A Fabulous Affair

Hollywood star hosts fabulous Austin fundraiser fit for a queen

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.

Laverne Cox.

Photo by Bryant Hill

Laverne Cox.

galas fundraisers

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.

wine tasting small businesses wineries nonprofits galas