Rob Giardinelli
Two Days Of Fundraising Raised Nearly Two Million Benefiting Four Austin Non-Profits
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Tyler Schmitt of Mill Photography Studio
THE SCENE: The Four Seasons Hotel in Austin was the setting that kicked off two days of fundraising for one of the Capital City’s hottest, and most fun, fall nonprofit events. The 3rd Annual FOREKids ATX + PAR-Tee kicked off the festivities with a star-studded soiree that featured over 400 of the city’s most notable community leaders, children’s advocates, sociables, and philanthropists were on hand for an amazing night of giving that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.
THE VIBE: The night featured a Cirque du Soliel theme, Austin-style, that had revelers donning their favorite bright colors, sequins, and other festive attire that created a warm, welcoming environment for all who attended. Revelers kicked off the night by taking images in front of a fabulous, elaborate backdrop of bright colors and vibrant florals before entering the Four Seasons ballroom foyer for a lively cocktail hour.
During the cocktail hour, guests sipped their favorite spirits and were able to engage in several different experiential activations throughout the space. Bidders perused an impressive lot of silent auction items and previewed live auction items up for bid, while others enjoyed Cirque-esque acrobats performing delicate moves that captivated the crowd. The festive energy of the ballroom spilled out onto the Four Seasons terrace where, as partygoers rejoiced, some took advantage of the Formula 1 race car on site for a commemorative photo.
a successful night
The action then moved into the ballroom for the main program. Jennifer Stevens of JHL Company and her team transformed the space into a celebratory, colorful landscape featuring aerialist drapes that perfectly complemented the elegant, neutral linens on the tables, each of which was adorned with bright, colorful floral decor of blue, green, and purple hued hydrangeas serving as the star of the centerpieces.
and James White
Once guests took to their seats, the program began with emcee Chris Harrison keeping the festivities flowing at a fun, brisk pace throughout. During dinner, partygoers were treated to words from Angela and Sergio Garcia as well as brief remarks from beneficiaries of the organization’s beneficiaries sharing how their lives have been touched by the organization.
Next came a spirited live auction and fund-a-need helmed by Heath Hale of Cowboy Auctioneer. Patrons bid on an array of luxury experiences with a golf getaway in Portugal, a Ryder’s Cup experience, and a stay at a home in Costa Rica with a private beach proving as some of the most popular. The first night’s festivities concluded with dancing and the fun continued well into the night.
The next morning, promptly at 9 AM, where groups made their way to the Fazio Foothills Golf Course at Omni Barton Creek for the FOREKids Golf Tournament. Guests were able to pose for a snapshot with Sergio Garcia, as well as have special therapeutic treatments made available to them after an afternoon of golf, capping off two incredible days of fundraising that will benefit many children and families in the Austin community.
THE NON-PROFIT: FOREKids ATX + PAR-Tee, hosted by Angela and Sergio Garcia, raised nearly $2 million for FOREKids ATX. Proceeds raised from the event will go towards special projects and program initiatives at four nonprofit organizations benefiting children: Dell Children’s Medical Center, Foster Village, Save Muny/The Muny Conservancy, and The UGLI Foundation. Each of these organizations provides services that help Austin fulfill the FOREKids ATX mission of “helping communities, caring for kids.
