Mo’ money

5 Austin billionaires bank spots on Forbes list of richest people in the world

Michael Dell is one of the richest men in the world.

Photo by Julie Skarratt Photography Inc.

Austin billionaire Michael Dell keeps ascending the hierarchy of the world’s richest people. New data from Forbes magazine pegs the founder, chairman, and CEO of the Round Rock tech company bearing his name, as the 25th richest person in the world. That’s up 14 spots from 2018.

While that climb is impressive, what’s even more impressive is how much wealth Dell gained in just one year. In March 2019, Forbes estimated his net worth at $34.3 billion, up about 50 percent from $22.7 billion in March 2018. Between March 2015 ($19.2 billion) and March 2019, his net worth soared 80 percent, according to Forbes.

Dell is joined by four other Austinites in the world’s billionaires club.

Private equity investor Robert Smith appears at No. 355 among the world’s richest people, with a net worth of $5 billion. At No. 504 in the world is vodka mogul Bert “Tito” Beveridge, whose net worth is estimated at $4 billion. Also in the top 1,000 globally are Austin software titan Joseph Liemandt (No. 745, $3 billion) and hair care and tequila king John Paul DeJoria, (No. 916, $2.5 billion).

As eye-popping as Dell's numbers are, he isn't even the richest person in Texas. That title goes to Walmart heiress Alice Walton of Fort Worth, whose fortune is estimated at $44.4 billion. Forbes ranks her as the world’s 17th richest person and second richest woman.

Other Texans on Forbes’ 2019 list of the world’s richest people include:

Andy Beal of Dallas, No. 158, net worth of $9.1 billion.
Jerry Jones of Dallas, No. 224, net worth of $6.8 billion.
Richard Kinder of Houston, No. 239, net worth of $6.6 billion.
Dannine Avara of Houston, No. 290, net worth of $5.9 billion.
Scott Duncan of Houston, No. 290, net worth of $5.9 billion.
Milane Frantz of Houston, No. 290, net worth of $5.9 billion.
Randa Williams of Houston, No. 290, net worth of $5.9 billion.
Robert Rowling of Dallas, No. 334, net worth of $5.3 billion.
Robert Bass of Fort Worth, No. 365, net worth of $4.9 billion.
Tilman Fertitta of Houston, No. 394, net worth of $4.7 billion.
Ray Lee Hunt of Dallas, No. 394, net worth of $4.7 billion.
Trevor Rees-Jones of Dallas, No. 452, net worth of $4.3 billion.
Mark Cuban of Dallas, No. 478, net worth of $4.1 billion.
H. Ross Perot Sr. of Dallas, No. 478, net worth of $4.1 billion.
Kelcy Warren of Dallas, No. 478, net worth of $4.1 billion.
Dan Friedkin of Houston, No. 504, net worth of $4 billion.
Janice McNair of Houston, No. 546, net worth of $3.8 billion.

lists rankings

Night at the Museum

Austin museum opens lush gala afterparties to the public for first time

Photo from Thecontemporaryaustin.org.

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For 11 years now, the Contemporary Austin has been hosting "Art Dinners" at its lakeside location, Laguna Gloria. These fairytale-like galas take place as dusk sets in, surrounded by twinkling lights strung across the property's sprawling 14-acre sculpture park. But until now, they've been invitation-only affairs. For the first time ever, the Contemporary Austin is inviting the public to the best part this magical evening: a late-night afterparty.

The Art Dinners have welcomed 300 art luminaries, collectors, civic leaders, and philanthropists over these years to raise funds for the museum's classes and exhibits.

On October 25, once the dishes are put away and the early birds have weeded themselves out, the Art Dinner Afterparty will begin. It will go from 9:30 until "late evening."

Guests can expect a pop-up cocktail bar by the cool Austin speakeasy Garage, with specialty drinks like espresso martinis. Plus, there will be late night snacks from Dolce Bacio Gelato and Restart CBD. Live music and performances will be provided by J'cuuzi and DJ SuperNova of Pangea Sound. Highlights also include: tarot card and palm readings, live body painting, and fire dancing. All of this set to the stunning backdrop of Laguna Gloria's grounds at night. It's basically A Midsummer Night's Dream.

A DJ performs at a late-night Laguna Gloria party. Live music for this after party will include performances by J'cuuzi and DJ SuperNova of Pangea Sound. Photo courtesy of Giant Noise

"We're excited for the magic of our iconic Art Dinner to reach wider audiences," says the museum's Earnest and Sarah Butler executive director and CEO, Sharon Maidenberg, in a release. "We wanted to extend the welcome to more folks and give them the opportunity to engage with our gala, which has historically been a very intimate affair."

Tickets are now on sale on the Contemporary Austin's website at $160 for members and $200 for nonmembers. Ticket sales will benefit the museum's exhibits and educational programming. The Contemporary is Austin's only museum focused solely on contemporary artists and their work. It offers year-round exhibitions, classes, workshops, and events.

$The Contemporary Austin \u2014 Laguna Gloria$ The Contemporary Austin — Laguna Gloria is one of the most beautifu Artwork by Tom Friedman, photo by Brian Fitzsimmons via the Contemporary Austin

Event organizers recommend that guests "dress sharp." Valet parking will be provided, but if this night is as Shakespearian as we think it might be, you may want to catch a rideshare.

More information about the museum is available at thecontemporaryaustin.org.

museums galleries galas dinner visual art