Rob Giardinelli
The Beloved Two-Day Texas Fundraiser Brings Together Unforgettable Entertainment, High-Profile Guests, And Community-Driven Philanthropy… All In Support Of Programs Dedicated To Empowering Children And Strengthening Futures
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Tyler Schmitt Photography
THE SCENE: Over two days in Austin, nearly 4,000 of the nation’s most notable children’s advocates, leaders, sociables, and philanthropists participated in Austin’s most successful annual fundraising event. The 14th Annual Mack, Jack, & McConaughey featured two days of fun, fashion, music, and impact, which will positively impact the lives of thousands of children.
THE VIBE: The two days of festivities kicked off at ACL Live at The Moody Theater for the Mack, Jack, & McConaughey Gala. Guests could feel the energy as they ascended the staircase to the Moody Theatre Terrace, which was adorned with a giant event logo. After checking in, guests headed to the orange carpet, where revelers took the opportunity to pose for images to commemorate the night.
The gala crowd donned their finest Austin-chic attire. In the crowd, one spotted guests donning an array of cocktail dresses, sport coats, denim, cowboy hats, and boots. The result was an eclectic, festive vibe where everyone felt like family.
Revelers then mingled on the terrace during a lively cocktail hour. Here, guests sipped their favorite spirits and perused an impressive array of silent auction items, including experiences, artwork, and luxury goods. Additionally, took the time to mingle with other guests, anticipating the fun that lay ahead.
The crowd then took to their seats in the orchestra and mezzanine levels for dinner and the main program. The night kicked off with Mack Brown, Jack Ingram, and Matthew McConaughey taking to the stage with members and children who received services from the five beneficiary organizations, highlighting how their support would fund life-changing programs for kids. The evening continued as guests dined on multi-course meals while being treated to a series of emotional videos that further highlighted the impact these organizations have on the communities they serve.
Next, Heath Hale of Cowboy Auctioneer, along with Brown, Ingram, and McConaughey, took to the stage for an entertaining and successful live auction. The paddles and fundraising continued to increase as guests bid on an array of six and seven-figure luxury items and experiences, including a trip to Iceland and a stay for 10 at an 18th-century French Chateau, and a trip on the Orient Express across Europe.
The live auction was capped off with a surprise appearance by country music legend and star of Happy’s Place, Reba McEntire, along with her co-star, Texas-native Rex Linn, who took to the stage to help auction off a walk-on role on their hit NBC comedy series. A Paddles-Up, which was kicked off by a $1 million paddle-raise from a generous donor that drove the fundraising total even higher.
As the auction was happening, more guests filtered into the balcony level of ACL Live at the Moody Theater for the evening’s musical headliner, GRAMMY-AWARD® nominated artist Jelly Roll. The platinum-selling artist delivered a showstopping performance that brought the crowd to their feet, capping off a fantastic evening of fun and fundraising.
The next morning, donors and guests had their opportunity to engage with the event principals at two different events. The first had a crowd of sports enthusiasts at Omni Barton Creek for a day of golf with Mack, Jack, and Matthew, while about 500 other guests joined Sally Brown, Jessica Bush, and Camila McConaughey at the JW Marriott in downtown Austin for the city’s most anticipated annual fashion show of the season.
Hosted by Neiman Marcus, the fashion show began as guests sipped champagne in the JW Marriott Ballroom Foyer, where attendees had the opportunity to experience a Paul Mitchell Pop-up as well as shop at a Neiman Marcus Pop-up Boutique featuring goods from the afternoon’s featured designer, L’AGENCE, where 25% of all purchases were donated to Mack, Jack, & McConaughey Gala proceeds. The Austin-chic vibe from the night before carried over to the fashion show, where many guests wore L’AGENCE in honor of the featured designers’ chic looks.
The crowd then headed to their seats in the JW Marriott Ballroom, where they were treated to a runway that spanned the length of the room. Once guests took to their seats, the program began with words from Camila McConaughey and Tara Rudes Dann. A stunning, curated 20-piece collection from L’AGENCE took to the runway, prompting many to whip out their phones to snap images of their favorite looks. The afternoon continued as Brittany Hebert Franklin helmed a live auction and paddles-up. The paddles and fundraising continued to increase as guests bid on an array of luxury experiences, including a Luxury Girls Trip to Belgium.
Following the live auction came the most emotional part of the two days as children from the five beneficiary organizations, ranging from toddlers to teenagers, took to the runway with cards thanking them for services provided by the beneficiary organizations, with a highly successful paddles-up following. The afternoon was capped off with words from Sally Brown and Jessica Bush, who thanked them for being a part of such a special afternoon. After the program concluded, many were seen heading to the Neiman Marcus L’AGENCE pop-up to purchase their favorite items from the runway show.
The festivities concluded on Friday evening, back where they all began the night before, ACL Live at The Moody Theater. Jack Ingram took to the stage along with other heralded musicians for Jack and Friends in a concert that frequently brought the crowd to its feet, and eager to reserve their tickets for Mack, Jack, and McConaughey’s 15th Anniversary Gala on April 22-23, 2027.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 14th annual Mack, Jack, & McConaughey, hosted by Mack and Sally Brown, Jack Ingram and Jessica Bush, & Matthew and Camila McConaughey, raised funds to fulfill the organization’s mission to #EmpoweringKids. This year’s nonprofit beneficiaries include CureDuchenne, Dell Children’s Foundation, HeartGift, just keep livin Foundation, and The Rise School of Austin. Since its founding, Mack, Jack & McConaughey has raised over $90 million to support nonprofits that serve communities in Central Texas and beyond.
14 Reasons Mack, Jack & McConaughey Remains Texas’ Most Impactful Fundraising Weekend
1. Nearly 4,000 Changemakers Gathered In Austin For A Cause
For two unforgettable days, Austin became the epicenter of philanthropy as nearly 4,000 children’s advocates, civic leaders, entertainers, and philanthropists united for the 14th Annual Mack, Jack & McConaughey. The event once again proved why it remains one of Texas’ most beloved and successful fundraising traditions.
2. ACL Live At The Moody Theater Delivered A Grand Entrance
The festivities began in dramatic fashion at ACL Live at The Moody Theater, where guests ascended a staircase wrapped in oversized event branding before stepping onto the orange carpet. The atmosphere immediately set the tone for a weekend that balanced star power with heartfelt purpose.
3. Austin-Chic Fashion Ruled The Night
Forget rigid black-tie rules. This was Austin elegance at its finest—cocktail dresses paired with cowboy boots, denim matched with designer jackets, and cowboy hats worn with confidence. The eclectic style reflected the welcoming, family-style spirit.
4. The Silent Auction Featured Bucket-List Luxury
Guests spent cocktail hour browsing an enviable collection of silent auction packages that ranged from luxury goods and artwork to once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences. The atmosphere buzzed with competitive bidding and high-energy generosity.
5. Mack Brown, Jack Ingram, And Matthew McConaughey Set The Emotional Tone
The trio at the center of the event took the stage alongside children and families impacted by the beneficiary organizations. Their heartfelt remarks reminded attendees that beyond the glamour and entertainment, the weekend’s true focus remained on changing children’s lives.
6. The Live Auction Reached Spectacular Heights
Led by Cowboy Auctioneer Heath Hale, the live auction became one of the weekend’s most thrilling moments. Guests enthusiastically bid on extraordinary experiences, including an Iceland getaway, an 18th-century French château stay, and an unforgettable journey aboard the Orient Express.
7. Reba McEntire Delivered The Night’s Biggest Surprise
Just when attendees thought the evening could not get more exciting, country music icon Reba McEntire appeared alongside actor Rex Linn to auction off a walk-on role for NBC’s Happy’s Place. The surprise appearance electrified the crowd and further elevated fundraising momentum.
8. A $1 Million Paddle Raise Sparked Generosity Across The Room
One extraordinary donor ignited the room with a $1 million paddle raise during the paddles-up portion of the evening. The powerful gesture inspired attendees throughout the theater to continue giving generously in support of children and families across Central Texas and beyond.
9. Jelly Roll Closed The Gala With A Showstopping Performance
GRAMMY®-nominated artist Jelly Roll transformed the gala into a full-scale concert experience. His emotional, high-energy set brought the audience to its feet and capped the evening with a performance worthy of a Texas-sized celebration.
10. Day Two Offered Golf, Glamour, And Giving
The next morning, guests split between two signature events: a golf outing at Omni Barton Creek with Mack, Jack, and Matthew, and Austin’s highly anticipated annual fashion show hosted by Neiman Marcus at the JW Marriott.
11. L’AGENCE Brought Runway Luxury To Austin
Fashion lovers were treated to a stunning runway presentation featuring a curated 20-piece collection from L’AGENCE. Guests embraced the designer’s effortlessly chic aesthetic while shopping the pop-up boutique, where a portion of proceeds directly benefited the organization.
12. The Fashion Show’s Most Powerful Moment Belonged To The Children
While the runway dazzled, the afternoon’s emotional centerpiece came when children from the beneficiary organizations walked the runway holding thank-you signs. The touching moment transformed the ballroom from fashionable to unforgettable, inspiring another wave of generosity from attendees.
13. Jack And Friends Ended The Weekend On A High Note
The festivities concluded back at ACL Live with “Jack and Friends,” an energetic concert featuring Jack Ingram and an all-star lineup of musicians. The crowd danced, sang along, and celebrated the impact created over two extraordinary days.
14. The Mission Continues To Transform Lives
Hosted by Mack and Sally Brown, Jack Ingram and Jessica Bush, and Matthew and Camila McConaughey, the event benefits CureDuchenne, Dell Children’s Foundation, HeartGift, just keep livin Foundation, and The Rise School of Austin. Since its founding, Mack, Jack & McConaughey has raised more than $90 million in support of programs that empower children and strengthen futures across Central Texas and beyond.
