Rob Giardinelli
Must-Attend Three-Day Event Sets Record To Raise Funds For Five Children’s-Focused Organizations To #EmpowerKids
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Tyler Schmitt of Mill Photography Studio
THE SCENE: Over three incredible days at various locations throughout Austin, over 4,000 people were part of one of the world’s most successful and impactful fundraising events. Those fortunate enough to attend the 13th annual Mack, Jack, and McConaughey were treated to a jam-packed array of fundraising festivities, including a gala, golf tournament, fashion show, and two concerts. The result: Texas’s top gala of the 2024-2025 social season, raising eight figures and setting the gold standard of Lone Star fundraising.
THE VIBE: The action began on Wednesday night, when party hosts Mack and Sally Brown, Jack Ingram, and Matthew and Camila McConaughey greeted major sponsors and donors at a VIP event. The night, hosted at the legendary Franklin’s Barbecue, offered family-like hospitality, and the event has built a well-earned reputation for allowing guests to mingle while enjoying delicious food.
The action moved to ACL Live at the Moody Theater on Thursday for the 13th annual Mack, Jack, & McConaughey Gala. As guests ascended the staircase to the ACL Live terrace, they were greeted with the Mack, Jack, & McConaughey logo on the stairs, which immediately made everyone feel welcome and at home.
The Western-chic-attired crowd arrived on the ACL Live terrace ready to have a great time. One could spot denim, sun dresses, cowboy hats, and boots in the crowd. The result was a warm, welcoming vibe for all who attended. Upon arrival, many took the opportunity to capture an image in a special MJ&M photo booth, while others looked upon the red carpet as the event hosts and other VIPs strutted the red carpet, which allowed everyone to commemorate the evening in their own way.
After grabbing their favorite cocktail, the approximately 1,100 guests mingled around the ACL Live terrace, where they had a chance to peruse an impressive lot of silent auction items. The energy was palpable among the crowd, who eagerly awaited the doors to open so they could take their seats on the orchestra and mezzanine levels for one of Texas’s best event programs.
After the doors opened, guests looked in awe at the beautiful transformation of ACL Live. Led by Jennifer Stevens of JHL Company, her team transformed the space with a unique blend of relaxed elegance, with white floral arrangements of lilies and other spring-like flowers popping against the black tablecloths.
Once partygoers took to their seats, they began dining on their delectable, multi-course meals. As they did so, they were treated to words from Mack Brown, Jack Ingram, and Matthew McConaughey thanking guests for attending such a special night. Matthew McConaughey specifically thanked the event that inspired them to create Mack, Jack, & McConaughey, Ben, Willie, and Darrell, an iconic Austin fundraising event in the 2000s hosted by Ben Crenshaw, Willie Nelson, and the late Darrell K Royal. McConaughey even gave a special shout-out of gratitude to Ben Crenshaw, who was in the audience.
A series of touching video testimonials followed, highlighting the work of the five beneficiary organizations. There was barely a dry eye in the house as a result.
Next, Heath Hale of Cowboy Auctioneer helmed Texas’s most fun, engaging, and successful live auction and fund-a-need that raised well over $10 million. Revelers raised their paddles as they bid on an array of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including membership number 0001 to the upcoming Four Seasons Residences Private Club on Lake Austin and a four-night buyout for 24 guests at Naviva® Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita, Mexico.
The top-selling auction item was a surprise item added to the auction: A Royal Experience with members of the British Royal Family that included seats in the Royal Family’s box at the Royal Ballet & Opera in London. As the bidding turned fiercer, Matthew McConaughey took to the bongo drums on stage to add suspense and drama to the moment. The bidding climaxed at $3.7 million for the item and sold twice, for an astonishing total of $7.4 million, resulting in one of the largest auction items in Texas gala history.
As the auction continued, another 900 music lovers poured into the balcony level of ACL Live for the night’s musical performance. After the auction concluded, country music superstar Eric Church took to the stage, delivering a showstopping performance as he belted out some of his greatest hits, putting an exclamation point on a fantastic evening.
The next morning, the festivities moved to Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa for two unique experiences. The first being the MJ&M Golf Tournament, where the male audience mingled and golfed with Mack Brown, Jack Ingram, and Matthew McConaughey.
While the men were on the links, approximately 600 women, with a few men sprinkled in for good measure, headed to the Omni Barton Creek Pavilion for a world-class fashion show. Over the years, in partnership with Neiman Marcus, the Mack, Jack, and McConaughey Fashion Show has become the fashion show to attend in Austin each year.
This year was no different as hosts Sally Brown and Camila Alves McConaughey welcomed the crowd to experience a runway show by iconic designer Carolina Herrera. On hand was Carolina Herrera’s Creative Director, Wes Gordon, who mingled with guests during the champagne reception.
Held in partnership with Neiman Marcus, the crowd spent the morning sipping champagne and brimming with anticipation of the fun that lay ahead. During the reception, fashion lovers could shop Carolina Herrera fashions at the Neiman Marcus pop-up boutique on the exterior pavilion grounds.
The crowd then headed inside for the fashion show. After words from hosts Sally Brown and Camila Alves McConaughey, and Carolina Herrera Creative Director Wes Gordon, A brief live auction followed that included the opportunity to cook and dine with Sally Brown and Camila Alves McConaughey.
The fashion show featured an array of stunning gowns in various colors. During the show, one could spot pink, blue, and black ensembles, each more breathtaking than the one before it. After the show, Wes Gordon returned to the stage for a brief Q&A with the audience. After the show, guests gathered outside for an al fresco tented luncheon, where they caught up and discussed their favorite looks from the fashion show.
On Friday night, a crowd of 1,150 headed back to ACL Live at The Moody Theater for Jack & Friends. Hosted by Jack Ingram, the concert allowed guests the opportunity to kick back and enjoy a concert in a relaxed setting. The show included a performance with Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, and Jon Randall, musical collaborators of the iconic The Marfa Tapes, capping off an epic three days of events that guests will be talking about for months, if not years, to come.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 2025 Mack, Jack & McConaughey, hosted by Mack and Sally Brown, Jack Ingram, & Matthew and Camila McConaughey, raised an astounding $17 million for the organization. Proceeds raised from this year’s Mack, Jack & McConaughey will be distributed to five children-focused nonprofits that fulfill the organization’s mission to #empowerkids. The 2025 Mack, Jack, and McConaughey beneficiaries include CureDuchenne, Dell Children’s Medical Center, HeartGift, Just Keep Livin’ Foundation, and The Rise School Austin. Since its founding in 2012, Mack, Jack, & McConaughey has raised over $78 million for these charities.
The 2026 Mack, Jack, & McConaughey will be held on April 23-24, 2026. To learn more, click here.
To see coverage of the 2024 MJ&M event, click here.
