Curated Texan
LBJ Foundation Honors And Celebrates Willie Nelson’s 90th Birthday With New Endowment At The University Of Texas
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Brian Berzer, Jay Godwin, Elaine Schock, and Laura Skelding
The Great Hall of the LBJ Presidential Library
THE SCENE: A beautiful night at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin was the setting for an unforgettable night that brought together the very best the city has to offer–music and philanthropy–all to honor and celebrate one of Texas’ most beloved icons. The sold-out crowd of several hundred music lovers, philanthropists, and sociables were on hand for the LBJ Foundation’s With Liberty & Justice for All Dinner. The event, which honored Willie Nelson, and also celebrated his 90th birthday, dazzled the crowd, which featured a uniquely Austin mix of great food, touching tributes, and inspiring musical performances in a once-in-a-lifetime evening.
THE VIBE: The cocktail-chic crowd began the evening in the mezzanine level of the LBJ Presidential Library for cocktail hour. Guests sipped on their favorite spirits and brimmed with anticipation of the fun ahead. Partygoers then proceeded to the promenade outside of the LBJ Presidential Library where an open air tent awaited them as the guests took their seats for the main program.
As the attendees dined on their delectable, multi-course dinner, they were treated to words and tributes from friends and leaders of the LBJ museum, including LBJ Foundation President and CEO Mark Updegrove. During the tributes many laughs were shared and more than a few tears of joy and gratitude were shed for Nelson’s contributions to Texas and beyond over the years including Farm Aid, which has raised over $70 million to provide financial assistance that helped increase the awareness of struggling family farms.
A highlight of the evening was a musical concert by four musicians, each of whom have been inspired by Willie Nelson in their own musical career: Eric Church, Sam Hunt, Elle King, and Lyle Lovett. The musicians each sang two songs, that meant the most to each of them, in honor of Willie Nelson’s 90th birthday. They capped off an unforgettable night that will long live in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to be a part of such a special evening.
THE NON-PROFIT: The event raised funds for the newly created Willie Nelson Endowment for Uplifting Rural Communities, which is part of the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. The endowment was created in honor of Willie Nelson’s commitment to family farms and sustainable agriculture.
