Rob Giardinelli
A Lavish Blend Of Gourmet Creativity And Community Generosity Set A Powerful New Standard For Charity Events In The City
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Jim Stone
THE SCENE: Over the course of two days, approximately 120 of the nation’s most notable sports enthusiasts, wine lovers, medical leaders, sociables, and philanthropists descended upon Austin for the inaugural Austin Epicurean event. Benefiting the V Foundation for Cancer Research, the weekend served up knowledge, food, wine, conversation, and community, resulting in an impressive seven-figure fundraising take right out of the gate.
THE VIBE: During the two days, guests sported a mix of business casual and cocktail attire at the various events held around Austin. Wherever you looked, you could find people sporting an array of bright, vibrant colors, metallics, prints, and neutrals that created a welcoming and festive environment throughout the weekend.
Kicking off the festivities on Friday night was a Vintner Reception held on the stunning grounds of the Four Seasons Austin. Here, attendees sipped on an array of delectable wines from top vintners and brimmed with anticipation of the fun that lay ahead. Guests were welcomed by event and organization leaders, who thanked them for being part of such a memorable weekend.
On Saturday morning, guests gathered in the Four Seasons ballroom for a series of informative talks and conversations. During the panels, guests had the opportunity to speak with world-class doctors and researchers and learn more about the latest trends in cancer research.
Guests were shuttled on Saturday afternoon to one of several intimate lunches with top restaurants and artists. Some headed to ATX Cocina for delicious Mexican food, while others visited the home and studio of acclaimed artist Sara Carter, where revelers could view her art, sip wine, and engage in conversation in a relaxed setting.
Capping off the weekend was the gala and auction at ACL Live at the Moody Theater on Saturday night. Partygoers began the night on the ACL Live at the Moody Theater Terrace for cocktail hour, where guests sipped on a series of delectable signature cocktails and wines. Many took the opportunity to converse and share what they had taken away from the morning panels in one of several seating areas on the terrace.
Patrons then gathered at the orchestra level of ACL Live at the Moody Theater for the dinner and auction. The space was transformed into a stunning, rustic space that seamlessly blended the mix of Austin and wine country. Striped linen tables were complemented by lush white and pink floral arrangements, creating a sense of elevated approachability.
Guests dined on a delectable, multi-course meal, each paired with a specific wine, courtesy of John Anthony Vineyards. As they enjoyed their meals, they were treated to words from event and organization leaders thanking them for being part of a memorable evening and for their ground-floor support as the V Foundation for Cancer Research plants philanthropic roots in Texas.
The fun continued with a spirited live auction and paddle raise. The paddles and fundraising continued to climb as revelers bid on a series of once-in-a-lifetime culinary and sporting experiences, with a Knights Templar Estate Escape to Bella España emerging as the most popular, fetching $150,000. Concluding the night was live music, where guests danced the night away, grateful to be part of a phenomenally successful first-year event.
THE NON-PROFIT: The inaugural Austin Epicurean, chaired by Carl Liebert, raised an eye-popping $1.7 million for the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Founded in honor of the late Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame College Basketball Coach Jim Valvano, proceeds from the events will support research initiatives to accelerate the Victory Over Cancer® to save lives. The best part is that the proceeds from this and all future Austin Epicurean events will be directed to the world-class cancer research institutions based in Texas. Since its founding, the V Foundation for Cancer Research has awarded over $458 million in cancer research grants.
