Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2010 > August > 29 > Entry
Texas 4000 Dinner at Hyatt Regency Austin
Charities stage stunts. Few are as stunning at the Texas 4000 Ride. Students cycle from Austin to Anchorage. That’s in Alaska, more than 4,000 miles away.
Tyler Mann and Amira Jensen
They raise money to fight cancer, working closely with Lance Armstrong’s Livestrong Foundation. To celebrate the intense experience, the riders and their friends gather in Austin each summer for a formal dinner.
Art Acevedo, Maria Groten, Eric Groten
In the past, the dinner has taken place at the Four Seasons Hotel. The Hyatt Regency Austin, site of Saturday’s event, is not in the same class, almost anyone would agree. Yet the Hyatt upped its gala game with multiple service stations, comfortably spaced tables and a full staff of alert helpers. Dark curtains behind the dais helped shape and warm the space. (The kitchen simultaneously catered the Catalyst 8 Bash across the way at the Long Center. Color me impressed.)
Sydney Reynolds and Drake Dominy
Earlier Texas 4000 dinners attracted Olympians, especially Longhorn swimmers. None popped into my view on Saturday. Yet I spent time with the celebrated — Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo and his artfully coiffed wife Tanya; along with legal and charity eagles Eric and Maria Groten (Eric is arguing his first case before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans soon).
Lauren Ibarra and Bijal Mehta
A little birdie — none of the above — told me that a cheerful announcement would be made later in the evening, relative to Livestrong and the Texas 4000. I’ll let fitness reporter Pamela LeBlanc follow up on the official word when the time is ripe.
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By ingrid husby
August 29, 2010 5:12 PM | Link to this
looks like the 4000 dinner was nice and well put together...but what about the inspirational stories from the bikers who accomplished the ride of over 4000 miles in one summer? what about all the difficult, frustrating, exciting stories of hope and growth that they encountered? one of my good friends is signed up to do it next year, and hearing her talk about her passion to spread awareness and education about cancer during the ride is definitely impressive. I look forward and hope to some insight from the riders next time!
By Meg Seeger
August 29, 2010 3:48 PM | Link to this
This really got me thinking about all the great events going on in Austin that are completely off my radar. Thanks for keeping things interesting!