Rob Giardinelli
It’s Sequins, Spins & Sold-Out As The Old Hollywood-Attired Crowd Propel The Annual Gala To Its Most Successful Year Yet
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Tyler Schmitt of Mill Photography Studio and Center for Child Protection
THE SCENE: The JW Marriott in Austin was the setting for the capital city’s most glamorous, elegant, and impactful night of fundraising for the Fall Season. Over a thousand of the area’s most notable community leaders, children’s advocates, dancing enthusiasts, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the 19th Annual Dancing with the Stars Austin. Benefiting the Center for Child Protection, the night, featuring an Old Hollywood theme, delivered a beautiful mix of emotional tributes and dazzling performances, resulting in a record-breaking night for the organization.
THE VIBE: The black-tie crowd donned their finest formal attire fit for royalty…or the red carpet. In the crowd, one could spot more traditional, classic glamor mixed with sequins, prints, and bold colors. The result was a festive and welcoming environment for all who attended.
As patrons ascended the escalators to the 4th floor of the JW Marriott, they knew they were in for a very special evening. As guests walked off the escalators, they were greeted by a sea of volunteers ensuring a smooth check-in process, against the backdrop of draped red curtains that provided an initial wow and glamor.
and JR Martinez
After check-in, revelers went through the curtains to be greeted by hundreds of other attendees for a lively cocktail hour. During the cocktail hour, guests could be overheard discussing one another’s ensembles, had the opportunity to mingle with the celebrity dancers, and sipped cocktails. Others could be seen perusing the impressive silent auction items, and taking pictures on an elevated platform in the JW Marriott Ballroom Foyer, with chorus girls wearing red costumes with white feathered fans.
The action then moved to the JW Marriott Ballroom for dinner and the main program. JHL Company magically transformed the vast space into an intimate Old Hollywood nightclub. Jaws dropped at the raised dance floor in the middle of the room with a giant red curtain backdrop that seamlessly carried on the red-carpet theme from the cocktail hour. Elegant tables with black linens, lush rose bouquets, and white votives perfectly complemented the stage, giving the room a sophisticated, elevated look.
KVUE Chief Meteorologist Hunter Williams served as emcee, effortlessly keeping the evening’s festivities moving at a fun pace. As partygoers dined on their multi-course meals, they were treated to words from event and organization leaders thanking them for being a part of such a memorable evening. Emotional tribute videos followed, highlighting the impactful, life-changing, and lifesaving work the Center for Child Protection does to help children at their most vulnerable.
Next came a spirited live auction and fund-a-need helmed by Seth Hale of Cowboy Auctioneer. The paddles and the fundraising continued to climb as guests bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The most popular items of the auction included a seven-day All Access Africa package to either Tanzania or South Africa, and a Pick Your Paradise: Porto or St. Andres, Scotland packages, being among the most popular.
The highlight of the auction was an Ultimate Chef Wine & Dine: The Perfect Pairings package. The lot included a private in-home dinner with three of Austin’s most iconic chefs: John Carver, chef and owner of Red Ash, J Carver’s, and The Kimberly; Kevin Taylor of ATX Cocina, and Bulevar; and James Beard Award-winning chef and founder of the Uchi and Uchiko, Tyson Cole, which sold twice at $150,000 for each package.
The time then came for the main event. A dazzling array of nine dances featuring a mix of celebrities and Austin notables, each of whom was paired with a professional dancer. The crowd leaped to their feet as dancers Tangoed, Jived, Cha-Cha’ed, Two-Stepped, and Waltzed through their entertaining dance routines. After each performance, celebrity judges Jeff Jumonville, Amanda Tatom, and JR Martinez gave entertaining critiques with each dancer scoring perfect 10’s from the judges.
After the dancing, came a raffle where one lucky winner received a free car lease courtesy of Mercedes-Benz of Austin. The dancers then came back out onto the dance floor so guests could get one final look before texting their vote for their favorite dancer, with the winner receiving the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy. The suspense was palpable as the winner was announced: Mark McCollum and his professional dance partner, Sarah Berens, for their electric Viennese Waltz.
On an emotional high, the fun continued well into the night as revelers headed back to the JW Marriott Ballroom Foyer for the after-party. The crowd rejoiced, danced, and shared their favorite memories of a beautiful night of fundraising for one of Austin’s most beloved nonprofit organizations.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 19th Annual Dancing with the Stars Austin, chaired by Amy Beard and Bridget Ramey, raised a record-breaking $2.95 million for the Center for Child Protection. Proceeds raised from the event will go towards funding programs that fulfill the organization’s mission to reduce trauma for children during the investigation and prosecution of crimes against children through advocacy, education, and community support.
