Here’s How CASABlanca Gala Celebrated 40 Years Of CASA Of Travis County

Record-Breaking Night Of Fundraising Cheered On By Guests

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Vanessa Joy Photography and David Troung

THE SCENE: The JW Marriott in Austin was the setting for a landmark celebration of one of the Capital City’s most beloved organizations. Over 900 of the area’s top community leaders, children’s advocates, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the annual CASA of Travis County’s CASABlanca Gala. This year’s theme, “Cheers to 40 Years,” gave the audience much to celebrate, resulting in a record-breaking night of fundraising for the organization.

The black-tie optional crowd featured patrons donning a celebratory mix of classic black-tie and cocktail ensembles while others opted for bright-colored ballgowns, tuxedos, and dinner jackets. The result was a festive welcoming environment for all who attended.

Guests knew they were in for a very special evening when patrons experienced one of the most festive, seamless, and efficient check-in processes of any event in recent memory. Revelers were escorted into a side room filled with plenty of people at individual cocktail tables to get guests into the spirit of giving…in a fun way for the evening. After check-in, many took the time to pose for images in front of a step and repeat that included images from CASA of Travis County and CASABlanca over the past 40 years.

THE VIBE: Attendees then ascended an escalator to the fourth floor for a lively cocktail reception. Here guests had the opportunity to mingle while taking advantage of several experiential activations throughout the JW Marriott Ballroom Foyer. Others took the time to peruse an impressive set of silent auction items full of luxury items, high-end experiences, and artwork.

The action then moved to the ballroom for the main program. KEYE-TV host of We Are Austin, Trevor Scott served as emcee and kept the festivities flowing at a fun, brisk pace throughout. As revelers dined on multi-course meals, they were treated to words from event leaders and touching tributes highlighting the extensive, positive impact CASA of Travis County has had on the Austin area over the past 40 years.

Next came an epic live auction and helmed by Heath Hale of Cowboy Auctioneer. Paddles and fundraising were raised to a fever pitch as guests bid on an array of bespoke experiences and travel packages with a private party at Antone’s with Bob Schneider, a stay at a downtown Telluride penthouse, and an epic Austin restaurant package that went for an eye-popping $240,000 serving as the most popular. The result was the highest-earning live auction in CASABlanca history.

The night was capped off with a vibrant after-party, where guests were greeted with tasty late-night snacks that ensured the fun continued well into the night. Revelers tried their luck at various casino games throughout the room while others took to the dance floor, cutting a rug to their favorite tunes and celebrating the end of a fabulous night of fun and fundraising that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.

THE NON-PROFIT: CASABlanca Cheers to 40 Years, co-chaired by Kelly Kopecky and Rachel Pry, raised a record-breaking $2 million for CASA of Travis County. Proceeds raised from the event will go towards training and education programs to advocate for children of abuse and neglect in the court system through its all-volunteer network of over 800 volunteer advocates for children.

Each volunteer goes through an extensive 39-hour training program and is sworn in by a judge after completing the program. The trained volunteers are then appointed by judges to serve on cases to help protect the safety of the child in criminal and civil disputes. CASA of Travis County volunteers serve as advocates for nearly 1,000 children each year.