Rob Giardinelli
The Star-Studded Evening, With A Performance By Wyclef Jean, Rallies Champions On And Off The Court To Inspire Opportunity And Expand Futures
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Tyler Schmitt of Mill Photography Studio
THE SCENE: ACL Live at The Moody Theater was the setting for one of Austin’s most fun, moving, and anticipated fundraising galas of the year. During the course of the night, over 2,000 of the area’s top community leaders, advocates, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the 2025 Andy Roddick Foundation Gala. Founded 25 years ago by the tennis legend, the night featured touching tributes and dazzling performances that both highlighted the organization’s incredible impact and showcased why it is one of the very best galas in Texas.
THE VIBE: The cocktail-chic crowd had guests serving up a fun array of ball gowns, cocktail dresses, suits, sport coats, and elevated festival wear featuring all colors of the rainbow. This created a warm, welcoming environment for everyone who attended.
Kicking off the night was a lively VIP reception inside PNC Hall. Here, guests sipped on their favorite spirits, enjoyed some light bites, and mingled with other guests. Others took to the red carpet to pose for images commemorating the night with the gracious hosts, Andy Roddick and Brooklyn Decker.
Attendees then went to the pavilion outside The Moody Theater to join other guests for a lively cocktail hour, where revelers took the opportunity to pose for images at a living room-style installation as an additional keepsake of the evening. The doors then opened to ACL Live at The Moody Theater, and partygoers headed inside for the next part of the evening.
The initial crowd of 400 took to their seats for dinner and the main program. As guests dined on their multi-course meals, they were treated to words from event and organization leaders thanking them for their support not just that evening, but during the past 25 years. The highlight of the program was when Andy Roddick Foundation CEO Jamie Garcia called Andy Roddick to the stage and honored him for his vision, leadership, and passion that have made the organization one of Austin’s most impactful nonprofits.
Next, Heath Hale of Cowboy Auctioneer and his team led a spirited live auction where guests bid on an array of luxury experiences. The most popular included an F1 Monaco Experience, a private island in Fiji, and a Tuscany truffle hunt. Following the live auction was a paddle up that further increased the fundraising total.
During the auction, more music lovers poured into the mezzanine and balcony levels of ACL Live at The Moody Theater for the night’s headline musical act. Iconic, Grammy Award®-winning Artist Wyclef Jean took to the stage and blew the roof off with a show-stopping musical performance where guests danced and sang along to his tunes, including a special moment when several guests joined on stage to dance and be a part of the performance.
& Adam Turner
Following the performance, revelers gathered at 3TEN for an after-party where they danced the night away. The after party capped off an incredible night of fun and fundraising that celebrated the silver anniversary of one of Austin’s most beloved nonprofit organizations.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 2025 Andy Roddick Foundation Gala raised over $1.3 million for the organization. Proceeds raised from the event will go towards programs that fulfill the organization’s mission to keep kids learning so they can succeed during months and times of day when statistics show that children are most at risk of falling behind, including after-school hours and Summer months. Each year, the Andy Roddick Foundation provides programs and services to over 45,000 children in the Austin area.
