How Did Austin’s The Art Of Kindness Gala Celebrate 10 Successful Years Of The Kindness Campaign?  

Founded By Austinite Andra Liemandt, The Organization Provides Programs And Educational Initiatives That Teach Social-Emotional Learning

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Ben Porter Photography

THE SCENE: The Austin PBS Studios was the setting for a night that celebrated a decade of one of the city’s most successful nonprofit organizations. Approximately 250 community leaders, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the Art of Kindness Gala. Benefiting The Kindness Campaign, the event celebrated 10 successful years and kicked off a weekend-long celebration for the organization.

THE VIBE: The Blue Cocktail-attired crowd had patrons donning their favorite shade of blue in honor of The Kindness Campaign’s Blue brand colors. In the crowd, one could find all shades of the blue rainbow with patrons donning suits, jeans, sport coats, sun dresses, and cocktail dresses, creating a kind, warm, and welcoming environment for all who attended.

The night began with a lively cocktail hour in the foyer outside of the main Austin PBS Studio, and after cozying up to the bar to grab their favorite spirit of choice, revelers mingled with the happy crowd. Many could be seen posing for a red carpet image on the GLAMBOT®, adding to the specialness felt throughout the night.

The crowd then moved inside the Austin PBS Studio for the evening’s main program. Jaws dropped at the stunning transformation of the space. Farm-style continental tables with blue-accented flowers were strategically placed throughout the floor, while blue uplighting around the perimeter helped tie the space together.

Emcees Chris Harrison and Lauren Zima effortlessly kept the evening’s festivities flowing at a fun, brisk pace throughout the night. As guests dined on delectable, multi-course meals, they were treated to words from organization and event leaders, including The Kindness Campaign Founder Andra Liemandt. Liemandt, who started The Kindness Campaign 10 years ago in the wake of a tragedy that touched the family of a dear friend, said her words against the backdrop of a beautiful photo montage of many guests who have supported The Kindness Campaign over the past 10 years.

Next came a spirited live auction and paddles up helmed by Seth Hale of Cowboy Auctioneer. The paddles went up for a series of luxury items, including a culinary experience with celebrity chef Paul Qui and a custom piece of jewelry by Nak Armstrong, which served as the most popular items of the night. Following the auction, guests were moved by the touching speech by the evening’s keynote speaker, Kevin Hines, whose inspiring story of never giving up deeply touched and moved the audience.

The night concluded as guests returned to the Austin PBS Studio foyer with an epic after-party. Revelers enjoyed delectable bite-sized sweets and shared their favorite moments of a beautiful evening that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget. A couple of days after the gala, many who took part in the special night headed to Branch Park Pavilion for The Kindness Campaign’s Community Day, a family-friendly day of fun, creativity, and community. 

THE NON-PROFIT: The Art of Kindness Gala, co-chaired by Stephanie and Todd O’Neill, raised over $600,000 for The Kindness Campaign. The organization provides programs and educational initiatives that teach social-emotional learning guided by four pillars: self-image, emotional awareness, empathy, and community.