Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2010 > May > 02 > Entry
Wildflower Gala at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
It starts with the greeters. Volunteers and staff welcome guests as soon as they reach the perimeter of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. A band plays University of Texas standards (the center now operates under the shared aegis of the UT College of Natural Sciences and School of Architecture). An official photographer documents each mott of guests as they ease past the exquisite landscaping into the fabric-draped courtyard.
Barbara Rodriguez and Kelley Cunny
The Wildflower Gala has always been one of the city’s finest. A silent auction of nature-themed art — actually quite high-powered — powers the donations. No live auction. No long speeches. No video. No distractions from the terrifically pleasant socializing, before, during and after dinner.
Jill Fortney and Douglas Thomas (yes)
This is a gala where the big shots mix with the hoi polloi. I lost track of the social connectors early in the evening, but a short list would include Lynda Johnson Robb, Ian Turpin, Catherine Robb, Sen. Kirk Watson, John Paul DeJoria, James Huffines, Bobby Inman, Becky Beaver, Stephen Moser, Nancy Scanlan, Nona Niland, Tim and Karrie League, Rodney Gibbs and Nancy Mims, Sharon Watkins, Melba Whatley, Jo Anne Christian, Betty King, Mary Ann Rankin, Fritz Steiner, Katy Hackerman, Melanie and Ben Barnes, Deacon Turner, Lynn and Tom Meredith and Susan Rieff.
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Stewart Mayer and Brooke Getter
I sat between Beaver and Scanlan, as any social columnist would endeavor to do. Their knowledge of the center, of Austin, of philanthropy and the major players in the local scene could fill several volumes of columns. I could listen forever. Taking mental notes.
Sen. Kirk Watson and UT System director James Huffines
Almost as interesting: The folks who traveled from New York, Washington D.C., Houston, Dallas and elsewhere just to attend this essential event. You don’t get much of that national action at other Austin galas. But then again, those parties aren’t devoted to a center founded by and named for Lady Bird Johnson!
Cecilia Chan and Dylan Fitch
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