Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2010 > February > 08 > Entry
Valentine’s Gala Presentation at Hilton Austin
I have not yet penetrated the inner sanctums of the tradition-encrusted Symphony Ball and its aristocratic presentations of princess debutantes. Nor have I journeyed into the heart of Old Austin’s Bachelor’s Club, which has presented available bluebloods to private audiences for decades.
Katie Jones and Henry Kittredge
Saturday, however, I delved into the much more democratic Valentine’s Gala Presentation benefiting Hospice Austin. This dignified event was launched in a private home, moved to the Renaissance Austin Hotel, then, this year, headed downtown to Hilton Austin.
Joanne Kemper and Laura Deskins
More than 100 high school seniors were slated for group presentations. Slender young women wore sleek red gowns. Upright young men looked dashing in tuxedos. Proud parents, siblings and friends also got gussied up, some mothers in demure versions of haute couture.
Kayla Kopp and Ryan Orton
Before entering the candlelit banquet room, the guests lingered in the sixth floor lobby. (Mostly) men gravitated to the HD screens to watch the Colts dominate the first quarter of the Super Bowl, then cheered when the Saints roared back in the second quarter.
Rick and Elise Schram
Why book a gala during the Super Bowl? One male guest said: “I didn’t make the connection until last week. But my daughter looks great and who would miss this?”
Elizabeth Lowrey and Patrick Brinkmann
Indeed, how many times does your son or daughter walk the stage to be presented to polite society? Some may think I’m being sarcastic, but I’m fascinated by these threads of tradition borrowed from European and East Coast culture. In our Open City, I’m rarely worried these rituals will be taken too seriously.
Ann Bauer and Marjorie Mulanax
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