Rob Giardinelli
Evening Raises $2.9 Million To Provide World-Class Children’s Medical Care For Central Texans
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Ben Porter Photography
THE SCENE: The Four Seasons Hotel Austin was the setting for a vibrant, unforgettable night of fundraising that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget. Over 455 of the area’s most notable community leaders, medical professionals, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the 2026 Dell Technologies Star Ball. Benefiting the Dell Children’s Medical Foundation, the night featured the best of everything Austin has to offer: community, music, and giving back to the community they love.
THE VIBE: The black-tie crowd featured an array of elegant ensembles. In the crowd, one could spot classic formal looks that seamlessly blended with metallics, prints, and bold colors. The result was a vibrant, warm, and welcoming environment for all who attended.
Kicking off the night was a lively cocktail party where guests could be spotted hopping into the San Jacinto Ballroom for the VIP reception to grab their favorite cocktail of choice and mingle with other guests. After ascending from the room, many took time to pose for photos at the 360 photo booth to commemorate the evening.
The action then moved to the Four Seasons ballroom foyer to continue enjoying libations with duos and tables, who posed for images in front of the impressive floral step-and-repeat, which served as a beautiful backdrop and reminder of the special night that lay ahead for them.
After the doors to the Four Seasons ballroom opened, guests gathered inside and were wowed at the transformation by the legendary David Kurio of David Kurio Designs. The room featured stunning candelabras that perfectly complemented the fuchsia and green centerpieces that adorned the tables. Not to be outdone, the room also boasted a mix of continental and round tables that allowed each guest to feel like the most special person in the room.
While revelers enjoyed a delectable, multi-course meal, they were treated to words by event and organization leaders thanking them for being a part of such a special evening. The crowd then enjoyed their meals as they chatted with fellow table guests, which was perfectly accompanied by a live music performance by J² Method and Ty Myers.
Next came an emotional testimonial from the family of two-year-old Milah, whose lives were forever changed for the better by the world-class care they received at the organization. TiWanna Kenney of Astounding Auctions then took to the stage for an epic Paddles Up, which raised nearly $2 million in direct donations to Dell Children’s Medical Foundation that will positively impact many children and families just like Milah’s. This generosity capped off an incredible evening of fun and fundraising for one of Austin’s most beloved and impactful nonprofit fundraising events.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 2026 Dell Technologies Star Ball, presented by the Nyle Maxwell Family of Dealerships, raised an astonishing $2.9 million for the Dell Children’s Medical Foundation. Proceeds from the event will go towards ensuring that all families in Central Texas have access to world-class healthcare for children and towards fulfilling the organization’s commitment to never turn anyone away from care, regardless of their ability to pay.
