Rob Giardinelli
Nearly 600 Austin Philanthropists, Community Leaders, And Stylish Sociables Gathered At Circuit Of The Americas For An Unforgettable Evening Of Fashion, Heartfelt Moments, And Record-Breaking Support For Families Of Medically Fragile Children
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Twinty Photography
THE SCENE: The Circuit of the Americas racetrack in Austin was the setting for a night that kicked off the fall gala season in Texas’ capital city. Nearly 600 of the area’s most notable community leaders, advocates, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the 8th Annual Abbey Lights Up COTA gala. Benefiting the Abigail E. Keller Foundation, the night offered plenty of fun alongside emotional speeches, resulting in the organization’s most successful gala yet.
THE VIBE: The Cocktail-Chic-with-a-Texas-Twist crowd featured a sophisticated array of looks. In the crowd, one could spot cowboy hats that seamlessly mixed with cocktail dresses and ballgowns, Texas ties and tailored blue jeans that easily meshed with open-collar suits. Some took the opportunity to wear an ensemble or dash of pink in honor of Abigail’s favorite color. The result was a festive environment where everyone felt like family.
As guests arrived in style, pulling up to the Circuit of the Americas’ Event Center, everyone knew they were in for a very special evening. The VIP experience began as revelers exited their cars in the fast-moving valet line to be greeted by cars courtesy of Lamborghini Austin. Once inside, the crowd took time to pose for images on the step-and-repeat adorned with pink and white balloons to commemorate the evening.
Guests then headed inside the ballroom for a lively cocktail reception. As guests sipped on their favorite spirit of choice, including Abbey’s Pink Lemonade, the event’s refreshing signature cocktail, they perused an impressive lot of silent auction items, purchased raffle tickets for his and hers watches courtesy of Zadok Jewelers and an exclusive 2026 Formula 1 Austin package, and previewed the evening’s live auction packages.
During the cocktail hour, partygoers could engage in several immersive experiences. The most popular among guests was an express caviar service courtesy of Austin Cart Co., which had toy trains delivering caviar served on kettle chips, providing attendees with a delicious and savory appetizer delivered right to them.
The crowd then headed to their seats for dinner and the main program. The room was beautifully appointed with stunning bouquets of pink and white florals in varying sizes that perfectly complemented the crisp dark linens, giving the room an extra pop of vibrant color.
The Daytripper host Chet Garner served as emcee, keeping the night’s festivities moving at a fun, informative, and brisk pace. As everyone dined on their delectable, multi-course meals, they heard words from event and organization leaders thanking them for their support over the past eight years.
Two highlights of the program included an emotional moment when two families who received Abigail E. Keller Foundation Butterfly Grants took the stage to thank the organization for providing much-needed support as they navigated their children’s medical journeys. Additionally, the organization announced the addition of two full-time Licensed Social Workers to the Abigail E. Keller Foundation staff. These critical new hires will allow them to expand their services and positively impact more families than ever before.
Next, David Ackel of David Ackel Auctions helmed a spirited and highly successful live auction. The paddles and fundraising continued to climb as guests bid on an array of luxury packages and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The most popular packages of the night included a stay at the new Canyon Ranch Austin, A Luxury Cabo Package for 8, and a Craft Your Own Wine Experience courtesy of William Chris Vineyards.
The crowd then experienced an energetic paddles-up where hundreds of guests raised their paddles, with their funds going towards establishing Abbey House, Texas’ first pediatric respite and hospice facility. Ending the auction on a high, the crowd continued dancing the night away at the after-party to the tunes of Dysfunkshun Junkshun, capping off an epic night of fun and fundraising.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 8th Annual Abbey Lights Up COTA Gala, presented by Woolery Custom Fence Company, raised funds for the Abigail E. Keller Foundation. Founded in honor of the late Abigail E. Keller, the organization supports caregivers and families of medically fragile children through three core tenets of its mission: hope, guidance, and understanding.
