On a lovely, warm December evening, Dripping Springs City Lifestyle (DSCL) rolled out the red carpet for a dazzling evening of community and connection at its third annual Love Thy Neighbor gala. A festive spirit of giving attracted a vibrant crowd, eager to contribute to a meaningful cause while enjoying a night of holiday cheer.
“The intent of our Love Thy Neighbor gala is actually quite simple,” says DSCL publisher Will Rivera. “We do this event to bring awareness and support to local nonprofits while bringing the community together.”
This year, the gala raised $27,000 to benefit the Dripping Springs Community Library; these funds will directly support the library’s plans to expand its current space to enhance resources for the growing Dripping Springs population.
“We are so lucky to live in a town where neighbors support one another in such a meaningful way,” shares library director Mindy Laird. “The generosity and love shared at the gala will help create a space where learning, connection, and growth will flourish for generations to come.”
Surrounded by majestic oak and pecan trees, Pecan Springs Ranch provided a magical backdrop for the evening, the venue sparkling with festive decor and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for guests to mingle. Dripping Springs’ very own country duo, Paige and Kate of The Lockhearts, filled the room with their heartfelt tunes and beautiful harmonies.
Highlights of the evening included a fun, interactive selfie station, provided by Cory Brown of The Brown Insurance Group, Inc., for guests to capture joyful moments and silly poses with friends and colleagues. Attendees also lined up at the nostalgic Peachy Keen photo trailer to commemorate the evening using colorful, whimsical props.
From beer, wine, and cocktails to tacos, pasta, pasties, and more, guests enjoyed a smorgasbord of beverages and culinary delights. “The guests are able to enjoy catered food and drinks generously donated from restaurants, breweries, wineries, and distilleries—all local!” says Rivera.
This culinary adventure began with a sprawling charcuterie board provided by Marissa Fisk Catering, offering a gorgeous spread of delicious meats, cheeses, fruits, and other delicacies to whet the appetite. Next up, party-goers leisurely sampled different cuisines from local restaurants Pig Pen BBQ, Taste of Main, Hays City Store, FlyRite Chicken, and Pasta One Two Three, which featured unique flavors to please any palate.
To satisfy the holiday sweet tooth, Playa Bowls lured partygoers with wholesome and tasty treat-sized smoothie bowls and protein balls, and Carb Queen laid out a tempting display of delightful baked treats, from golden cookies to decadent cinnamon rolls.
The gala offered a sophisticated selection of beverages, allowing guests to indulge in beer, wine, or cocktails crafted with care by local breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Ghost Note Brewing, Twisted X Brewing, and Fitzhugh Brewing all showcased their best creations for the beer lovers in attendance, while wine enthusiasts sipped on selections from Hamilton Pool, Lost Draw, and Williams Chris Vineyards. Cocktail connoisseurs drew to the bar for specialty drinks featuring spirits from Treaty Oak Distilling, High Desert Vodka, Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery, and Desert Door Distillery.
A focal point of the evening was the raffle drawing, which presented a slew of exciting prizes, all donated by local businesses and community members. Items up for grabs ranged from a Ferrari for a day to a bison harvest at Roam Ranch, a signed Hootie and the Blowfish guitar, and getaways to Camp Hideaway, Camp Lucy, Palace Resorts, Galveston, or the Frio River. Guests eagerly purchased raffle tickets, knowing that every dollar would go directly to supporting the library.
Setting this gala apart was the heartwarming generosity of the guests and sponsors that made it possible. From the donated food and drinks to the raffle prizes, the event was a true testament to the spirit of Dripping Springs businesses and residents joining up for a shared cause.
DSCL editor Kristen Hafner shares, “I love seeing our community come together in such a meaningful way. Working for a publication that unites our community while supporting incredible causes is truly a blessing. The evening was beautiful in every sense of the word.”
The success of the 2024 Love Thy Neighbor gala will go a long way to support the Dripping Springs Community Library, which has been a vital resource for the town since 1985. Funds raised from the gala will help the library expand its offerings and reach even more residents in the coming year with a vibrant, 37,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art library building that will enhance the Dripping Springs community.
“We are thankful to the Dripping Springs City Lifestyle team for not only organizing this unforgettable night, but also for helping us share the story of our library and write the next chapter of this important community resource,” says Laird.
As the evening drew to a close, attendees left with full hearts, knowing they had contributed to a cause that strengthens the fabric of the community. For DSCL, the holiday gala was more than just a celebration—it was a reminder of the power of giving and the importance of supporting shared values.
“We’re incredibly thankful for everyone who contributed to making this night a success,” says Rivera. “Bringing the community together to build and foster relationships has been a top priority for us since we launched in 2022. I’m beyond grateful for the magazine team, our community for always showing up, and for God’s favor over Dripping Springs.”
DrippingSpringsCityLifestyle.com | @drippingspringscitylifestyle