One of the best parts of living in Austin is the charitable spirit that is a cornerstone of our city's culture. On November 7, some of Austin's philanthropic set gathered for the fifth annual Charity Bash Live Auction.
With Citizen Generation putting on the gala, it was sure to be a fun and fabulous night. Held on the fifth floor of the University Park building with panoramic views of the city stretching all around, the Bash was a chance for attendees to bid on carefully curated packages from Austin's young philanthropists. While (sadly) the people themselves were not a part of the items, it didn't stop anyone from whipping out their paddles for a good cause.
The eight charities selected as beneficiaries for the evening represent a broad range of causes. Citizen Generation, Alzheimer's Association, American YouthWorks, Austin Clubhouse, Austin Zoo & Animal Sanctuary, PeopleFund, Susan G. Komen Austin, STRONGStart and the Settlement Home for Children all had representatives in attendance, eager to share their charity's mission.
"We are so excited to be apart of Charity Bash," said Patti Clark, president and executive directior of the Austin Zoo & Animal Sanctuary. Clark spoke about the Citizen Generation volunteers who came out to the Austin Zoo and spent time learning about the organization, which rescues and rehabilitates animals of all kinds.
Guests were treated drinks from Deep Eddy, Duchman Family Winery and Dos XX and treats from Delish, Tiff's Treats, Tiny Pies and Nothing Bundt Cakes (which wins our unofficial award for punniest dessert at the Bash). With DJ Johnny Bravvo spinning tunes, Austin's finest (and we do mean finest) philanthropists jumped into the photo booth and wandered around to find out more information about the benefiting charities.
Around 8 pm, the auction kicked off with the amazing Heath Hale leading the bidding. "If you sneeze or wave to your buddy in the next two hours, you're going to accidentally buy something," Hale warned attendees.
First on the auction block? Rashanna Moss, who came out dressed as a Dallas Cowboy surrounded by a bevy of University of Texas cheerleaders. Her package — which included a one-year membership to Pure Barre, earrings, dinner at Sway and, oh yeah, two club-level seats to the 2014 Cotton Bowl — brought in an impressive $5,250.
As the night continued, auctioneers continued to delight the crowd as they auctioned off another 18 packages, including ones put together by Daniel Goetz, who offered tons of prizes perfect for foodies and Amir Mozafari, whose package included VIP passes to ACL Fest, Lollapalooza and just about every big show coming through town; Alexis Neal closed out the evening with uber-glam offerings, including hair treatments, makeup applications and one-year memberships to almost every art gallery in town.
Other folks bashing that night? Emily Gay, Justin Papermaster, Alex Winkelman and Derek Levine. Mayra Garza and Rachel Rivas were also in attendance alongside Ryan Walker, Stacey Hopper, Lindsey Strobel and Ernie Ross. Meredith Rozell, Dillon Hernandez and Courtney Howell watched the auction while Adam Semien and Alexis Simon Landa offered up their packages of goodies.
Emily Gay, Justin Papermaster, Alex Winkelman, Derek Levine
