The Kindness Campaign’s Art Of Kindness Gala In Austin Shatters Records With $1 Million Raised In A Blue-Hued Night Of Emotion, Impact & Celebration

An Evening At Austin PBS Blends Heartfelt Storytelling, Spirited Philanthropy, And A Star-Studded Crowd To Deliver A Record-Breaking Milestone For Emotional Wellness Programs Supporting Children And Families

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Jeff Heyer and Hayden Walker

THE SCENE: Austin PBS was the setting for one of Austin’s most fun and successful annual fundraising events. Approximately 250 community leaders, advocates, sociables, and philanthropists attended the annual Art of Kindness Gala. Benefiting The Kindness Campaign, the night featured great food, conversation, emotional testimonials, and an epic party, resulting in a record-breaking night for the organization.

THE VIBE: The “Cocktail Blue”-attired crowd featured guests donning their favorite semi-formal shade of blue in honor of The Kindness Campaign’s signature blue brand color. In the crowd, the hue of blue could be seen in cocktail dresses, sport coats, tuxedo jackets, and more. The result was a happy, festive environment where everyone felt welcome.

Partygoers kicked off the night in style. After descending the modern, stunning staircase to the Austin PBS studio level, revelers were greeted by a blue carpet, where attendees took a moment to pose for images in front of an array of photographers that both commemorated the evening and made everyone feel like the star they are.

Once guests departed the red carpet, they mingled for one of Austin’s most fun and lively annual cocktail hours. As guests sipped their favorite spirits, they took the opportunity to mingle, admire the various blue ensembles others wore, and brimmed with anticipation for the fun that lay ahead.

Guests then headed to Studio A at Austin PBS for dinner and the main program. Maryam Fernandez transformed the studio into an elegant communal space. The space featured rustic continental tables, dotted with elegant, low-profile votives, creating the perfect opportunity for fun and intimate conversations.

KEYE-TV’s We Are Austin host Trevor Scott served as emcee, keeping the festivities moving at a fun, brisk pace throughout the night. As the crowd dined on their delectable, multi-course meals courtesy of Contigo Catering, they were treated to words from The Kindness Campaign Founding CEO, Andra Liemandt, and other event leaders thanking them for taking part in such a special evening.

Emotional program videos and testimonials followed, highlighting the important work The Kindness Campaign does to promote emotional wellness for children and their parents. An inspiring talk by motivational speaker Jefferson Fisher followed, bringing tears to many and prompting a standing ovation at its conclusion.

Next came a spirited live auction helmed by Seth Hale of Cowboy Auctioneer. Patrons feverishly bid on an array of luxury items and experiences, with a private in-home chef package with top Austin chefs and a New York Fashion Week VIP experience with acclaimed designer Jonathan Simkhai being the most popular items of the evening, with each going for $100,000. A spirited paddles-up followed, driving the fundraising total even higher.

The night was capped off with an after-party back in the Austin PBS studio lobby. The fun and the music flowed courtesy of the tunes of DJ Cassandra that kept the dance floor packed as they danced the night away to their favorite tunes

THE NON-PROFIT: The 2026 Art of Kindness Gala, chaired by Stephanie and Todd O’Neill, raised a record-breaking $1 million for The Kindness Campaign. Over the past 11 years, The Kindness Campaign has provided emotional wellness curriculum and tools to children and their parents to foster empathy and kindness. Proceeds raised from this year’s Art of Kindness will go towards programs and strategic initiatives to further the organization’s mission.

Inside The Art Of Kindness Gala’s Record-Breaking Evening

1. Austin PBS Sets the Stage for an Unforgettable Night
   The annual gala transformed the iconic broadcast space into a high-energy hub of philanthropy and celebration.
2. A “Sea of Blue” Dress Code Creates a Unified, Joyful Atmosphere
   Guests embraced The Kindness Campaign’s signature color, turning the event into a visually striking, cohesive celebration of kindness.
3. Blue Carpet Arrival Turns Guests Into Stars
   Attendees descended into Austin PBS and posed for photographers on a blue carpet moment that set a glamorous, welcoming tone.
4. Lively Cocktail Hour Sparks Connection and Anticipation
   Community leaders and supporters mingled over drinks, setting the tone for a night filled with purpose and excitement.
5. Studio A Transformed Into an Elegant Communal Dining Experience
   Event designer Maryam Fernandez reimagined the studio into a warm, intimate setting with rustic tables and candlelit ambiance.
6. Emcee Trevor Scott Keeps the Evening Energized and Flowing
   The KEYE-TV host guided the program with charisma, humor, and seamless momentum.
7. Powerful Messages From Leadership Highlight Mission Impact
   CEO Andra Liemandt and event leaders shared heartfelt remarks underscoring the importance of emotional wellness programs.
8. Emotional Testimonials and Videos Move the Audience to Tears
   Powerful storytelling showcased the real-world impact of The Kindness Campaign’s work with children and families.
9. Jefferson Fisher Delivers a Standing Ovation Speech
   The motivational speaker’s inspiring message brought emotional depth and a memorable highlight to the evening.
10. High-Energy Live Auction Drives Major Fundraising Wins
    Led by Seth Hale, standout items like a private chef experience and New York Fashion Week access sold for $100,000 each.
11. Paddles-Up Moment Pushes Donations Even Higher
    The crowd rallied in a surge of generosity, propelling the evening’s total past expectations.
12. After-Party Turns Austin PBS Into a Dance-Filled Celebration
    DJ Cassandra closed the night with a packed dance floor and a high-energy finale.