Here’s How The Success Of The Dell Children’s Ball Was Written In The Stars

Dell Children’s Foundation Celebration Offers Wide Appeal To Its Guests

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Tanner Britton and Matthew Hooker

THE SCENE: Austin’s Four Seasons Hotel was the setting for an event that kicked off the spring gala season with a bang. Nearly 450 of the city’s top community leaders, children’s advocates, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the annual Dell Children’s Ball. Hosted by the Dell Children’s Foundation, this year’s theme, Star Ball, more than held up to the name. The result was a fabulous night with touching tributes, beautiful performances, and a dazzling fund-a-need that resulted in a multi-million dollar evening for the organization.

The black-tie crowd featured a beautiful mix of tuxedos and ball gowns with men and women sporting a rainbow of bright colors, metallics, and classic formal wear. The result was a festive, welcoming environment for all who attended. The love could be felt, and jaws dropped from the second patrons entered the Four Seasons ballroom foyer for cocktail hour. Revelers were dazzled by a large, floral, and greenery-laden backdrop where they posed for images to commemorate the evening. The fun continued during cocktail hour as guests cozied up to the bar to grab their favorite spirit of choice. Guests mingled in the ballroom foyer with the fun spilling out onto the stunning Four Seasons Terrace to take advantage of the beautiful weather.

THE VIBE: The action then moved to the ballroom for the main program. Autumn Rich of the Panacea Collective and celebrity florist David Kurio transformed the Four Seasons ballroom into an elegant wonderland with pink orchids and a mix of Continental-style and round tables that complemented beautifully imposed stars on the walls, helping bring the outside that many experienced during cocktail hour indoors. As revelers took to their seats, they did so to the beautiful orchestral performance, courtesy of Gabriella Martinez. As guests dined on their delectable, multi-course meals, they were treated to words from event leaders thanking them for being a part of such a special evening. Next, a series of touching tributes and testimonials of how Dell Children’s has provided life-saving care to children of the Austin community and beyond.

TiWanna “TK” Kenney of Astounding Auctions led a show-stopping paddles up where the inspired audience showcased their generosity, resulting in over $1.1 million raised for the organization in a matter of minutes. The program was capped by a beautiful performance by Dell Children’s patient Olivea and her music therapist Velora Hall, which didn’t leave a dry eye in the house.

The fun continued well into the night as revelers ventured to Ciclo inside the Four Seasons for a fabulous after-party. Revelers reconnected and celebrated the success of the evening into the wee hours of the following morning, capping off a spectacular night of fun and fundraising that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.

THE NON-PROFIT: The 2025 Dell Children’s Ball raised over $2.2 million for the Dell Children’s Foundation. Proceeds raised from the night will go towards providing world-class care to children at Dell Children’s Medical Center. 70% of children who receive care at Dell Children’s are either uninsured or underinsured. The funds raised through events like the Dell Children’s Ball help the organization provide world-class care to children regardless of their insurance or income level.