Rob Giardinelli
The Organization’s Bright Vision For Austin Also Lights Up The Night
By Rob Giardinelli Photography By Lauren Slusher
Kate Andrade, Abby Armistead & Misty and Bill Reid
THE SCENE: The Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park in Austin was the setting for one of Austin’s most anticipated, fun, and successful fundraising events of the year. Almost 700 of the Capital City’s top community leaders, nature lovers, sociables, and philanthropists attended the 5th Annual Glow in the Park. Benefiting Waterloo Greenway Conservancy, the glowing, successful night featured everything Austin has to offer in one event: passionate people, great food, and incredible live music.
THE VIBE: The cocktail with a twist attire combined elegance and comfort. The crowd donned their favorite sundresses, cocktail dresses, and open-collared suits, pairing them with sneakers that allowed them to enjoy the beauty of the world-class space around them fully.
The festivities began with a cocktail reception on the Meredith Heritage Tree Deck at Waterloo Park. Here, partygoers had the opportunity to grab their favorite spirit of choice, mingle with other guests, and pose for photos on the step-and-repeat to commemorate this special evening.
Towards the end of the cocktail reception, guests were led down a beautiful flight of stairs that perfectly blended city and nature, leading to the Moody Amphitheater grounds. Autumn Rich of Panacea Collective transformed the already majestic space into a beautiful tapestry of tables featuring green and white linens with bold floral centerpieces that were equal parts stunning and accessible.
Revelers then took to their seats for the main program. As guests dined on a delectable multi-course family-style meal courtesy of MML Hospitality, they were treated to words from city, organization, and event leaders thanking them for their continued support in a project that has helped transform Austin into a world-class city.
Next, auctioneer Lydia Fenet led a spirited live auction and fund-a-need. The paddles and the fundraising continued to rise as patrons bid on an array of luxury items and experiences, with a trip to a chateau in the Champagne Region of France, a buyout of Sammie’s Italian Restaurant, and a concert with music legend Ray Benson + Milam and Greene Whiskey emerging as the most popular.
The night was capped off in true Austin style with live music. Guests got up from their seats and began dancing to the tunes of musician Lamont Landers, capping off an electric light of fundraising that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.
THE NON-PROFIT: Glow in the Park, chaired by Lynn and Tom Meredith, Kate and Pedro Andrade, Abby and Lewis Armisted, Will Meredith, and Sarah and Dave Wells, raised nearly $1.6 million for the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy. Proceeds raised from the event will support a three-phase, transformative green space project in downtown Austin, providing a matrix of spaces for individuals and families to experience the natural beauty of Austin for generations to come.
