JDRF Parties Across Texas! Virtual Statewide Bash Raises $3.4 Mil

Daniel Ortiz
JDRF Parties Across Texas! Virtual Statewide Bash Raises $3.4 Mil

Carter and Meredith Crow

WHILE SEVERAL ORGANIZATIONS have moved forward with in-person events this spring, JDRF decided to host one final virtual blow-out bash! The "OneParty" event united supporters from Austin, San Antonio and Houston for a livestream program and also celebrated the newly formed JDRF Southern Texas Chapter.

In lieu of purchasing traditional tables and tickets, patrons in each city could opt to host smaller-scale in-home celebrations — but still with the flourish and flair of the organization's annual black-tie event. Indoor and outdoor affairs across Texas featured beautiful tablescapes and full waitstaffs with artisanal cheeses, boneless beef short ribs and wine galore, courtesy of Houston-based A Fare Extraordinaire.

The evening included inspirational testimonies from homegrown heroes who have Type 1 Diabetes, such as April Blackwell, who flies the International Space Station. Kenny Loggins closed out the program, performing hits spanning his decades-long career.

But the most notable part of the evening was the exciting live auction, featuring prizes like covetable getaways to Cabo or Telluride, and the Fund a Cure portion of the gala, during which guests could make direct donations to T1D research. The Robshaw family from Austin donated a whopping $600,000 to the cause!

In all, the evening raised $3.4 million (and counting!), and while Texans undoubtedly can't wait for next year's in-person gala, there's no denying that the OneParty event was an unparalleled success.

Behind the scenes of a virtual gala: Emcee, Drew Dougherty and Seth Hale of the Cowboy Auctioneer Group

Clay Bretches hosted friends at his Memorial home

Grace and Clay Carrell

Jeannette and Brian Meucki

Judith and Lance Perdue

Laurel and Mark Midani

Marshall, Suzette and Ethan Lang

Seth Hale of The Cowboy Auctioneer Group

Travis and Freyja Lauritsen

Parties

HOUSTON IS BUZZING with Rodeo fever, and the theme has taken everything over, from apparel to cocktails. If you’d rather dodge the traffic, crowds and parking of the HLSR at NRG Stadium, mosey on over to The Post Oak Hotel.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment

Jess Bailey, Founder & Managing Attorney of Bailey Law Firm PLLC

WHAT LEADERSHIP QUALITIES are essential for thriving? Decisiveness, emotional intelligence, and the ability to inspire. Decisiveness is about making informed choices swiftly and standing by them; it’s a hallmark of leadership that instills confidence in a team. Emotional intelligence enables understanding and management of one’s own emotions, as well as relate to and influence the emotions of others. It’s crucial for building strong relationships and navigating complex interpersonal dynamics. The ability to inspire and motivate is what transforms a group of individuals into a cohesive, driven team. Leadership is a practice, not a position.

Keep Reading Show less