Rob Giardinelli
20th Annual Texas Independence Day Dinner At The Bullock Museum
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Chris Caselli and Thao Nguyen
THE SETTING: The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin was the setting of a milestone of an annual event that has honored former presidents, sports legends, scientists, and many more. Over 350 of the state’s top community leaders, history lovers, sociables, and philanthropists for the 20th annual Texas Independence Day Dinner hosted by the Texas State History Museum Foundation.
THE VIBE: The black-tie crowd began the evening by posing for images on the red carpet in front of the iconic Texas Star outside of the Bullock Museum. Once inside, partygoers ascended the atrium staircase to the mezzanine level for a cocktail reception where they were able to mingle, make new friends, and pose for photos with the honorees: Former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and Former President of UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dr. Kern Wildenthal.
Revelers then headed back down the stairs to take their seats inside the Bullock Museum Rotunda which was transformed into an elegant pallet of red, orange, and pink flowers that complimented the gray tablecloths for the main program. As guests dined on their delicious multi-course meals courtesy of The Four Seasons, they were treated to words from event leaders and moving speeches by Gonzales and Wildenthal, capping off a dazzling evening of fun and philanthropy.
THE NON-PROFIT: The event, co-chaired by Pam and Richard Leshin of Corpus Christi, raised over $850,000 for the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Proceeds that were raised from the event will help fund educational programs and special projects at the museum. Since 2001, over 9.3 million visitors, including 1.2 million children on school trips have experienced the museum’s Award-winning exhibitions and programs.
