Rob Giardinelli
Almost 600 Austin Philanthropists And Community Leaders Gathered At The JW Marriott For An Unforgettable Evening Of Glamour, Heartfelt Survivor Stories, Spirited Bidding, And A Record-Setting $1.509 Million Raised To Support Survivors Of Domestic Violence Across Texas
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Tyler Schmitt
THE SCENE: The JW Marriott in downtown Austin recently hosted one of the capital city’s most anticipated annual signature fundraising events. A packed crowd featuring nearly 600 of the area’s top community leaders, advocates, sociables, and philanthropists turned out in style for the 20th Annual Black & White Ball. Benefiting the Texas Advocacy Project, the night pulled out all the stops with regal elegance and touching testimonials, resulting in a record-breaking fundraising night for one of the area’s most beloved nonprofit organizations.
THE VIBE: The black-tie crowd featured partygoers donning their favorite formal ensembles, with an elegant mix of all black, all white, and black-and-white looks. A few revelers even took the opportunity to be bold, showing up in bright colors that added an extra pop of fun. This helped everyone feel welcome and part of the Texas Advocacy Project family.
The night began in regal style as guests walked down the White Carpet, a tented long corridor of white draping complete with live string music. As the crowd exited the angelic-feeling corridor, they were greeted with a packed, yet friendly room for cocktail hour.
Once guests had their favorite beverage in hand, they mingled with other guests. Many took the chance to use the photo booth and the elaborate white step-and-repeat to capture a photo commemorating the milestone night for the Austin philanthropic community. Some took the opportunity to purchase a mystery gift featuring luxury items worth at least the value of their donation.
The doors to the JW Marriott Ballroom opened, and guests headed to their seats. The room was adorned with elegant white florals that popped against the black linens, beautifully tying the event theme to the décor.
As attendees dined on their multi-course meals, they heard words from event and organization leaders thanking them for their support over the past two decades. The program also honored brave survivors of domestic violence in touching videos and speeches that didn’t leave a dry eye in the house. The videos also brought the true purpose of the mission of the Texas Advocacy Project home to the crowd that inspired record-breaking generosity throughout the night.
Next, Heath Hale of Cowboy Auctioneer helmed a raucous and highly successful live auction. The paddles and the bidding soared to record heights with a custom meal prepared by chefs from several of Austin’s top restaurants, including Chef John Carver of J. Carver’s, The Kimberly, and Red Ash, Chef Harold Marmulstein of Restaurant Francois; Chef Shane Stark of Mongers, and Chef Kevin Taylor of ATX Cocina and Bulevar, fetching $125,000, more than double the highest live auction item in the event’s history.
Additional top auction packages included a Barbados getaway, a Whiskey and Wheels package, and a golf experience at St. Andrews in Scotland. A lively paddles up followed, allowing the event’s fundraising total to soar even further. The night concluded with an epic Afterglow After Party, where the crowd celebrated and danced the night away to the tunes of Us & Her Band, capping off a beautiful, impactful night of fundraising for one of Texas’s most beloved nonprofit organizations.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 20th Annual Black & White Ball, chaired by Jamie Imber, raised a record-breaking $1,509,000 for the Texas Advocacy Project. Proceeds raised from the event will go towards providing free legal counsel and social services to survivors of domestic violence and abuse across Texas. In 2025, Texas Advocacy Project assisted over 14,000 clients and their children throughout the state.
Highlights From Texas Advocacy Project’s Record-Breaking 20th Annual Black & White Ball
A Milestone 20th Anniversary. The Texas Advocacy Project celebrated two decades of its signature Black & White Ball with a glamorous evening at the JW Marriott in downtown Austin.
Nearly 600 Austin Philanthropists Gathered. Community leaders, advocates, philanthropists, and socialites came together in support of survivors of domestic violence and abuse.
A Glamorous White Carpet Welcome. Guests entered through an elegant White Carpet experience featuring white draping and live string music, setting the tone for the evening.
Black-Tie Style Takes Center Stage. Attendees embraced the event’s signature black-and-white dress code, with formal looks ranging from classic all-black and all-white ensembles to bold pops of color.
Luxury Activations Added to the Experience. Cocktail-hour highlights included a photo booth, an elaborate white step-and-repeat, and mystery gifts featuring luxury items valued at or above the guests’ donations.
Powerful Survivor Stories Put the Mission in Focus. Touching testimonials, videos, and speeches from survivors of domestic violence reminded guests of the life-changing work supported by the Texas Advocacy Project.
A Record-Breaking $125,000 Auction Package. A custom dining experience featuring chefs from some of Austin’s top restaurants became the evening’s standout live auction item, raising $125,000… more than double the previous record for a live auction item at the event.
Luxury Experiences Fueled Generosity. Other sought-after auction packages included a Barbados getaway, a Whiskey and Wheels experience, and a golf trip to St. Andrews in Scotland.
The Ball Raised a Record $1.509 Million. Chaired by Jamie Imber, the 20th Annual Black & White Ball raised an unprecedented$1,509,000 for the Texas Advocacy Project.
An Impact That Extends Across Texas. Funds raised will support free legal counsel and social services for survivors of domestic violence and abuse. In 2025, the Texas Advocacy Project assisted more than 14,000 clients and their children across Texas.
