What: Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas’ Austin Annual Dinner and Cocktails for a Cause After Party
Where: Hilton Austin
The lowdown: Television star and trans rights activist Laverne Cox joined state and local politicos and Austin movers 'n' shakers on November 9 for a dazzling evening of fun and fundraising in support of the Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas. Hundreds of supporters gathered in the Hilton Austin ballroom to sip cocktails while rubbing elbows with politicians like Mayor Steve Adler, council members Alison Alter and Greg Casar, U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett, and Texas Representative Gina Hinojosa.
Among the highlights of the star-studded evening was an appearance by the Emmy Award-nominated Cox, who spoke of the importance of providing healthcare access to all individuals, regardless of gender identity or ability to pay. The crowd also celebrated the accomplishments of Mandy Dealy, who was awarded the 2019 Robbie and Tom Ausley Leadership Award.
The evening ended with the first-ever Cocktails for a Cause After Party. During the inaugural event, attendees tried on new looks courtesy of a Coco Coquette wig bar and watched an epic drag show with fabulous local queens Grandma Steven, Maeve Haven, Robin Rose Quartz, Tension, Alysha Pretty, and Scarlett Kiss.
Though the organization is staying mum on the final amount raised, it did say the amount would help "thousands of individuals" get healthcare access. "The goal of the evening was to raise critical funds for reproductive healthcare and sexual health education for individuals regardless of their ability to pay, their insurance status, or who they love," Planned Parenthood said in a release.
Who: Laverne Cox, Steve Adler, Gina Hinojosa, Greg Casar, Mandy Dealy, Earlyssa Cooper, Fabian Wood, Yvonne Massey Davis, Grandma Steven, Maeve Have, Alysha Pretty, Nicole Gewinner, Ted Burton, Sharon Swan, Susan Burton, Darin Upchurch, Tim Wei, Tom Ausley, Robbie Ausley, Libby Doggett, Lloyd Doggett, Meghan Stabler, Sal Stow, and Alison Alter.
Libby Doggett, U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Meghan Stabler, and Sal Stow.
