On a clear December night, Dripping Springs City Lifestyle hosted a night of Hill Country glamour at The Terrace Club. The DS community came out in full force to celebrate the official launch of the publication and helped raise more than $13,000 for local charities.
“It’s hard to find the words to accurately articulate the way we feel about the event. Amazing. Surreal. Overwhelming gratitude,” said Publisher Will Rivera. “Our sponsors were absolutely incredible—we're still receiving messages regarding the food, drinks, and venue!”
The nattily attired crowd rolled into the magnificent venue in style, wearing sparkling gowns, shiny boots, and stylish hats. Elegant draping and chandeliers wowed partygoers who entered through a small fleet of luxury cars parked outside the front door, a nod to one of the magazine’s esteemed founding partners, Ferrari of Austin. Unique centerpieces from Rooted Treasures Succulents donned the tables. Guests enjoyed appetizers served by Marissa Fisk Catering as they strolled The Terrace Club’s impeccable grounds.
The event highlighted the best in local food, spirits, and brews. In addition to appetizers, Chef Marissa Fisk provided a large selection of charcuterie.
Hill Country Ranch Dining and Tavern catered an extensive buffet of Italian classics.
Vista Brewing’s Emily Parker and Kyle Barter paired a beet tartare bite with a grapefruit and tangerine barrel-aged golden ale. The soon-to-be-married Dripping Springs residents strive to grow 90% of Vista’s food onsite. We’re grateful to Kent and Karen Killough, owners of Vista Brewing for their sponsorship and support as founding partners.
Acclaimed Camp Lucy restaurant Tillie’s presented a crowd-pleasing yellowfin tuna aguachile. “It’s a fresh take on something we do at the restaurant. We’re here to help people have fun,” said sous-chef Ryan Baybayan. Executive Chef Meredith Shaffer was also in attendance.
Local beverages are never hard to find in Dripping Springs and the launch party was no exception. Partiers enjoyed fresh cocktails mixed by the pros from Easy Breezy Bartending. Local wine and spirit sponsors included Summer Revival Wine Co., Vista Brewing, Duchman Winery, Desert Door Sotol, Canteen Spirits, Treaty Oak Distilling, and Garrison Brothers Distillery, to name a few.
Like any great party, there was great music. As the night rolled on, the dance floor filled up as guests whirled and twirled to country and rock standards performed by one of our area’s best local groups, the Above the Law Band.
Although the evening was full of mingling, fashion statements, and food, we best not forget Dripping Springs City Lifestyle’s mission to spotlight local charities. Thanks to donations from two dozen local sponsors and abundant community generosity, the event raised money for three local organizations working to support children across the area: the Watch Me Fly Foundation, Hill Country Rally for Kids, and Foster Village.
“The desired and achieved outcome of this event was to network, say ‘thank you’ to partners, and to bring awareness to a few nonprofits we believe in," said Rivera.
Leaders from each charity had the chance to speak to the assembled crowd on behalf of their causes. Michael Uzuanis from Watch Me Fly spoke about his group’s mission. “We are creating a community center. The foundation will benefit children in Dripping Springs and surrounding areas, helping them build the confidence they need to navigate their way through life to be successful people.”
“We want to give back. This is a great town, but I promise you there are kids in need, and we don’t want to forget about them,” said Hill Country Rally for Kids founder Cody Reeves. “We want to give assistance to any kids that need help.”
KC Richardson spoke about the Foster Village organization’s three pillars: to equip, connect, and advocate for children in the foster care system. “We walk alongside families working hard to have their kids back in their homes.”
The raffle items included jewelry from Liz James Designs, local staycations, restaurant and bar packages, and even a trip, generously sponsored by Kim and Whit Hanks of Camp Lucy, to London with luxury accommodations for 4 nights and 5 days at the Old Bell Hotel, thought to be the oldest hotel in England.
Editor Kristen Hafner celebrated all of the support for the magazine’s launch. “The overwhelming sense of gratefulness for what this publication has turned into in such a short amount of time is a testament to this community’s support and desire to raise up one another. The success of the launch party brought us all to tears of gratitude.”
Thanks again to all who donated and attended this memorable evening to celebrate the best of the Dripping Springs lifestyle. We look forward to celebrating our partners and community with an even bigger fundraising gala in 2023.
To learn more about the nonprofits please visit their websites: watchmefly.org, hcrally.com, and fostervillageaustin.org.
