Rob Giardinelli
“Afterglow” After Party Adds Luster And Caps Off Successful Evening
By Rob Giardinelli Photography By Keira Hand Photography
THE SCENE: The JW Marriott Austin was the setting for one of the capital city’s most fun and successful signature fundraising events. 500 of the area’s top community leaders, children and family advocates, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the 2025 Black & White Ball. Benefiting the Texas Advocacy Project, the evening featured an elegant theme and touching tributes, resulting in a record-breaking event for the organization.
THE VIBE: The black-tie crowd brought their “A” game with a dazzling array of formal ensembles. In the crowd, one could spot patrons wearing black and white ball gowns, cocktail dresses, tuxedos, and dinner jackets. The result was a warm, festive environment where everyone felt like family.
The night began in a glamorous and dramatic style as guests strolled down the black carpet, adorned with white drapes. At the end of the carpet, just before entering the JW Marriott Ballroom Foyer, patrons posed for images to commemorate the evening.
Once inside the JW Marriott Ballroom Foyer, guests mingled while sipping on their favorite spirits. The lively cocktail hour was filled with activations, including an elegant, staged area with beautiful lighting, where guests could pose for more images, peruse and preview the live auction items, and purchase a mystery gift valued at $100, $250, or $500 with a secret prize of equal or greater value inside. Some patrons were so eager to open their gifts that they did so immediately, adding to the room’s fun, festive, and spontaneous atmosphere.
Guests then assembled in the JW Marriott Ballroom for the main program. Mia Sims of Mia the Event Diva transformed the ballroom into a luxurious, regal space with beautiful white bouquets of roses and hydrangeas of varying heights that beautifully complemented the black linens used on the tables. As guests began dining on their multi-course meals, they were treated to words from event leaders thanking them for being part of such a memorable evening. Next came emotional testimonials from survivors and allies who were recognized for their bravery in coming forward and sharing their stories, as well as how Texas Advocacy Project helped them on the path of healing and moving forward with their lives, which left barely a dry eye in the house.
Next came a spirited live auction and fund-a-need helmed by Heath Hale of Cowboy Auctioneer. The auction raised a record amount as the paddles and fundraising efforts increased, with highlights including a trip to Malaga, a multi-country wine experience in Italy and Sonoma, and a week in St. Johns, which emerged as the most popular.
Capping off the night was the Afterglow After Party. Here, revelers celebrated a successful night dancing the night away in a night that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 2025 Black & White Ball, chaired by Jamie Imber, raised a record-breaking $1.272 million for the Texas Advocacy Project. Proceeds raised from the event will enable the organization to expand its reach and provide more comprehensive services to domestic violence survivors. This includes providing access to life-changing legal services, safety planning, and social support to empower survivors to heal, rebuild, and reclaim their lives.
