Rob Giardinelli
The Rocker Costume Theme Strikes A Chord As Thousand Guests Were Amped To Dress The Part
By Rob Giardinelli Photography By Tyler Schmitt and Haley Plotkin
THE SCENE: The Hilton Austin was the setting for one of the Capital City’s most anticipated and successful annual signature fundraising events. A sold-out crowd featuring over 1,200 of the area’s most notable community leaders, advocates, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the 22nd Annual Play Bingo. Benefiting the Center for Child Protection, the afternoon was a dazzling blend of fun and generosity, resulting in a record-breaking fundraiser for this beloved event.
THE VIBE: The rocker-chic attire crowd had guests fully embracing the music-themed afternoon. One of the most notable aspects of Play Bingo is that guests dress thematically with their fellow table guests. In the crowd, one could see patrons donning their favorite rocker-chic attire, while others showed their music super fandom by wearing bold, bright colors as a nod to their favorite musical groups. The result was a happy, festive environment where everyone felt welcome.
The afternoon kicked off with a lively champagne reception in the Hilton Austin Ballroom Foyer. Here, guests could be seen sipping on bubbles while admiring one another’s group-themed ensembles. Additionally, revelers took the opportunity to bid on an impressive silent auction featuring over 150 luxury experiences and packages. Top auction items included a 30A Florida Getaway, Billie Eilish Tickets, and a Mexican Riviera Escape.
Partygoers then took their seats in the Hilton Austin Ballroom for the main program. KXAN Chief Meteorologist Nick Bannin served as event emcee, keeping the festivities moving at a fun, brisk pace throughout the afternoon. The crowd was surprised and roared with glee when local broadcasting legend and Play Bingo emcee of many years, Jim Spencer, took to the stage to serve as co-emcee, adding to the specialness of the afternoon.
The afternoon was capped off with the main event: spirited games of bingo. Attendees closely watched their bingo cards as they played many games, with the winner of each game receiving luxury prizes as a reward for their efforts and support. After bingo was called for each match, the winners took to the stage, claiming their prizes as well as securing bragging rights of being one of the lucky winners at one of Austin’s most iconic fundraising events. Guests left the event on a high note, already eager to get their tickets, tables, and themes ready for next year’s Play Bingo.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 22nd Annual Play Bingo, hosted by the Friends of Christopher Guild, raised a record-breaking $1.45 million for the Center for Child Protection. Proceeds raised from the event will go towards providing programs and services to fulfill the organization’s mission to reduce trauma for children during the investigation and prosecution of crimes against children.
