Under the stars on a perfect December night, an elite crowd of movers and shakers gathered for conversation and revelry at Pecan Springs Ranch for the Second Annual Dripping Springs City Lifestyle fundraising gala. Neighbors arrived dressed to impress and came together to celebrate the spirit of giving and raised nearly $30,000 for two very deserving local families.
“Through branding, storytelling, beautiful photography and gatherings like this gala to celebrate relationships, we will relentlessly serve our community as long as possible,” says DSCL Publisher Will Rivera. “This was an extra special night as we were able to focus our fundraising efforts on two beautiful families that experienced immense tragedy this year. They saw the magic of our community in full display — in their honor.”
It wouldn’t be an event in Dripping Springs without best-in-class hospitality, and more than a dozen food and drink sponsors shared bites and sips of the finest local products. Highlights included upscale selections from Swig Cheese, sweets from Cakes Rock, and olive oil cake paired with organic wine from Summer Revival. Pig Pen BBQ’s Bill Warren greeted attendees with handshakes and plates of barbecue specialties. For the second consecutive year, Vista Brewing curated a delightful array of food and drink pairings guaranteed to please the palate.
Outside, partygoers sat at candlelit tables and strolled the beautiful and expansive grounds under elegant string lighting while sipping a selection of local drinks. Texas wine from Lost Draw Cellars paired perfectly with the elevated tastings. Josh Visi from Twisted X Brewing handed out cold beers next to the brewery’s signature 1971 Mercury Marquis, and guests lined up to sample drinks and relax in the High Desert Cactus Vodka mobile tasting room.
As the evening wore on, the crowd moved inside for the announcements of the raffle winners. More than two dozen prize packages included jet setter trips to England and Las Vegas, a custom guitar signed by George Strait and a weekend with a Ferrari. Local artist and MC “Who is BC?” delighted the crowd with unexpected covers and sing-along favorites.
“It’s been amazing to watch what the magazine has evolved into,” says DSCL Publisher Karen Rivera. “Will and I really have a passion for giving back and being able to combine that with something beautiful and inspiring that goes out to the community monthly has been incredible.”
Throughout the night, revelers donned silly accessories, kissed their partners and toasted with their besties in the Peachy Keen Photo Camper. “This is such a great party,” says Dripping Springs socialite Kristen Wentworth. “It really shows the best that Dripping Springs has to offer. I'm absolutely blown away!”
In addition to food and drink donations, Foster Village, Hill Country Rally for Kids, and Good Bourbon for a Good Cause, volunteered their time to spread the word about their work at the party.
Sarah Rose, campaign manager for Dripping Springs Community Library met with partygoers and spoke about future expansion efforts.
“The library greatly appreciated the opportunity to share its next chapter with the community during this special event that united local business owners and lifelong learners alike,” says Rose. “Dripping Springs City Lifestyle’s enthusiasm for connecting with the community was palpable, and the outpouring of support underscored the vital role it plays in fostering togetherness in our beloved town.”
The DSCL staff would like to extend our gratitude to all of the attendees and sponsors who shared their time with the community and made the memorable gala such a success. Special thanks go out to the Smith family, owners of Pecan Springs Ranch and Fitzhugh Brewing.
“Finding out we surpassed last year’s donations before the event even began was completely humbling,” says DSCL Editor Kristen Hafner. “Time and time again people in this community show up and support each other. I'm forever grateful to be part of it.”
