Behind the Scenes of Building a Healthy Community

A Capitol Evening

Texas Speaker of the House Joe Straus greeted guests for a convivial evening at the Capitol in the Speaker’s private apartment. Representatives of the State Preservation Board shared historical information about the residence and its art and architecture. Word of Mouth served  delectable hors d’oeuvres on the “House China” –capitol treats indeed.

Hosted by: Joanie Bentzin; Kat & Vic Brooks; Cindy & Bruce Busby; Kathlene & David Crist; Jane & Michael Driscoll; Tobie Funte Flannery & Bill Flannery.

Culinary Wows with Chef David Bull

Never one to rest on his laurels, Chef David Bull of the Austonian’s Congress restaurant, treated Toast guests to a seven course demonstration of his thoroughly earned national reputation. With each course paired with a carefully selected wine, guests enjoyed a very leisurely dining delight. Conversation flowed throughout the evening.

Hosted by: Wendy & Shannon Kratzer; Dinah & Ryan Street

Perfectly Pink Party benefits Komen Austin

Over 250 people displayed every possible shade of pink when they attended the Austin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s inaugural ”Perfectly Pink Party” on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at Shoal Crossing.  The event, which is now the Affiliate’s second-largest fundraiser after the annual Race for the Cure, netted more than $95,000, which will be invested in local breast health programs and research grants.

The event also honored organizations and individuals that are making a difference in the fight against breast cancer with the new Pink Diamond Awards.  The first ever honorees were:
Peg Neuhauser, Michelle Reynolds & Elizabeth Bishop, former committee chairs for the Komen
Austin Race for the Cure (Outstanding Volunteer)
Michelle’s Angels (Warrior) —accepted by Wes Gromlely on behalf of the Bynum, Tull & Barber families
GSD&M, founding Komen Austin Race for the Cure sponsor (Community Partner) – accepted by Melanie Mahaffey, Communications Director
Congressman Lloyd Doggett (Excellence in Advocacy)
Barbara Berry, Rally Ambassador for Sun City’s Rally for the Cure (Outstanding Philanthropist)

The celebration was filled with music by local musician Ruby Jane and Houston based DJ and string quartet, Collide.  Guests had several opportunities to impact the local fight against breast cancer including a live auction and “fund-a-need” led by Gayle Stallings, energetic owner of FUN Auctions. Additional fun was had with the Pink & Pizzazz mystery bags with treats from Kendra Scott, Neiman Marcus, W Austin and other local merchants and restaurants.

Event Co-Chairs Deb Davis Groves and Martha Coons rejoiced with their committee as the bids continued to mount. As a group, they saluted the work of the Komen Austin staff for the essential role the staff played in the success of the event.

The Affiliate’s largest fundraiser, the Komen Austin Race for the Cure, is set of November 4, 2012.  Registration for this event will open on June 5 at www.komenaustin.org.

5th Annual Wonder Ball

The 5th Annual Wonder Ball brought not only dads and daughters to the Palmer Events Center, but an astounding array of nobility with thanks to the Hill Country Middle School volunteers. They donned a variety of outfits and were extraordinary in greeting and engaging the guests in the activities at the Ball. Event Chairs Nancy Klasson and Christine Telch worked with a great committee in creating a bedazzling venue filled with balloons, fairy dust and music.

Proceeds benefit Wonders & Worries, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which helps children cope when a parent is diagnosed with a serious or life-threatening illness.

A Movin’ Night the “Piano Man”

How do you spend a night on Broadway without actually travelling to New York City?—By being at the “Piano Man” Toast of the Town party! Guests gathered at the home of Cindy and Scott Wilson for the ultimate Broadway nightlife experience. Signature cocktails began the evening followed by a cosmopolitan dining delight prepared by Ronda Karam of Love, Mom. Everybody had the best seats in the house for the
concert featuring Matt Wilson (of national fame for his role as “Piano Man”  in the Billy Joel/Twyla Tharp musical, “Movin’ Out.”) The night concluded with an encore performance by Matt at the baby grand.

Hosted by : Jennene & Ray Mashburn; Anita & Earl Maxwell; Mary Scott Nabers; Gai & Gerry Newkirk; Sharon Schweitzer Robinson & John Robinson; Kathy & Randy Taylor; Diane & Jerry Turner; Terry & Jim Whorton; Cindy & Scott Wilson

A Vintage Repast

A chance to put a dent in Larry Peel’s wine cellar is more than sufficient reason to attend this Toast party. His reputation for collecting superb wines is thoroughly earned. Small wonder, then, that this is one of the first parties to fill up. As guests arrived, they were instantly able to verify the quality of a lovely chardonnay. What is wine without food, however? Fine wine needs fine cuisine, so Chef Elmar Prambs dropped by to cook dinner as guests luxuriated in the treasure packed cellar. After dinner by Prambs, the steps leading out were a bit of a challenge with most vowing some time on a treadmill to work off the calories. Life can be very, very good at a Toast party!

Hosted by : Meri & Rob Hagelberg, General Manager, Four Seasons; Deborah & Larry Peel; Elmar Prambs, Executive Chef, Four Seasons

Laughs with Carol Burnett

It was the ultra-deluxe VIP treatment for guests attending this Toast party. The Queen of Comedy came to the Long Center for “Laughter and Reflection with Carol Burnett.” Before the curtain rose, guests enjoyed a savory dining and drinks experience with stunning Austin views from the Skyline room atop the Four Seasons Residences. Exceptional entertainment awaited as Carol took them on a hilarious trip down memory lane, bantering with an audience Q&A along the way.

Hosted by: Austin Catering-Kristin Stephens; Elizabeth Christian & Bruce Todd; Becky & Tom Cook; Martha & Cliff Ernst; Stacey & Rich Hammer; The Long Center for the Performing Arts; Julie & Wolfgang Niedert; Venus & Bill Strawn; Kathy & Randy Taylor; Felicia Teel & Craig Hester

Political Views with Karen Hughes

Politics past and present was on the agenda at the Williamson County Courthouse for this Toast party. The Courthouse has seen many changes over the years, but was recently returned to it’s 1911 splendor. That splendor was on full display when guests arrived. With the sunlight of a spectacular Spring day highlighting the woodwork, the courthouse was quite a thing of beauty. Adding to the delight were delicious canapes from the Monument Cafe–a prelude to a superb dinner all enjoyed later. For the program, Hugh Brown, CEO of St. David’s Georgetown Hospital, welcomed all the guests. Earl Maxwell, CEO of the St. David’s Foundation spoke of the Neal Kocurek/St. David’s Foundation Scholarships that the party proceeds support. He was followed by host Landy Warren who introduced Karen Hughes. Hughes insight on the current scene instantly elevated everyone present to the “best informed” category.

Hosted by: Linda & Hugh Brown; Congressman John Carter & Erika Carter; County Commissioner Valerie Covey & Mark Covey; Meg & Robert Denyer; Carol & Jim Donovan;Rebecca & Christopher English; Georgetown Health Foundation; State Representative Charles Schwertner & Belinda Schwertner; Lori & Landy Warren.

Storied Evening on the Forty Acres

It was all things historical during an evening in the University of Texas School of Human Ecology. Dr. Lawrence Speck, renowned architect, professor, and author, as he regaled guests with the architectural history of the UT Campus from its first building atop a hill to today’s vast architectonics.  A tour of UT’s Historical Textiles and Apparel Collection, led by Dr. Kay Jay proved equally fascinating with a number of students serving as docents.  The evening ended with dinner in the regal, romantic Mary Gearing Hall as Dr. Speck conducted his campus architectural media tour. A tour de force without a doubt.

Hosted by: Kathy & Charlie Chaffin; Susie & Kenny Jastrow; Betty Sue & Jon Newton; Kathy & Randy Taylor; 34th Street Catering of Austin/Eddie Bernal.

Hail to Home Runs

This wasn’t just a home run, this was a grand slam! All eyes and ears were on UT Baseball Coach Augie Garrido as he filled them in on all that is baseball and the life lessons to be learned through the game. Friends and fans were gathered at the beautiful Pemberton Heights home of Gwen and Brian Bailey. The evening’s weather was tailor-made for enjoying conversations both indoors and outdoors.  Enjoying the delectable hors d’oeuvres buffet by Lyndie C Catering came in a close second for the guests favorite moment of this Spring delight.

Hosted by:Gwyn & Brian Bailey; Rae & Richard Hill; Caroline and Nelson Puett; DK and Mike Reynolds.