Art of the gala

Local luminaries unite for empowering downtown Austin event

What: 3rd Annual Art of the Gala

Where: JW Marriott

The lowdown: On October 23, members of Austin's nonprofit community gathered for an all-day networking affair at the JW Marriott. Now in its third year, Art of the Gala "empower[s] area nonprofit organizations, their leaders, and investors with the knowledge and tools to succeed in a crowded market."

A collaboration between GivingCity and JHL, the day included 40 speakers, four panels, dozens of breakaway round table discussions, and more activities all designed to help area organizations thrive. “We’re thrilled ... so many incredible professionals who are experts in their field share their knowledge on fundraising, event planning, and so much more,” said president of JHL Jennifer Stevens in a release.

This year's keynote address was provided by country music star Jack Ingram. Austin-American Statesman society editor Michael Barnes, Kendra Scott director of philanthropy Sheena Wilde, and Neiman Marcus' VP of special events Sandy Marple also gave insights.

Who: Michaelyne Escobar, Sunny Howard, Sheena Wilde, Leslie Sweet, Jennifer Stevens, Dan Graham, Jeremiah Bentley, Cassie LaMer, Lisa Traham, Rob Golding, Cindy Y. Lo, and Monica Maldonado Williams.

Dan Graham of Notley, Jennifer Stevens of JHL Company, Cindy Y. Lo of Red Velvet Events in a panel discussion.

Photo by Tyler Schmitt // The Mill Photography Studio

Dan Graham of Notley, Jennifer Stevens of JHL Company, Cindy Y. Lo of Red Velvet Events in a panel discussion.

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Taste of 2025

Austin's Wine & Food Foundation announces 3 big events for 2025

Photo by Erica Wilkins Photography

Theses Wine & Food Foundation events raise funds for local initiatives.

Austin's food scene is booming, but smaller businesses could always use support. The Wine & Food Foundation is one of Austin's leading industry protectors, and it's just announced three events to help support its mission over the next year.

The three events — Big Reds and Bubbles, Toast of Texas, and the Rare & Fine Wine Auction Gala — are spread out between March and November of 2025, and all offer something a bit different.

They'll all benefit the Wine & Food Foundation and, by extension, the local organizations it supports. Those include Keep Austin Fed, which diverts food surpluses from grocery stores, catered events, and other sites of professional food service; and Sustainable Food Center, which helps Texans access healthy food through SNAP and WIC incentives, hosts farmers markets, connects farmers with resources, and more. The Wine & Food Foundation also offers scholarships for hospitality professionals.

Big Reds and Bubbles, held Friday, March 28, will bring together more than 100 red and sparkling wines for a tasting event. In addition to comparing wines back-to-back, guests will get to try them with bites from popular Austin restaurants to discover interesting new pairings. They'll also get to dress to impress and see the new LZR space — formerly La Zona Rosa, an old Austin music venue that had its last official performance in 2013.

Next up is Toast of Texas on June 8. This is another tasting event that focuses instead on 20 local wineries. The food menu at this event is also more specific, featuring local barbecue and paella, among other local tastes. It'll be located at Assembly Hall, an event space on East 7th Street adjacent to the East Austin Hotel.

Finally, there's the premier event: the Rare & Fine Wine Auction Gala on November 8. This is a big fundraising opportunity not just because of potentially high auction tickets, but the chance to experience something truly out of the ordinary for the wine industry. Guests will also enjoy "an elegant dinner" according to the press release and wines by a featured maker. It'll all happen at the JW Marriott Austin.

The release counts more than 50 other events slated for the year, so there are plenty more opportunities between the big three. Some of these include wine tasting courses, which will be available again soon.

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