On November 3rd, the clock jumped back a bit more than an hour at the Hilton Austin Hotel. For guests attending “Putting on the Ritz” the clock turned back decades -- to the era of The Great Gatsby. Every detail was in place to transport the 570 guests to the 1920s and 30s at the Austin Children’s Shelter (ACS) gala. The cocktail hour featured prohibition-inspired cocktails while the incomparable Mandy Lauderdale sang period songs from her perch on top of the piano. Charlie Chaplin, Mae West, Groucho Marks and Humphrey Bogart impersonators mingled among guests and singer Dawn Erin, dressed as a flapper entertained in the cigar lounge that featured hand-rolled cigars. Adding to the authenticity were the three gorgeous 1931 vintage cars on display, courtesy of the Munday Automotive Collection.
Police Chief Art Acevedo emceed in a ballroom that was completely transformed in an elegant black and white theme with towering white feather centerpieces and candelabras draped in pearls. After a spirited live auction and Fund-A-Need that raised nearly $200,000, the Nash Hernandez Orchestra kept a happy crowd dancing for the rest of the evening.
We are deeply grateful to the sponsors, gala committee, guests and volunteers for making this event such a success. Puttin on the Ritz raised a net of $450,000 to support Austin Children's Shelter programs and services for children and youth in our care. Thank you!
View photos and a video below.
Video by Scotty Burch
MORE PHOTOS
To view all photos from the evening, visits the photographers galleries.
Paula & Sterling Boon, The Boon Group, Inc. Deborah & Bob Corbin, IAS H-E-B Arron & Chris Hester lookthinkmake Andrea Valko & John Patterson
21CT AVAI Kathryn Scarborough Bechtol Bryan Hardeman Family Hyatt Regency Austin Jackson Walker, LLP Evangelina & Keith Kreeger Mary Scott Nabers Neland Family Sara & Dick Rathgeber Realty Austin Reeves & Brightwell, LLP Teresa & Kevin
Smith Milton Verret Sherri & Travis West
Jade & Greg Ausley Mindy & Jason Bakker/Mortgage Pros Steve Brister & Carmine Salvucci Sandy & Asher Griffin Alexis & Chris Guggenheim Robin & Trey Hancock/Morgan Keegan Independence Title/Mutual of Omaha Bank Anna & Matthew Lee & Mary Tipps Jennifer & Mark Mouritsen Suzanne & Corey Newhouse Patten Law Firm Roadvantage Shannon & Jeff Schmitz Villa Del Lago Watkins Insurance Group
