December 6, 2023
Guides, Events, Parties,
Go big or go home! They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that is especially true when it comes to our charity galas.
Lyle Lovett ends the night on the perfect note at Muny. PHOTO BY TYLER SCHMITT
Austin is a benevolent city with a lot of local love and an overflow of philanthropic efforts. Often, when people move to town or want to give more to the city or are looking to branch out, we are asked, “Where should we put our efforts?” Of course, it can be hard to choose or overwhelming when there are so many incredible efforts in the 512 city. So here, we’ve gathered a list of the best galas—where your donations or volunteering will get the best usage, and you can enjoy the finest of nights among friends old and new.
Andy Roddick Foundation Gala
Andy Roddick Foundation
andyroddickfoundation.org/gala
Our cover star takes the cake on fundraising for kids. Having raised more than $20 million to help at-risk youth learn, thrive and succeed. ARF gala is a night of “Austin.” it’s held at ACL live, where there is a live concert and thrilling auction, and Andy and his wife, Brooklyn Decker, spend the night chatting with friends and guests who, in the past, have included other local celebs and talented musicians. The night is always magical and continues to keep the children of Austin successful for generations to come.
A lucky bidder wins it all at the Black and White Ball. PHOTO BY CARHART PHOTOGRAPHY
Black and White Ball
Texas Advocacy Project
Not every day do you get the opportunity to channel your Truman Capote and put on your most “ball-like” attire to chat with the senators, lawyers, and biggest donors in town. Texas Advocacy Project works tirelessly every day to end dating and domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking in Texas. The Black and White Ball is their most coveted event, and their board contains notorious and powerful folks who make Austin and Texas a better place each day by putting TAP first. The black and white dresses and tuxes shine on the red carpet as the Champagne flows and the bids go back and forth between tables while the afterparty is a celebration of breaking records.
Dancing With the Stars Austin
Center for Child Protection
Swing, salsa, samba, OH MY! To end the year on the right note, the city of Austin comes out and shimmies to see their favorite ATX celebs paired up with professional dancers as they strut their stuff to raise the most money for the Center For Child Protection. Who provide forensic, medical and therapy services to children during their investigation and intervention process and continue education in Travis County to help end the cycle of child abuse. It is a joyous night for a most important cause and makes all the difference for the community.
MJ&M Gala
Mack, Jack & McConaughey
Enjoy a night of music, celebrity appearances and passion—for a good cause, nonetheless! If you love football, music, or movies, you’ll love this night. Three big names come together for #empoweringkids benefiting charitable organizations serving our youth. All Austinites want a piece of this charity pie, and everybody wants to help the youth, so it is a win-win. Did we mention the rockin’ concert and red carpet that highlights notable guests in attendance? Folks come near and far for this one, and it’s no wonder why.
Mack Brown, Jack Ingram and Matthew McConaughey at MJ&M. PHOTO BY TYLER SCHMITT
Save Muny Gala
The Muny Conservatory
You can tell who is a “born here” Austinite and who isn’t if they know and love Muny. This gala is the golf event of the year featuring legends Ben Crenshaw and Sergio Garcia. This is an Austin Event people plan for and ensure they’re in town for. Muny Conservancy advocates Kyle Chandler and Luke Wilson show their support and come in packs. Each year, it gets better and better. Last year, Jack Ingram said, “I’ll play you for Muny 18 holes, and if I win, you get the * out.” You know it’s beloved when the entertainment for the night is fighting for the cause.
Imagine Muny Ray Benson takes the stage. PHOTO BY TYLER SCHMITT
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