Rob Giardinelli
Spanish Flair Meets Purpose In A Record-Breaking Two-Day Fundraising Celebration That Changed Lives
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Tyler Schmitt of Mill Photography Studio
THE SCENE: Over two days at Omni Barton Creek in Austin, several hundred of the area’s most notable community leaders, advocates, sociables, and philanthropists for the 5th Annual FORE Kids ATX. Already one of the most philanthropic anticipated events of the year, the addition of Chris Harrison and Lauren Zima, combined with FORE KIds ATX Founders Angela and Sergio Garcia, resulted in a fundraising powerhouse…and an epic, fun time that had guests talking long after the festivities ended.
THE VIBE: Kicking things off was the Par-TEE gala on Thursday night. The night offered a Spanish flair with a “Fiesta in Old Spain” theme, which guests wholeheartedly embraced. In the crowd, one could spot an elegant, regal mix of black and red ensembles, with a few donning blue as a nod to the Mediterranean Sea, all seamlessly blending class with a bit of sass.
After taking pictures on the red carpet to commemorate the evening in the Omni Barton Creek ballroom foyer, guests cozied up to the bar to grab their favorite cocktail and mingle around the room. During the cocktail hour, guests could be seen perusing an impressive lot of silent auction items, previewing the upcoming live auction, and viewing artwork on display.
The action then moved to the Omni Barton Creek Ballroom for the main program. Jennifer Stevens of JHL Company transformed the room into an elegant, Spanish-inspired oasis, where black linens beautifully complemented the stunning red floral centerpieces adorned each table.
As guests began dining, they were treated to words from event leaders thanking them for being part of such a memorable evening. The program continued as University of Texas Coaching Legend Mack Brown, and iconic James Beard Award-winning chef and humanitarian José Andrés, took to the stage with Chris Harrison and Sergio Garcia to talk about the importance of giving back and the life-changing work FORE Kids ATX does to improve the lives of children in the Austin area.
Next, Seth Hale of Cowboy Auctioneer led a high-energy and spirited live auction. Bidders’ paddles were going up at a fever pitch for a series of epic experiences with trips to Paris, Spain, and Cabo San Lucas, as well as a private dinner series with Uchi and Uchiko Chef Tyson Cole, emerging as the most popular, and many went for six figures. A Paddles Up followed that, increasing the fundraising total even further.
Ending the auction on a high, revelers headed to an after-party to cap off the night. Partygoers could be seen dancing the night away to the tunes of The Spazmatics, ensuring the fun continued well into the night.
Bright and early on Friday morning, sports lovers took to the links for the golf tournament, where golf enthusiasts enjoyed a round of 18 with Sergio Garcia and other notable athletes, including Diego Forlán, Gabriel Batistuta, Joe Hart, Abraham Ancer, David Puig, and Josele Ballester, to name a few. As the golf games finished, many could be seen back at Omni Barton Creek for a daycap to toast the success of two highly successful days, and were already making plans to attend one of Austin’s most beloved galas next year.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 5th Annual FORE Kids ATX, co-hosted by Angela and Sergio Garcia and Chris Harrison and Lauren Zima, raised over $2 million for the organization. Proceeds raised from FORE Kids ATX will benefit five children’s children-focused charities in the Austin area, including Center for Child Protection, Dell Children’s Medical Center, Experience Camps, Foster Village, and the UGLI Foundation.
