Rob Giardinelli
With A Green Theme, Guests Gather Under the Glow of Sunset to Celebrate Conservation, Community, And Unprecedented Giving
By Rob Giardinelli Photography By Baptiste Despois of Zenko Photography
THE SCENE: A stunning evening at the Four Seasons Hotel Austin was the setting for one of the Capital City’s most fun, vibrant events of the fall fundraising season. Nearly 450 of Austin’s most notable community leaders, nature lovers, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the annual Twilight on the Trail Gala. Benefiting The Trail Conservancy, the evening featured great food, conversation, and advocacy, resulting in a record-breaking night for the organization.
THE VIBE: The Green-chic crowd featured an array of green cocktail ensembles. In the crowd, one spotted a fun array of green cocktail dresses, sundresses, suits, sport coats, and accessories, all nodding to the al fresco event.
Kicking off the festivities was a lively late-afternoon cocktail hour. As guests arrived at the Four Seasons, they were greeted with a Green Carpet where patrons took photos as a keepsake for the special evening. Revelers then headed outside to the beautiful Four Seasons grounds for an al fresco cocktail hour. During the cocktail reception, guests took the opportunity to sip their favorite spirits, mingle, and peruse an impressive lot of silent auction items. In contrast, others took the opportunity to visit a goat, which helped give the entire space a warm, family feel.
Attendees were then asked to take their seats on the Four Seasons lawn for the main program. The space was transformed into a stunning cocktail garden where tables of six and ten seamlessly mixed with sweetheart tables for two that lay directly along one of the paths on the Four Seasons lawn. Under a canopy of elegant white lights, each table featured white linens that beautifully complemented the orange table runners and mile-marker table numbers, highlighting how many attendees use the 10-mile hike and bike trail for their fitness routines.
As the late afternoon gave way to twilight, patrons dined on a multi-course meal. They were treated to words from event and organization leaders thanking them for being part of such a memorable evening. Next came a lively and spirited live auction where guests feverishly bid on an array of luxury experiences, with trips to Park City and Porto, Portugal serving as the most popular. Following the live auction came an inspiring fund-a-need that further drove the fundraising efforts.
The night was capped off by honoring five individuals who have passionately supported The Trail Conservancy over the years, making it a destination for both Austinites and visitors to the city. Griffin Davis was honored with the Protect Award for his stewardship, restoration, and volunteerism that preserve the Trail’s health, history, and legacy. Dale Harmon and Bryce Laake Stanfield were honored with the Connect Award, honoring those who unite Trail users and foster community. Finally, Lynne Dobson and Greg Wooldridge were honored with the Enhance Award, honoring those who invest in the Trail to create a better future.
As revelers left the stunning grounds, they were already eagerly anticipating the 2026 Twilight on the Trail as well as showing their excitement for what will come next for The Trail Conservancy.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 2025 Twilight on the Trail Gala, chaired by Anna Caitlyn Butler and Madeline Meyer, raised a record-breaking $720,000 for The Trail Conservancy. Proceeds raised from the event will be allocated for projects that maintain and enhance the grounds along the Roy and Ann Butler Trail. Each year, the 10-mile hike and bike trail attracts over five million people who take in the space’s natural beauty and fitness opportunities.
