In early December, members of the Dripping Springs community donned their holiday best and stepped onto the red carpet at Pecan Springs Ranch for Dripping Springs City Lifestyle’s fourth annual Love Thy Neighbor gala, an event focused on building community, showcasing local generosity, and caring for neighbors in need.
Above the Law Band rocked the ranch as guests enjoyed food and drinks donated by local favorites. Friends reunited, new connections formed, and the spirit of community was unmistakable.
Representatives from Foster Village, Dripping Springs Education Foundation, Sunrise Christian Schoolhouse, and Dripping Springs Community Library borrowed the microphone to share their missions and highlight the ways they pour into the community, bringing the Love Thy Neighbor model to life.
The evening offered numerous ways to give back, with every raffle and auction item generously donated by local businesses and neighbors. Prizes included luxuries such as golf and clay shooting outings, photography packages, beauty treatments, sports memorabilia, and even a Ferrari for the day. Silent auction items ranged from dazzling jewelry to exclusive vacation packages and guitars autographed by Luke Combs.
But beneath the sparkle and celebration, the gala focused on supporting a local neighbor impacted by the heartbreaking Hill Country floods on July 4. A hush fell over the crowd when Marla Barnard-Grubb introduced the evening’s guest of honor, Mallory Carpenter, who lost her mother Pam, father Mike, husband Brian, and 3-year-old daughter Blake when the home they were staying in was swept away by floodwaters.
Barnard-Grubb, herself a beneficiary of the 2023 Love Thy Neighbor gala after the sudden loss of her husband, spoke with beautiful empathy and understanding.
“You are not alone. We see you. We stand with you,” Barnard Grubb began, addressing Mallory. “The steps you’re taking forward won’t always feel light, but they can be lighter because we will not forget you or leave you to walk this road by yourself.”
“I’m so grateful for a community that doesn’t turn away from tragedy or from those carrying deep grief,” she said to the audience. “Instead, you lean in, you hold one another up, and you show what love looks like in real life.”
That night, this love translated into action, as the event raised more than $50,000 for Mallory and her son, Dalton.
“Love Thy Neighbor is about shining a light on local nonprofits and coming together as a community to support neighbors in need,” says DSCL publisher Will Rivera. “When tragedy strikes, this is how we show up for each other.”
Mallory then bravely took the stage, addressing more than 350 attendees. “We will always call this place our home,” she said. “We cherish the many memories shared in our community—a small town with a big heart that embodies what it truly means to love thy neighbor. Thank you … for reminding us that there is still good in this world.”
The moment left everyone in the room visibly moved. “I think with the Hill Country floods happening so recently and close to Dripping Springs, it felt very raw and emotional for everyone,” says DSCL co-publisher Karen Rivera. “Just to hear Mallory speak of her experience and perseverance … It was a very powerful and moving moment.”
As the evening came to a close, the focus shifted from loss to the strength of the Dripping Springs community itself. “Love Thy Neighbor reminds us why community matters,” says DSCL managing editor Whitnie Strauss. “This night showed that even after heartbreak, there is still connection, kindness, and so much good ahead.”
Shanny’s Shoutouts: Serving Up Support
- by Shannon Holzwarth
Elementary school teachers don’t usually find themselves invited to galas, so seeing my name on the “Love Thy Neighbor” guest list was genuinely exciting. As a first-year rookie attendee, I had no idea what to expect, but I quickly learned this was so much more than a formal event. It was a moving, heartfelt experience that beautifully reflected the spirit of our community.
The room buzzed with generosity, joy, and purpose. Adding to the magic was an incredible lineup of local food partners who showed up in a big way, bringing unique and delicious offerings that all deserve a proper Shanny Shoutout!
Choosing just a few highlights was no easy task. Treaty Oak Distillery’s shrimp and grits drew a steady line all evening, and for good reason. Tim Laielli’s pasta with vodka sauce was nothing short of phenomenal (and yes, I immediately followed him at @barefoodtim for a behind-the-scenes look at his kitchen magic). The charcuterie and sourdough boards by CarbQueen and Marissa Fisk Catering were so colorful and thoughtfully arranged that I briefly considered leaving them untouched. Briefly.
I also had the pleasure of meeting Basimma Hammonds, the wonderfully charismatic owner and founder of Go2Bites and its clean donut holes. With too many tempting flavors to choose from, I did the only reasonable thing and ordered every variety online the next morning. The “Oh Ghee Dates” bag, in particular, is well on its way to becoming a pantry staple, thanks to my husband’s enthusiastic approval.
Slice Street Pizza served up fresh pies, while Pig Pen BBQ delivered bold, flavorful tacos—both crowd pleasers as always. Fitzhugh Brewery and Turcotte Butchers arrived with skewers in hand, offering an irresistible mix of cheeses, meats, caprese, and grilled marinated chicken. I ended the evening on a sweet note with Churro Burro’s warm, crispy churros and rich chocolate dipping sauce.
The night came full circle, celebrating the patrons who support these beloved local businesses year-round, while raising funds for neighbors in need. It was a perfect evening and a true embodiment of the spirit behind Love Thy Neighbor.
Cheers to Our Local Partners
A big thank you to the hometown businesses that made the Love Thy Neighbor gala such an unforgettable evening. We are especially grateful to our platinum sponsors, Jan Moreland with Moreland Properties and Mike and Kim Clinard from Ranches At, for their generous support.
The evening came alive with music from Above the Law Band, top-notch sound by Kingdom Sound, and a beautifully designed stage by Art Seen Alliance.
Drink To Remember also wowed guests, offering expertly crafted cocktails and professional bartending. Guests enjoyed craft beers from Fitzhugh Brewing, Twisted X Brewery, and Ghost Note Brewing, while whiskey and spirits flowed from Natterjack Whiskey, Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery, Garrison Brothers Distillery, and Treaty Oak’s Ghost Hill Vodka. Wine and coffee lovers savored selections from William Chris Vineyards and Mazama Coffee Co, and Thirsty Vaquero added a sparkling non-alcoholic twist.