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
Ancient French Wellness Cures Reimagined at Houston’s Escape Spa: The Power of Vichy

Serial entrepreneur and spa visionary LeBrina Jackson

NESTLED IN THE heart of France, the town of Vichy holds a rich history in the world of wellness and hydrotherapy. Acquiring fame for their alkaline springs in the 17th century, the Romans were among the first to recognize the therapeutic benefits of the springs. They established a French spa known as “Vichy,” which still exists today and continues to attract spa-goers from around the world to experience the transformative effects of hydrotherapy.

Keep Reading Show less

Bianca Bucaram, founder of The Bucaram PR Group and BXM Music

Get to Know Bianca:

Bianca Bucaram, founder of The Bucaram PR Group and BXM Music, is a dynamic force in the public relations industry. She is known for her tenacity, empathy, and bilingual communication skills. As a local publicist with national reach, she blends local insights with broader impact, telling compelling stories that foster business growth and create opportunities.

Keep Reading Show less

The pool at Zen

THE MANAGER OF Grand Velas Riviera Maya says a funny thing as she tours a writer around the 206-acre all-inclusive between Cancun and Tulum. “I still get lost sometimes. If I forget what I’m doing and stop looking at the signs, I wind up in the parking lot.”

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places