items up for bid. Revelers then took to their seats on the Four Seasons lawn for the main program. The lawn of the Four Seasons was turned into a magical space where lights hung from the beautiful oak trees. Underneath the trees laid tables covered in white linens throughout the grounds. Guests took to their seats at tables of 8 or 10, while select VIPs opted for purchasing intimate tables for two along the pathway leading to the program stage that allowed for a communal and romantic feel for patrons.

Actor Kelly Frye served as emcee, keeping the action flowing at a fun, brisk pace. As diners enjoyed their delectable meals, they were treated to words from organizations and event leaders highlighting the importance of Lady Bird Lake and The Butler Trail for residents and visitors to Austin. The festivities culminated in an engaging heads or tails auction and a spirited live auction where paddles went up for a series of luxury packages and experiences with trips to Iceland and Jackson Hole proving to be the most popular.

THE NON-PROFIT: Twilight on the Trail, co-chaired by Kelly Frye, Jill Klinves, and Madeleine Meyer, raised over $540,000 for The Trail Conservancy. Proceeds raised from the event will go towards fulfilling the organization’s mission to provide upgrades to the 10-mile Roy and Ann Butler Hike-And-Bike Trail along Lady Bird Lake. One of Austin’s most beloved green spaces, the trail draws over 4 million visits each year.