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The 500
January 29, 2010
This is the Jetté Momant Moment
If Jetté Momant hasn’t reached you through social media, chances are, she will.
The Austin event planner and public relations expert tends her Facebook, Twitter and blogosphere networks like an avid gardener in spring. Palm Pre at the ready, she knows where you are, who you are seeing and why you should stray in her direction — if you have the time.
“He’s been out of the picture since I was four.”) For her part, Momant never considered signing up with the military.
“I don’t like other people telling me what to do,” admits the entrepreneurial Momant.
Her mother and stepfather settled in Indianapolis, Ind., to which she returns regularly. Yet Momant, who attended elementary school in Austin with actor Mechad Brooks, keeps gravitating back to Texas. She followed a friend to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, thought she’d made a mistake, then blossomed socially as a resource for other students.
“It’s a small big school,” she says. “Like Austin is a small big city.”Sitting outside at Snack Bar on South Congress Avenue, Momant claims she’s nervous talking about herself, as opposed to her normally tenacious championship of clients. Yet she appears as calm and collected as she does at nightly openings, parties and clubs. Pools of turquoise circle her neck and her curled hair deftly complements her prism-like features as we speak at length.
The human personality, you see, is an endless fascination for Momant, which might explain her degree in psychology. “I was always interested in what people do, what they like, and how to best communicate with them,” she says.
After college, she “ping-ponged” around. The Jennifer Lopez movie, “The Wedding Planner,” made a particular impression. Back in Indianpolis, she got involved in a ”lifestyle marketing” firm. She then connected with Denise Silverman at Soirée (now Clink), an Austin event-planning firm. Later, she worked with Vivian Miller, now of Austin Wedding Planners. Event design — the decor, arrangements, fabrics, etc. — became her specialty. So, at age 25, she opened her own firm, Decor Jetté, to provide those services to established planners. To entice customers, she’d charge only $500 for what she now bills $3,000.
“I kinda fell out of love with weddings,” she says. The relationships Momant developed during those years served her, however, when she started Manna, a broader promotional outfit. Soon, all her efforts will be consolidated under Jetté Momant PR and Event Productions.
Her first “cool” client was East Austin bar the Peacock, which instantly swept up the hipsters with its parties and retro atmosphere. Her major breaththough, however, came when owner Victoria Lynden transformed a gourmet grocery store on South Congress into chic Cissi’s Wine Bar. Asked to organize the opening festivities, Moment did so well — and gracefully — Lynden brought her in on other business ventures.
Since then, Momant has been the toast of the town. Or at least, the younger, connected part of it. A lot of her success can be traced back to that digital revolution.
“I’m on social media 24 hours a day,” she says. “It’s a great way to find out what’s going on in the city. To take its pulse. And, eventually, to direct that pulse.”
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January 22, 2010
AU40 Nomination Wrap Party at the Driskill Hotel
The Austin Under 40 Awards are justifiably renowned. At least locally. And whichever smarty came up with the gold-themed “AU40” abbreviation deserves a gold-plated marketing prize. But I knew next to nothing about the groups that established the awards, conferred on civic leaders under the age when the body and brain begin to slow.
Kate Stoker and Maria Orozova
It was not until I spoke with the miraculously polished Erin Geoffroy and Ryan Kelly that I discovered the awards, now in their 12th year, were devised by young men and women’s business associations that go back 100 years. And that the ceremony benefits the Austin Sunshine Camps and the Young Women’s Alliance Foundation.
Anthony De Jesus and Christopher Clary
By now, everything this group does is a celebration — of Austin, of civility, of youth. A full 600 people were expected at the Driskill Hotel upper lobby for a happy hour on Thursday — just to toast the wrap of the nomination process. The awards ceremony is not until March 6 at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center. (Note: Same night as the Heart Ball at the Long Center.)
Gordon Moore and Erin Geoffroy
Traffic kept the early birds from noshing on mixed nuts and popcorn, or filing up to the cash bars. By 8 p.m., however, the place was swarming with young professionals, dressed in an alarming array of styles from ultra-casual to near-formality.
Megan Powell, Brandyn Balmos and Stephanie Bell
I traded dish with various outstanding leaders, including salon owner Barbara Kelso, whose troubles with her SoCo landlords have been in the news. But I also just admired the folks who really seem to be energized by the will to do good in the community.
Samantha Stone, Ted Stanfield and Catherine Yong
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September 23, 2009
Your A-List: Best Singer-Songwriter
You knew this would grow into a long list. Ask Austinites their favorite singer-songwriter and they’ll shout out various rockers, folkies, country storytellers and Americana mavens. They are among Austin’s most common musical species.
Roadhouse rouser and part-time Flatlander Joe Ely tamped down 11 percent. Revisionist Iron and Wine, otherwise known as Samuel Beam, took 10 percent. Hugely talented Patty Griffin followed with 8 percent. Musical family man Bruce Robison secured 7 percent, while still-young-sounding Ricky Trevino held strong at 6 percent.
Virtually tying at 4 to 5 percent were Alejandro Escovedo, Ray Wylie Hubbard, James McMurtry and Adam Carroll. Three percent or less: Eliza Gilkyso, David Garza, Ruthie Foster, Carolyn Wonderland, Slaid Cleaves, Matt the Electrician, Patrice Pike. Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Jon Dee Graham, Kevin Russell, Jimmy LaFave, Bill Callahan, Terri Hendrix, Jimmy Smith and Sam Baker.
Austin’s overwhelming riches.
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September 16, 2009
Your A-List: Best Icehouse
The icehouse concept comes and goes.
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, icehouses made a comeback. Nostalgic, even ironic at times, these second-generation icehouses weren’t as authentically funky as the bait-shop-style joints of my youth. But they were fun and relaxed.
Waterloo, which spearheaded the ichouse revival in Austin, is still going strong, even as its Lamar-and-Sixth location evolves into a 24-hour diner. It won 34 percent of the vote in the A-List contest for Best Icehouse.
Doc’s Motorworks, which came in second place with 20 percent, represents a sort of third icehouse wave. Its founding incarnation, on South Congress Avenue, went so far as to keep the structural and stylistic elements of a former auto repair shop. It was, at once, more authentic, and yet more modern, since its clean, open service areas operate almost like a family sports bar.
Freddie’s Place and Phil’s virtually tied at 12 percent. They share casual atmospheres and firm Austin roots, the first coming from the owner of Hickory Street Cafe, the second from the owners of Amy’s Ice Cream.
Billy’s, which doubles as a micro-brewery, earned 8 percent, followed closely by C. Hunt’s. Taking 3 percent or less were Aussie’s, Junior’s, Chisholm Trail and Angel’s.
Would Posse East qualify as an icehouse? And what about Little Woodrow’s?
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September 14, 2009
2009 Fortunate 500: Style
2009 FORTUNATE 500
STYLE
For a previously posted micro-profile of Zion Francis, go here.
Linda Asaf. Linda Asaf Design, Downtown Austin Alliance
Chris Cantoya. Mint Owl
Jamie Chioco. Chioco Design
Gail Chovan and Evan Voyles. Blackmail, Neon Jungle
Stephanie Coultress and Todd O’Neill. Estilo
Katy and Matthew Culmo. By George
Giacomo Forbes. Giacomo Forbes Hair Studio
Lauren Smith Ford and Bennett Ford. Tribeza
Alyson Fox. www.alysonfox.com
Roy Fredericks. Avant Salon
My-Cherie and Anthony Haley. Shimmer & Bliss Accessories, Webber Productions, HRWK Global, Seton Forum, Austin Black Lawyers Association, Digital Media Council, StrataTX
Jenny Hart. Sublime Stitching, Austin Fashion Awards
Patty Hoffpauir. Hospice Austin, Beauty of Life, School of Human Ecology
Evelyn Jackson. JR Salon Spa
Barbara Kelso. Ann Kelso Salon and CitySpa
Jeff Kirk. Kirk Gallery
Monica and Hank Korman. Russell Korman Fine Jewelry
Karen Landa and Dale Dewey. Tribeza, St David’s Foundation, Ballet Austin, Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum, Hospice Austin
Jane Vanisko McCan. Shiki
Sherry Matthews and Dick Clark. Sherry Matthews Advocacy Marketing, Dick Clark Architecture
Lance Avery Morgan. Brilliant
Joel Mozersky. One Eleven Design, La Condesa, Malverde
Nancy Nichols. Neiman Marcus
Shirley Pinkson. W3LL
Michael Portman. Birds Barbershop
Jayson Rapaport. Birds Barbershop
Talena Rasmussen and Lizelle Villapando. Parts & Labour, New Bohemia, New Brohemia, Little Bohemia
Vickie Roan. The Menagerie, Long Center
Allen Ruiz. Jackson Ruiz Salon
Fern and Jerre Santini. Abode, Austin Museum of Art, SnatchLatch
Kendra Scott. Kendra Scott Design, LifeWorks, Dell Children’s Medical Center
Shaesby Scott. Shaesby Jewelry
Nina and Frank Seely. Ralph Lauren, Long Center, People’s Community Clinic of Austin, Austin Jazz Workshop
Elizabeth and Benjamin Serrato. Eliza Page, Zocalo Design & Advertising
Connie Strang. Avant Salon
Tracey Overbeck Stead. Tracey Overbeck Stead Interior Design
Megan Summerville. Sew Sister Fabrics, 2009 Texas’ Next Top Designer
Sue Webber. Sue Webber Productions
COMPLETE 2009 FORTUNATE 500 LISTS:
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2009 Fortunate 500: Sports
2009 FORTUNATE 500
SPORTS
For a previously posted micro-profile of Claire and Doug English, go here.
Hill Abell. Bicycle Sports Shop, Hill Country Ride for AIDS, Real Ale Ride
Candy and Rick Barnes. University of Texas, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Charles Breithaupt. University Interscholastic League
Earl Campbell. Earl Campbell Meat Products, University of Texas
Sheila and Paul Carrozza. RunTex, President’s Council on Physical Fitness
Marion Cimbala. Moving Through Cancer, Danskin Women’s Triathlon
Ed Clements. KLBJ-AM, Alzheimer’s Association of the Capital, ARC of the Capital Area, American Heart Association
John Conley. Austin Sports Commission, Conley Sports Inc., Austin Marathon
Brenda and Tommy Cox. Austin Independent School District, Coaches Outreach
Julie and Ben Crenshaw. PGA, Coore & Crenshaw
Brooklyn Decker and Andy Roddick. Andy Roddick Foundation, Association of Tennis Professionals
Mary Ann and DeLoss Dodds. University of Texas
Bill and Rhonda Farney. University Interscholastic League, Georgetown High School, Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau
Gail Goestenkors. University of Texas
Augie Garrido and Jeannie Grass. University of Texas, Hospice Austin
Michele Golden. Rodeo Austin, Golden & Co., Heart Gallery of Central Texas, Polo for Puppies
Brendan Hansen. PureSport
Christy and Tom Kite. FedEx Kinko’s Classic, Kids Classic, Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas
Bart Knaggs. Capital Sports and Entertainment, Mellow Johnny’s
Donnie Little. University of Texas, Longhorn Foundation, Urban Life Group, Longhorn Legacy
Keith Moreland. University of Texas, Longhorn Sports Network
Kay Morris. Marathon Kids
Dan Neil. University of Texas, NFL Alumni, GOPAC-TX
Aaron Peirsol. Race for the Oceans, 2008 Summer Olympics, University of Texas
Christine Plonsky. University of Texas
Edith and Darrell Royal. University of Texas, Caritas of Austin
Nicole and Reid Ryan. Round Rock Express
Julie and Scott Sayers. Coore & Crenshaw, Austin High Alumni Association, Texas State Directory Press
Eric Shanteau. University of Texas, 2008 Summer Olympics, Lance Armstrong Foundation
Bill Stapleton. Capitol Sports and Entertainment
James Street. Rise School of Austin, James Street Group, University of Texas
Gilbert Turrieta. Rodeo Austin
COMPLETE 2009 FORTUNATE 500 LISTS:
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2009 Fortunate 500: Nightlife
2009 FORTUNATE 500
NIGHTLIFE
For a previously posted micro-profile of Brad and Chad Womack, go here.
Paula and Paul Angerstein. Texacello Distillery, Paula’s Texas Orange and Lemon liquors
Mason and Mylie Arnold. Greenling.com, Go Dance
Conrad Bejarano. Spiderhouse, United States Art Authority, Ecoclean, I Luv Videos
Tito Beveridge. Fifth Generation Inc., Tito’s Handmade Vodka
C.K. Chin. Imperia
Margie Coyle. Cap City Comedy Club
Samantha and Ty Davidson. Uchi, Red Fez, Central Austin Management Group
DJ Chicken George. djchickengeorge.com, Move Something
Manuel ‘DJ Manny’ Muniz. DJ Dojo, RockIt
DJ Mel. Swoll, Rock the Casbah
Tre Dotson. Tre Dotson Productions & Talent, Maria Maria
Michael Girard. Speakeasy, Cuba Libre, Imperia
Thomas Gohring. Kick Butt Coffee
Becky and Damon Holditch. Marquee Tents
Donaji Lira. Wine & Food Foundation of Texas, Texas Heritage Songwriters Association
Gary Manley. Iron Cactus
Jette Momant. Manna Lifestyle Marketing, De’cor Jette’ Event Design, Cissi’s Wine Bar
Matt Luckie. Matt Luckie-Lucky Lounge, Lavaca St. Bar, Red Fez, District 301, Betsy¹s Bar & Star Bar
Kristin Owen. Do512.com
David Pantano. Rain, AIDS Services of Austin
Jen Shoemaker. The Phoenix
Denise Silverman. Clink
Kara and Matt Swinney. Launch 787, Austin Fashion Week
Danielle Thomas. Big Green House Presents, Red Bull
Kevin Williamson. Ranch 616, Star Bar
COMPLETE 2009 FORTUNATE 500 LISTS:
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September 13, 2009
2009 Fortunate 500: Music
2009 FORTUNATE 500
MUSIC
For a previously posted micro-profile of Rose Reyes, go here.
Susan Antone. Antone’s, Help Clifford Help Kids
Ed Bailey. KLRU, ‘Austin City Limits,’ Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival
Marcia Ball. Health Alliance of Austin Musicians, Sweet Home New Orleans, Charity Partners of Austin, ‘Peace, Love & BBQ’
John Bernadoni. The John Bernardoni Production Group
Suzanna Choffel. suzannachoffel.com, Austin Music Foundation
Amy Corbin and Charles Attal. C3, Stubb’s BBQ, Austin City Limits Festival
Melissa and Kevin Connor. ME Television, KUT
David Cotton. Saxon Pub, CottonAustin, Threadgill’s
Dave Dart. Dart Music International
Ihor Gowda. Star Making Machinery
Sara Hickman. The Roots Agency
Charlie Jones. C3, Stubb’s BBQ, Austin City Limits Festival
Andy Langer. KGSR, Esquire
Terry Lickona. ‘Austin City Limits’
Dean and Jeff Lofton. I Buy Austin, jefflofton.com
Griff Lundberg. Cactus Cafe
Martie and Gareth Maguire. Dixie Chicks
Harold McMillan. DiverseArts
Marsha Milam. Solar Power Concerts, Milam & Company
Casey Monahan. Texas Music Office
James Moody. Transmission Entertainment, Fun Fun Fun Fest, Mohawk, Club DeVille, Red 7
Nakia. ‘Water to Wine’
Tim Neece. UT Performing Arts Center
Tim O’Connor. Direct Events, Austin Music Hall, La Zona Roza
Paul Oveisi. Momo’s, Austin Music Commission
Bob Schneider. Bob Schneider Music, ‘Tarantula’
Shawn Sides and Graham Reynolds. Golden Arm Trio, Rude Mechanicals
Nada and Hartt Stearns. One World Theatre
Roland Swenson. South by Southwest
Stephen Tatton. Launch787, Sea Change Records, SureFire Media + Promotion
Greg Vendetti. GV Evolutions, GV Music Enterprises, GregVendetti.com
Charlie Walker. C3, Stubb’s BBQ, Austin City Limits Festival
Steve Wertheimer. Continental Club
Annetta and James White. Broken Spoke
Graham Williams. Transmission Entertainment, Fun Fun Fun Fest, Mohawk, Club DeVille, Red 7, Lambert’s
Eddie Wilson. Threadgill’s
COMPLETE 2009 FORTUNATE 500 LISTS:
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2009 Fortunate 500: Movies
2009 FORTUNATE 500
MOVIES
For a previous posted micro-profile of Janet and John Pierson, go here.
Paul Alvarado-Dykstra. Fantastic Fest, Texas Motion Picture Alliance
Connie Britton. ‘Friday Night Lights,’ ‘Women in Trouble,’ ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’
Elizabeth Avellan. ‘Shorts,’ ‘Santos,’ Troublemaker Studios, Texas Motion Picture Alliance
Louis Black. Austin Chronicle, South by Southwest
Gary Bond. Austin Film Office, Austin Film Commission
Sandra Bullock and Jesse James. Bess Bistro, Walton’s Fancy and Staple, South Austin Speed Shop, ‘The Proposal,’ ‘All About Steve’
Kat Candler. Candler Productions, University of Texas
Kathryn and Kyle Chandler. ‘Friday Night Lights,’ ‘Morning,’ Beyond the Lights Celebrity Golf Tournament
Ashley Chiles. Ladyflash
Cole Dabney. Austin Film Critics, Coleandbobby.com
Marc English. Austin Film Society, Marc English Design
Caroline Frick. Texas Film Archives
Hector Galan. ‘The Music of America,’ ‘The Big Squeeze,’ ‘The War’
Dana Glover. Median Films, ‘Jollenbach’
Kyle Henry and Carlos Treviño. ‘Beeswax,’ Rude Mechs, ‘University, Inc.’
Tamara and Bob Hudgins. Texas Film Commission, Chisholm Trail Community Foundation
Mike Judge. ‘The Goode Family,’ Austin Film Society
Taylor Kitsch. ‘Friday Night Lights,’ ‘Wolverine’
Harry Knowles. Ain’t It Cool News, Fantastic Fest, Butt-numb-a-thon
Richard Linklater. Austin Film Society, ‘Inning by Inning,’ ‘Me and Orson Welles’
Suzanne and Tim McCanlies. ‘The Two Bobs’
Henri Mazza. Alamo Drafthouse
Barbara Morgan. Austin Film Festival
Mark Mueller. Voodoo Cowboy, Mueller Law
Chale Nafus. Austin Film Society
Masashi Niwano. Austin Asian American Film Festival
Karen Olsson and Andrew Bujalski. ‘Beeswax,’ Texas Monthly, ‘Waterloo’
Jesse Plemons. ‘Friday Night Lights,’ Greater Austin Walk for Autism, Beyond the Lights Charity Golf Tournament
PJ Raval. ‘Trouble the Water,’ ‘Trinidad,’ ‘The Two Bobs’
Robert Rodriguez. ‘Shorts,’ Austin Film Society, Troublemaker Studios
Tom Schatz. UT Film Institute
Paul Stekler. Austin Film Society, University of Texas
Agnes Varnum. Austin Film Society, Doc It Out
Janell Vela-Smith. Fighting Stunts Association, Spiderwood Studios
Anne Walker-McBay. ‘The Two Bobs’
Tommy G. Warren. Spiderwood Studios
Tara Wood. Wood Entertainment, ‘Waco’
David and Nathan Zellner. ‘Goliath’
COMPLETE 2009 FORTUNATE 500 LISTS:
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September 12, 2009
2009 Fortunate 500: Media
2009 FORTUNATE 500
MEDIA
For previously posted micro-profile of Elaine and Rich Garza, go here.
John Aielli. KUT
Lani Anglin-Rosales and Connie Reese. New Media Labs, Connect Every Dot, AgentGenius.com
Sarah Bird. Texas Monthly, ‘How Perfect Is That’
Bobby Bones. KISS-FM
Olga Campos and Kevin Benz. KVUE, News 8 Austin, CASA, Con Mi Madre, Lutheran Social Services, Make a Difference Banquet, Greenlights for Nonprofit Success, Carole Kneeland Project for Excellence in Journalism
Mike Chapman. Austin Social Media Club
Mary Anne Connolly. Austin Woman, Reel Women, Conspirare
Jody Denberg. KGSR
Dale Dudley. KLBJ
J.B. Hager. Mix 94.7, Austin Monthly, Bikes for Kids
Kathy and Robert Hadlock. KXAN, CASA, Easter Seals
Jim Hightower. Texas Observer, Austin Chronicle
Kelly and Sally Jackson. Midlife Gals
Jill McGuckin. McGuckin Entertainment PR
Sandy McIlree. Bikes for Kids, Mix 94.7
John Erik Metcalf. John Erik Metcalf
Cile Montgomery. Giant Media
Tolly Moseley. Austin Eavesdropper
Kevin Newsum. Yelp Austin
Patricia Paredes. First Night Austin, Texas Campus Compact, Leadership Austin
Taylor Perkins. Rare
Jean and Dan Rather. ‘Dan Rather Reports,’ Austin Museum of Art, News and Guts Media
Heath Riddles and Graydon Parrish. KOOP, Hirschl & Adler
Alisha Ring. Texas Tribune
Paul Saucido. Saucido Slant, Mercury Mambo, Sonido Boombox
Steve Savage. KAZI
Emily and Dave Shaw. Russell-Shaw, I&O Communications, Art Alliance of Austin, Leadership Austin, Greenlights for Nonprofit Success, Catalyst 8
Rusty Shelton. Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicity, Texas Book Festival
Clay Smith. Texas Book Festival
Heidi Marquez Smith. Texas Book Festival
Kevin Smothers and Michael Pungello. Pulse, DMX, Catalyst 8, Leadership Austin
Susan and Bill Stotesbery. KLRU, Hart InterCivic
Kerry Tate and Susan Rieff. TateAustinHahn, Civic Interest, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Helen Thompson. Austin Monthly Homes
Alisa Weldon and Lynn Yeldell. L Style G Style, Well+Done Design, UBS Financial Services Inc.
Michelle Castillo-West and Phil West. Luminaria Media & Public Relations
For images of the 2009 Fortunate 500 Media listees, go here.
COMPLETE 2009 FORTUNATE 500 LISTS:
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September 11, 2009
2009 Fortunate 500: Law
2009 FORTUNATE 500
LAW
Randi Shade and Kayla Shell. Austin City Council, Dell Inc., Days of Service
Niyanta and Bill Spelman. Austin City Council, LBJ School of Public Affairs
Lara Wendler and Mike Martinez. Austin City Council, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas, National Coalition Building Institute, Texas Senate
Evelyn and Wyeth Wiedeman. Ben Barnes Group, Democratic Party, EntreCorp
Tomi and Pete Winstead. Winstead, Long Center for the Performing Arts, Economic Development Corp., Greater Austin-San Antonio Corridor Council
For images of the 2009 Fortunate 500 Law listees, go here.
COMPLETE 2009 FORTUNATE 500 LISTS:
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2009 Fortunate 500: Heritage
2009 FORTUNATE 500
HERITAGE
For a previously posted micro-profile of Heritage Top Pick Jo Anne Christian, go here.
M. Ann and George Attal. Austin Galleries, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, Easter Seals, American Youthworks
Judy and John Avery. Ronald McDonald House, Austin Community College, Texas State University
Melanie and Ben Barnes. Ben Barnes Group, Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center, National Charity League, St. Francis School
Jan Bullock. Texas Governor’s Mansion Restoration Fund, Texas State History Museum Foundation
Ann and Roy Butler. Capitol Beverage Co., Austin Community Foundation, Austin Police Department
Elizabeth Christian and Bruce Todd. Elizabeth Christian Associates, Bruce Todd Public Affairs
Nicole Nugent Covert. University of Texas, Children’s Medical Center Foundation of Central Texas, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Joanne and Jack Crosby. The Rust Group, University of Texas
Carol and Tim Crowley. Greater Austin Chamber, Ronald McDonald House, Junior League
Dealey and David Herndon. Herndon, Stauch & Associates, Texas State History Museum Foundation, Texas Governor’s Mansion Restoration Fund, State Preservation Board
Luci Baines Johnson and Ian Turpin. LBJ Holding Co., Friends of the LBJ Library, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Melissa Jones. Houston Endowment, Annie’s List, Molly National Journalism Prize
Sue McBee. Austin History Center Association, Austin Community Foundation
Julie and Pat Oles. Barshop & Oles Co., Clayton Dabney Foundation, Texas State History Museum Foundation
Gay Ratliff. Gay Ratliff Interiors, Heritage Society of Austin, Texas Governor’s Mansion Restoration Fund, National Trust for Historic Preservation
Catherine Robb. Sedgwick, Detert, Moran & Arnold LLP, LBJ Library Future Forum, Austin Music Foundation
Nancy Scanlan and John Watson. St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, Save Our Springs Alliance, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Molly National Journalism Prize
Gabrielle Sheshunoff. Sheshunoff Management Services, Sheshunoff Consulting + Solutions
Pam and Dr. George “Boots” Willeford. Pico Drilling, Texas Governor’s Mansion Restoration Fund, Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries, Texas Exes, Texas Cultural Trust
For images of the 2009 Fortunate 500 Heritage listees, go here.
COMPLETE 2009 FORTUNATE 500 LISTS:
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September 10, 2009
2009 Fortunate 500: Food
2009 FORTUNATE 500
FOOD
For a micro-profile of the Food Top Picks, go here.
Alma Alcocer-Thomas. Fonda San Miguel
David Alan and Joe Eflier. TipsyTexan.com, Annies
Susan and Ed Auler. Fall Creek Vineyards
Eddie Bernal. 34th Street Cafe, Santa Rita Cantina, Blue Star Cafeteria
Paula Biehler. Biehler & Associates
Jeff Blank. Hudson’s on the Bend, The Mighty Cone
Faith Chan. Cissi’s Market
Clayton Christopher. Sweet Leaf Tea
Rebeka and Tyson Cole. Uchi, Uchiko, Canteen
Jessica and Todd Duplechan. Trio, Dishalicious
Lisa and Emmett Fox. Asti, Fino
Margaret and David Jabour. Twin Liquors
Laura and Jamie Kelso. Dishola
Liz Lambert and Amy Cook. Hotel San José, Jo’s Hot Coffee, El Cosmico, Bunkhouse, Hotel Saint Cecilia, ‘The Sky Observer’s Guide’
Victoria Lynden and Piper Jones. Cissi’s Wine Bar
Larry McGuire. Lamberts Downtown Barbecue, La Condesa, Perla’s
Trina and Damian Mandola. Mandola’s Italian Market, Mandola’s Estate Winery, Austin Children’s Shelter, Marywood Foundation, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School
Lisa Matulis. Delish Cupcakes
Aimee Olson. Texas Culinary Academy, Les Dames D’Escoffier
Elmar Prambs. Trio, Caritas
Kerri Qunell. Capital Area Food Bank of Texas
Ixchel and Armando Rayo. TacoJournalism.com
Robert Rhoades. Hudson’s on the Bend, The Mighty Cone
Rebecca Robinson. Wine & Food Foundation of Texas
Bud Royer. Royer’s Round Top Cafe, Meals on Wheels, American YouthWorks
Suzanne Santos. Austin Farmers’ Market
Carol Ann Sayle and Larry Butler. Boggy Creek Farms, Green Corn Project
Stewart Scruggs. Zoot, Wink
Amy and Steve Simmons. Amy’s Ice Creams, Phil’s Ice House, Austinville
Scott Simons. Whole Foods
Chuck Smith. Moonshine
Karen Odom Spezia and Roy Spezia. Tribeza, Clark, Thomas & Winters, Les Dames D’Escoffier, Wine & Food Foundation of Texas
Foo Swasdee. Satay, Texas Asian Chamber of Commerce, Get Sum Dim Sum
Michael Vilim. Mirabelle, Wine & Food Foundation of Texas
Sharon Watkins. Chez Zee, Zach Theatre, Long Center, UT PAC
Peggy and Ron Weiss. Shoreline Grill, Jeffrey’s
For images of the 2009 Fortunate 500 Food listees, go here.
COMPLETE 2009 FORTUNATE 500 LISTS:
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2009 Fortunate 500: Education
2009 FORTUNATE 500
EDUCATION
Sandy Alcala. Junior League of Austin, UTLatinos, Texas Exes
Amy Averett. Austin Voices For Education and Youth
Alex Brown. Austin Community College Foundation, AMD
Meria Carstarphen. Austin Independent School District
Roxann Thomas Chargois. The Links Inc., St. Edward’s University
Penny and Thomas Cedel. Concordia University Texas
Larry Earvin. Austin Area Urban League, Huston-Tillotson University, Leadership Austin
Thomas E. Gallagher. Austin Community College Foundation, Seton Family of Hospitals
Katy Hackerman. UT College of Natural Sciences Janet Harman. KDK-Harman Foundation, St. Stephen’s School, Southwest Council of Foundations
Kim Heilbrun and William Powers. University of Texas, Austin Triathlon, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School
Johnita and Bill Jones. Texas A&M System
Jill Kolasinski and Rip Esselstyn. KIPP Austin, Austin Fire Department, ‘The Engine 2 Diet’
Michael Lofton. African American Men and Boys/Women and Girls Conference
George E. Martin. St. Edward’s University
Leslie Powers. Rise School of Austin
Mary Ann Rankin. University of Texas
Laura Steinbach. Rawson-Saunders School
Lucia and Paul Woodruff. University of Texas
Denise M. Trauth and John Huffman. Texas State University-San Marcos
Louise and Steven Weinberg. University of Texas, the Nobelity Project
Mary and Howard Yancy. University of Texas, People’s Community Clinic, Texas Book Festival
To see images of the Fortunate 500 Education listees, go here.
COMPLETE 2009 FORTUNATE 500 LISTS:
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September 9, 2009
2009 Fortunate 500: Charity
2009 FORTUNATE 500
CHARITY
For a previously posted micro-profile of the Charity Top Picks, go here.
Heidi Adams. Planet Cancer
Joanie and Ben Bentzin. Center for Child Protection, Long Center, University of Texas
Donna and Philip Berber. A Glimmer of Hope Foundation
Gary Cooper and Richard Hartgrove. Zach Theatre, Austin Lyric Opera, Austin Museum of Art, Out Youth, AIDS Services of Austin
Jennifer and Ashton Cumberbatch. Council for Community Reconciliation, Seton Healthcare Network, Agape Christian Ministries, Greater Austin Chamber
Wilhelmina Delco and Dr. Exalton Delco, Jr. North Austin Medical Center, Huston-Tillotson University, Greater Austin Crime Commission
Susan and Bobby Epstein. Long Center, Jewish Community Association of Austin, Austin Film Society, Children’s Medical Center Foundation of Central Texas
Mark Erwin and Stephen Rice. Octopus Club, Lone Star Legal Copy & Imaging, Standard Answer
Rob Faubion and JoeLane Schumann. AIDS Services of Austin, Wright House Wellness Center, Austin Onstage, Project Transitions
Jesus Garza. Seton Family of Hospitals
Alan Graham. Mobile Loaves and Fishes
Kate and Robert Hersch. Heritage Society of Austin, Austin Film Society, Ballet Austin
Matt Kouri. Greenlights for Nonprofits
Brenda Kennedy. Jack & Jill of America, 403rd Judicial Criminal District Court of Travis
Cindy and Greg Kozmetsky. United Way, RGK Foundation, PeopleFund
Sterling Lands II. Greater Calvary Bible Church, Eastside Social Action Coalition
Susan and Craig Lubin. Austin Gastroenterology, Ballet Austin, Jewish Community Association of Austin
Patsy Woods Martin. I Live Here, I Give Here
Susan McDowell. LifeWorks, Austin Under 40
Heather McKissick. Leadership Austin
Earl Maxwell. St. David’s Community Health Foundation, Maxwell Locke & Ritter, Austin Area Research Organization, Long Center, Austin Community College Foundation, Austin Partners in Education
Dick Moeller. St. David’s Community Health Foundation, Enovate Enterprises, Water to Thrive, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
Dr. Nona Niland and David Braun. Ann Richards School, Long Center, People’s Community Clinic, Center For Public Policy Priorities, UT School of Nursing Advisory Council, Niland Foundation
Denise and Randy Phillips. Promiseland West
MariBen Ramsey and Karen Kahan. Association of Junior Leagues International, Austin Community Foundation, Seton Fund
Beverly Scarborough. Texas Commission on Mental Health and Mental Retardation, Ballet Austin, Girl Scouts, Congregation Beth Israel
Lily and Yigal Saad. Anti-Defamation League, Austin Lyric Opera, Jewish Community Center Association
Amy Stanley. KeyStaff, Big Brothers Big Sisters
Venus and Bill Strawn. Center for Child Protection, Rise School of Austin, Women’s Fund of Central Texas
Margot and Grant Thomas. YouthLaunch, People’s Community Clinic, Town Lake Trail Foundation
Kelly and Richard Topfer. Topfer Family Foundation, Children’s Medical Center Foundation of Central
Doug Ulman. Lance Armstrong Foundation
Barbara Vackar. Austin Women’s Network, National Women’s History Museum, Leadership Austin
Isabel and Dave Welland. Miracle Foundation, Children’s Medical Center Foundation of Central Texas, Long Center
Alex Winkelman. Charity Bash
Amy and Al Wong Mok. Asian American Cultural Center
Armando Zambrano. Children’s Medical Center Foundation of Central Texas
For selected images Charity listees, go here.
COMPLETE 2009 FORTUNATE 500 LISTS:
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2009 Fortunate 500: Business
FORTUNATE 500
BUSINESS
Laura and Jeff Sandefer. Acton MBA in Entrepreneurship, Paramount and State Theatres
Brian Sharples. Home Away, Austin Ventures
Nav Sooch. Sooch Foundation, Silicon Laboratories Inc., Miracle Foundation
Bertrand and Roy Sosa. NetSpend Corp., MPower Venture, Relationship and Information Series for Entrepreneurs
Jim Walker. Central Texas Sustainability Indicators, Mueller Neighborhood Coalition, Austin Under 40
Diana Zuniga. Investors Alliance Inc., Spring, Real Estate Council of Austin, Zach Theatre, Austin Area Research Organization, E3 Alliance, St. Mary’s Cathedral School, Austin Commercial Real Estate Society
COMPLETE 2009 FORTUNATE 500 LISTS:
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September 8, 2009
2009 Fortunate 500: Arts
2009 FORTUNATE 500
ARTS
See previously posted micro-profile of Arts Top Picks here.
Amy Barbee. Texas Cultural Trust
Ellen Bartel. Spank Dance Company,
Ron Berry. Refraction Arts, Fuse Box Festival
Robert Brown and Dennis Karbach. Long Center, Austin Museum of Art, Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival, Paramount Theatre
Sarah and Ernest Butler. Butler School of Music, Blanton Museum of Art, Austin Museum of Art, Austin Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Austin, Austin Lyric Opera
Lisa Byrd and Ana Ixchel Rosal. ProArts Collective, University of Texas
Barbara Chisholm and Robert Faires. Zach Theatre, Austin Chronicle
Katie Hernandez Cowles. Women & Their Work, Austin Museum of Art, Mexic-Arte Museum
Mela Dailey and Peter Bay. Austin Symphony Orchestra
Charles Duggan. Long Center, Greater Tuna Presents, Austin Lyric Opera, Ballet Austin, Democratic National Committee Advisory Board
Sean Gaulager. Co-Lab, Cantanker
Dana Friis-Hansen and Mark Holzbach. Austin Museum of Art, Zebra Imaging, Rude Mechanicals
Sue Graze. Arthouse, Ballet Austin
Deborah Green. Austin Film Society, Austin Museum of Art, Arthouse, UT College of Fine Arts
Mary Ann and Andrew Heller. Heller Records, Austin Lyric Opera, Austin Symphony Orchestra, Long Center, UT College of Fine Arts
Sondra Lomax and Peter Lohman. UT Performing Arts Center, UT College of Fine Arts
Brent Hasty and Stephen Mills. Ballet Austin, University of Texas, Arthouse
Jeanne and Michael Klein. Blanton Museum of Art, Arthouse, University of Texas
Gail and Jeff Kodosky. National Instruments Corp., UT Austin, Texas State, ACC, KIPP, Austin Children’s Museum, Girlstart, Austin Lyric Opera, Austin Symphony, Ballet Austin, Conspirare, Long Center, Austin Chamber Music Center, Austin Classical Guitar Society, Zach Scott, KMFA, KLRU, Round Top Festival Institute, Austin Community Foundation
Rachel Koper. Austin Chronicle, Women & Their Work
Chris Mattsson and John McHale. Austin Museum of Art, Arthouse
Stuart Moulton and Brian Jenson. Austin Cabaret Theatre, Green Mango Real Estate
Anton Nel and Dr. Bill Jones. Long Center, University of Texas, Concierge Family Medicine
Arturo Palacios. Art Palace, Texas Biennial, Austin Museum of Art, Blanton Museum of Art
Sylvia Orozco. Mexic-Arte Museum
Candace Partridge. Long Center, Austin Lyric Opera
Paula and Damian Priour. Umlauf Sculpture Garden, Austin Museum of Art
Cliff Redd and Rick Johnson. Long Center
Lora Reynolds and Quincy Lee. Lora Reynolds Gallery, Arthouse, Blanton Museum of Art
Cookie and Phil Ruiz. Ballet Austin, Con Mi Madre, Girls Empowerment Network, Texans for the Arts, CreateAustin
Michelle Schumann and Matt Orem. Austin Chamber Music Center, Mary Hardin-Baylor University.
Jane Sibley. Austin Symphony Orchestra, Long Center, UT College of Fine Arts
Dave Steakley and Tony Johnson. Zach Theatre
Ken Stein and Ken Lambrecht. Paramount Theatre, Planned Parenthood of Texas
Judy Willcott and Laurence Miller. Texas French Bread, Fluent~Collaborative, Arthouse, Blanton Museum of Art
Jennifer Wijangco. Texas Cultural Trust
Eva and Marvin Womack. Austin Lyric Opera, Proctor & Gamble, Long Center
COMPLETE 2009 FORTUNATE 500 LISTS:
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2009 Fortunate 500: All-Stars
2009 FORTUNATE 500
ALL-STARS
Anyone can be nominated by readers. We take each nomination seriously, looking carefully for social investment and general accessibility. Then we track the nominees at social events all year long.
It’s that simple. No mysterious midnight elections. No shoulder-tapping ceremonies.
As in years past, the 2009 Fortunate 500 come from a multitude of backgrounds and represent the defining social activities of Central Texas. Also, the list changes significantly each year. At least 20 percent of the 500 available slots — many occupied by couples — alter each year.
The big surprise this time: The rapid rise of fashion as a common social denominator. As the inaugural Austin Fashion Week demonstrated during the summer, style has joined Austin’s old power centers — law, education, business, charity — and its established cultural expressions — music, movies, media, arts — as a definitional part of our social environment. Combined with the city’s ever more sophisticated food and nightlife scenes, fashion also helps illustrate the emergence of a uniquely local brand of recognizable glamour
.Top Picks: Eloise and John Paul DeJoria
Carol and Chris Adams. Austin Film Society, Austin Music Foundation, St. Edward’s University, Animal Trustees of Austin, Zach Theatre, AIDS Services of Austin, Arthouse, Blue Lapis Light/Sally Jacques
James Armstrong and Larry Connelly. Austin Museum of Art, Austin Lyric Opera, Long Center, Zach Theatre, UT College of Fine Arts
Lance Armstrong. Lance Armstrong Foundation, Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop, Team Radio Shack
Suzanne and David Booth. Dimensional Fund Advisors, Booth Heritage Foundation, Friends of Heritage Preservation, the Centre Pompidou Foundation, Chicago Booth School of Business
Linda Ball and Forrest Preece. Ballet Austin, Badgerdog Literary Publishing, Austin Cabaret Theatre, Austin Film Festival, Zach Theatre
Becky Beaver and John Duncan. Law Office of Becky Beaver, Ballet Austin, Texas Family Law Foundation, Austin Children’s Museum, Planned Parenthood of Austin, People’s Community Clinic, Austin Museum of Art, University of Texas, Annie’s List, Long Center
Sally and Mack Brown. University of Texas, Helping Hand Society, Rise School of Austin, Austin Partners in Education
Tana and Joe Christie. AIDS Services of Austin, Austin Lyric Opera, Armstrong Community Music School, Out Youth, Ransom Center
Linda and Bob Cole. KVET, Boy Scouts, Dell Children’s Medical Center, Frisco Shop, the Tavern, Hill’s Cafe
Susan and Michael Dell. Dell Inc., Dell Family Foundation, Dell Children’s Medical Center, Long Center, Austin Children’s Shelter, Arthouse
Oliver Everette and Craig Rancourt. L Style G Style, Human Rights Campaign, Arthouse, Equality Texas, Aids Services of Austin, Zach Scott, Octopus Club
Mary Margaret and Ray Farabee. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, People’s Community Clinic, Southwestern Writers Collection, Molly National Journalism Prize
Marcy Hoen and Bijoy Goswami. Bootstrap Austin, ‘The Human Fabric,’ Leadership Austin, Salon Sovay, Austin Art Start, Liminicity Consulting
Maria Luisa ‘Lulu’ Flores and Scott Hendler. National Women’s Political Caucus, Hendler Law, Mexic-Arte Museum, Save Town Lake Association, Hispanic Bar Association of Austin
Karen Frost and Charles Levy. Frost Media Relations, Nobelity, Texas Cultural Trust, Leadership Austin, I Live Here I Give Here, Impact Austin
Patty and James Huffines. University of Texas System, TXU Energy, PlainsCapital Bank, Austin Community Foundation, Center for Child Protection, Austin Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Fund for Central Texas
Teresa and Joe Long. Long Center, University of Texas, Austin Museum of Art, Austin Symphony Orchestra, UT College of Fine Arts
Carla and Jack McDonald. Perficient, Dynabrand PR, American Youthworks, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, Austech Alliance, PeopleFund, People’s Community Clinic
Lynn and Tom Meredith. MFI Foundation, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Austin Children’s Museum, University of Texas, Long Center
Stephen Moser. Austin Chronicle, Made in Heaven
Willie Nelson. ‘Two Men with the Blues,’ Club Luck, Farm Aid, National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, Nobelity Project, Carl’s Corner
Deborah and Larry Peel. KLRU, Larry Peel Co., Wine & Food Foundation of Texas, Thoughtful House Center for Autism, Electronic Privacy Information Center
Anita and Rick Perry. Governor of Texas, Texas Conference for Women, National Governors Association, March of Dimes, Main Street Program, Center for Child Protection
Christy and Turk Pipkin. Nobelity Project, Miracle Foundation, A Glimmer of Hope Foundation
Sara and Dick Rathgeber. Rathgeber Village, Austin Children’s Shelter, People’s Community Clinic, Salvation Army
Amy and Kirk Rudy. Endeavor Real Estate Group, Anti-Defamation League, Equality Texas, AIDS Services of Austin, Ballet Austin, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School
Eugene Sepulveda and Steven Tomlinson. ABPorter.org, Entrepreneurs Foundation, Acton School of Business, FuseBox Festival, Wheatsville Coop, DNC NFC/LGBT Leadership Council, KDK Harman Foundation, PeopleFund
Julia and Evan Smith. Texas Tribune, Blanton Museum of Art, Trinity Episcopal School, Austin Film Society, People’s Community Clinic, Planned Parenthood
Julie and John Thornton. Austin Ventures, Texas Tribune, Ballet Austin, Blanton Museum of Art, testperformancetest, Arthouse
Michelle Valles and Ray Benson. KEYE, Asleep at the Wheel, Bismeaux Studio, Muscular Dystrophy Association, American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, Aguila Awards, Human Rights Campaign, HAAM, St. Davids Foundation, SIMS
Liz McDaniel Watson and Kirk Watson. Texas Senate, Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, Lance Armstrong Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Alexa and Blaine Wesner. Austin Ventures, Blue Texas, Austin Film Society, Lifeworks, Downtown Austin Alliance, Artworks, Austin Museum of Art
Suzanne and Marc Winkelman. Calendar Club, Jewish Community Association of Austin, Democratic Party, Long Center, Elie Weisel Foundation for Humanity
Anne Elizabeth Wynn and Joaquin Avellán. Atticus Circle, ‘Deeper and Deeper,’ ‘Entre LÃneas,’ Austin Poetry Slam, Arthouse, Austin Public Library Foundation, CASA
Will Wynn. Civitas Investments, LPB Energy Management, City of Austin
For selected images of the 2009 All-Stars, go here.
COMPLETE 2009 FORTUNATE 500 LISTS:
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September 7, 2009
Fortunate 500 Top Picks: Style
The Top Picks for the 2009 Fortunate 500 list of socially active area citizens were published in Glossy on Friday. In Out & About, we’ll mete out those Top Picks over the next few days. Then, beginning Tuesday, we’ll release the full lists and galleries.
Top Pick: Zion Francis.
She’s more than a top Austin model, actress, civil engineer and soon-to-be sustainability consultant. Often, Zion Francis — known simply as Zion —is the light of random Austin social gatherings. One’s eye can’t get enough of her — slender, poised, always styled a bit differently for each occasion. After graduating from the University of Texas, Zion worked as a model for clients such as Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Sak’s, Lake Austin Spa and Resort, NIKE, Tribeza’s Style Week and Rare Magazine. She’s also served as a runway instructor and a guest host on the Food Network’s “Rescue Chef.” She plays a character in an educational cartoon series and has been featured in Essence Magazine. She won the first-ever critics choice prize for Best Female Fashion Model at the Austin Fashion Awards. When she’s not working? “I enjoy outdoor adventure sports, international eco-traveling, and all things healthy and socially conscious,” she says. Hard to beat that.
For more 2009 Fortunate 500 updates, follow the category link below.
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Fortunate 500 Top Picks: Sports
The Top Picks for the 2009 Fortunate 500 list of socially active area citizens were published in Glossy on Friday. In Out & About, we’ll mete out those Top Picks over the next few days. Then, beginning Tuesday, we’ll release the full lists and galleries.
Top Picks: Claire and Doug English
Almost anyone who has played for a winning team at the University of Texas Longhorns has itched to return to Austin. Few have done so with as much social aplomb and charitable effectiveness as Doug English and his wife Claire. After contributing to three Southwest Conference championships, English joined the Detroit Lions defensive line, peaking in 1983 with 13 sacks and recording a pro career total of 59. He was named All-Pro three times and went to four Pro Bowls. Since returning to Austin, he helped found the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation, which helps people with spinal cord injuries, and he remains its leader. Claire, who volunteers in the Eanes school district, and their daughter, Rachel, got involved with the National Charities league, a mother/daughter philanthropy group. (Their son, Blake, is still in middle school.) They spend time at their ranch on the shores of Lake Travis, but also help out with the Center for Child Protection, Longhorn Foundation, CASA, Any Baby Can and NFL alumni charities. Would that all former Longhorns did a fraction as much for the community.
For more 2009 Fortunate 500 updates, follow the category link below.
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Fortunate 500 Top Picks: Nightlife
The Top Picks for the 2009 Fortunate 500 list of socially active area citizens were published in Glossy on Friday. In Out & About, we’ll mete out those Top Picks over the next few days. Then, beginning Tuesday, we’ll release the full lists and galleries.
Top Picks: Brad and Chad Womack.
Natives of Georgia, identical twins Brad and Chad Womack — along with brother Wes and business partner Jason Carrier — worked a lot of tough jobs before launching their Austin nightlife empire. They kept the humility those jobs engendered. Their Sixth Street bars - now including Thirsty Nickel, Chuggin’ Monkey and Dizzy Rooster — first made headlines as “Real World Austin” haunts. Then Brad grabbed international fame with his appearance on “The Bachelor,” ending the series without proposing to any of the candidates.
The hard-working Womack-Carrier team branched out into the Warehouse District with The Marq, then West Sixth Street with Molotov. In 2010, they take over the lease at Mother Egan’s, which they will completely transform, as they have each previous watering hole. While applying their management wisdom to these clubs, they also made them available for fundraising events, such as the youth-oriented Charity Bash. “We had always envisioned a career in which we could socialize with people while using our business as a creative outlet,” Brad says. “Treat people like they are in our living room and they will come back; it’s not that hard to be nice.”
For more 2009 Fortunate 500 updates, follow the category link below.
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Fortunate 500 Top Picks: Music
The Top Picks for the 2009 Fortunate 500 list of socially active area citizens were published in Glossy on Friday. In Out & About, we’ll mete out those Top Picks over the next few days. Then, beginning Tuesday, we’ll release the full lists and galleries.
Top Pick: Rose Reyes
This Edinburg native threw down deep roots when she moved to Austin in 1984. Some of those roots related to business (Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Texas Department of Commerce); others dealt with music and the arts (Texas Folklife Resources, Tish Hinojosa). These tendrils sprouted four years ago into an ideal job for the busy promoter when she was named director of music marketing for the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau. Meanwhile, she has served on boards for La Peña, National Academy of Recorded Arts Texas Chapter, Cine Las Americas and the Live Music Task Force. She’s consulted for Americans for the Arts, Library of Congress, Lainto USA, the Alejandro Fund, Ballet Austin, ALLGO and the International Accordian Festival, serving on deliberative bodies for Fund for Folk Culture, National Endowment for the Arts and Texas Commission on the Arts. And, oh, she’s out hearing music all the time. All kinds. Wave when you see her.
For more 2009 Fortunate 500 updates, follow the category link below.
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Fortunate 500 Top Picks: Movies
The Top Picks for the 2009 Fortunate 500 list of socially active area citizens were published in Glossy on Friday. In Out & About, we’ll mete out those Top Picks over the next few days. Then, beginning Tuesday, we’ll release the full lists and galleries.
Top Picks: Janet and John Pierson
The movie industry is not kind to couples. Yet, together and apart, Janet and John Pierson have devoted three decades to pushing independent films and filmmakers. They’ve served as distributors, exhibitors, producer’s representatives, investors, workshop producers and executive producers. They co-created the Independent Film Channel’s series, “Split Screen,” and both serve on boards for the linchpin resource for local movies and fans, Austin Film Society. John wrote the seminal bestseller about the indie industry, “Spike, Mike, Slackers and Dykes,” and teaches at the University of Texas. Janet is the producer of the South by Southwest Conference and Festival. Yet it’s their relentlessly social — and sometimes contradictory — enthusiasms for movies that make them the city’s first film couple. Even their children, Georgia and Wyatt, caught the movie bug. All four appear in the documentary “Reel Paradise.”
For more 2009 Fortunate 500 updates, follow the category link below.
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September 6, 2009
Fortunate 500 Top Picks: Media
The Top Picks for the 2009 Fortunate 500 list of socially active area citizens were published in Glossy on Friday. In Out & About, we’ll mete out those Top Picks over the next few days. Then, beginning Tuesday, we’ll release the full lists and galleries.
Top Picks: Elaine and Rich Garza.
Who does not adore Elaine Garza? And, when he’s out in the public eye, her husband Rich? She’s the University of Texas graduate and bigwig behind Giant Noise, the national and local media firm she started in New York City with two partners. He’s the Austin native who founded the Pachanga Festival and launched GiantCookman with Latin music veteran Thomas Cookman. The couple met on a beautiful summer’s day in New York in 1997 and are raising two children. You can find investing time and treasure in the Austin Music Foundation, Austin Music Commission, Latino Music Month, ALMA, Futuro Fund and Austin Children’s Museum Open Access Fund. Also at parties. If you see them, make a beeline. It will be the most entertaining conversation of the evening.
For more 2009 Fortunate 500 updates, follow the category link below.
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Fortunate 500 Top Picks: Heritage
The Top Picks for the 2009 Fortunate 500 list of socially active area citizens were published in Glossy on Friday. In Out & About, we’ll mete out those Top Picks over the next few days. Then, beginning Tuesday, we’ll release the full lists and galleries.
Top Pick: Jo Anne Christian
A) She’s a highly respected lawyer and a life member of the Texas Bar Foundation. B) Her late husband, George, was a top aide to President Lyndon Johnson. C) One daughter, Elizabeth, heads a prominent policy and public relations firm, and is married to former mayor Bruce Todd. (Besides Elizabeth, she has five children and 12 grandchildren.) D) Jo Anne Christian is best known to Austin readers, however, as one of the “Three J’s,” along with Jane Sibley and Jare Smith, the original thinkers behind the the Long Center for the Performing Arts. Since her husband’s death in 2002, Christian has, if anything, engaged Austin’s social and artistic community even more thoroughly. A founding member of the Austin Lyric Opera board of directors, she’s been an Austin Symphony Orchestra supporter since 1969. She’s actively backed the Conspirare, Blanton Museum of Art, Ransom Center, St. David’s Foundation, All Saint’s Episcopal Church and the University of Texas School of Fine Arts for decades. That’s not all. She’s making smart, funny remarks at social events all year long.
For more 2009 Fortunate 500 updates, follow the category link below.
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Fortunate 500 Top Picks: Food
The Top Picks for the 2009 Fortunate 500 list of socially active area citizens were published in Glossy on Friday. In Out & About, we’ll mete out those Top Picks over the next few days. Then, beginning Tuesday, we’ll release the full lists and galleries.
Top Picks: Marla Camp and Jeff Kessel
If the locavore revolution has an Austin face, it’s Marla Camp, owner/publisher of Edible Austin magazine. Launched in 2007 as part of the Edible Communities publication group, EA promotes local products inexhaustibly. Camp is chairwoman of the City of Austin/Travis County Sustainable Food Policy board of directors, a recent inductee into Les Dames d’ Escoffier, and host of the Edible Communities show on Heritage Radio Network. Her community involvement doesn’t end with edibles. She’s vice president of the Rude Mechanicals board and the owner of Impact Productions, a graphic design firm that was awarded an Art in Public Places commission in 1994. Jeff Kessel is a senior project manager at PBS&J, an environmental engineering firm. Kessel, who is a musician, serves on the board of Public Research Works and remains active in his neighborhood association. Together, the couple has also contributed time and treasure to Save Our Springs and Project Transitions. Hungry for their life? Try some appetizers …
For more 2009 Fortunate 500 updates, follow the category link below.
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September 5, 2009
Fortunate 500 Top Picks: Education
The Top Picks for the 2009 Fortunate 500 list of socially active area citizens were published in Glossy on Friday. In Out & About, we’ll mete out those Top Picks over the next few days. Then, beginning Tuesday, we’ll release the full lists and galleries.
Top Picks: Kathryn Anderson and Doug Dempster
If the Austin social event paired arts and education, Doug Dempster was there. The dean of the University of Texas College of Fine Arts is the among the most socially connected academics in Austin. He’s often accompanied at galas and openings by crack assistant dean Sondra Lomax, also sometimes by wife, poet Kathryn Anderson. (The couple has two daughters.) Formerly with the Eastman School of Music, Dempster’s educational background actually revolved around philosophy and political science. Able, accessible, soft-spoken and common-sensical, Dempster is making that all-important town-gown connection often missing from massive UT and even bigger Austin. How does he keep up with all the socializing? One possible secret: He’s also a dedicated long-distance runner.
For more 2009 Fortunate 500 updates, follow the category link below.
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Fortunate 500 Top Picks: Charity
The Top Picks for the 2009 Fortunate 500 list of socially active area citizens were published in Glossy on Friday. In Out & About, we’ll mete out those Top Picks over the next few days. Then, beginning Tuesday, we’ll release the full lists and galleries.
Top Picks: Maria and Eric Groten
You always notice when Maria and Eric Groten sweep into a room. She’s the one with the soft, blonde mane, the unfurled eyes and the tennis-star features. He’s the sharpie with the clean pate, the quick smile and the unbridled passion for everything Austin. Actually, that’s something the couple shares. Eric, a partner and environmental lawyer at Vinson and Elkins, has headed the Zach Theatre board and served on the Ballet Austin board as well. Maria has chaired fundraising events for those to organizations, as well as the Long Center and the Center for Child Protection. They’ve already introduced their four children to the arts and to philanthropy (Maria likes to call herself the managing partner of the Groten family). This is a high-achieving brood who are sure to make several generations of positive impact on Austin.
For more 2009 Fortunate 500 updates, follow the category link below.
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September 4, 2009
2009 Fortunate 500 Top Picks: Business
The Top Picks for the 2009 Fortunate 500 list of socially active area citizens were published in Glossy today. In Out & About, we’ll mete out those Top Picks over the next four days. Then, beginning Tuesday, we’ll release the full lists and galleries.
Top picks: Mary Herr Tally and Rusty Tally
Finance has trumped headlines for a year or so. So why not choose a financial expert — reputation intact — to represent the Fortunate 500 Business category? Besides thriving, the USB Financial Services wealth advisor (Rusty Tally), along with the nonprofit fundraiser (Mary Herr Tally), have thrown themselves into countless causes. They don’t just write checks. They serve on boards and organize some of the city’s most scintillating events. Along the way, Rusty also helps the financially illiterate understand the economic crisis facing the nation. A partial list of their causes: American Lung Association, Zach Theatre, MHMR New Milestones Capital Campaign, Austin Symphony Orchestra, Austin Lyric Opera, Sunshine Camp, Center for Child Protection, Texas Heritage Songwriters Association, St. David’s Healthcare and Pets Alive, Rise School of Austin.
For more 2009 Fortunate 500 updates, follow the category link below.
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2009 Fortunate 500 Top Picks: Arts
The Top Picks for the 2009 Fortunate 500 list of socially active area citizens were published in Glossy today. In Out & About, we’ll mete out those Top Picks over the next four days. Then, beginning Tuesday, we’ll release the full lists and galleries.
Top Picks: Annette DiMeo Carlozzi and Dan Bullock.
At first, they didn’t seem to match. She’s the urbane, contempo arts curator, as at home in New York or Miami as Austin. He’s down-home West Texas, with a background in business and communications, as well as folksy public speaking and singing. Annette and Dan recently married, blended their art collections and instantly tripled their social exposure.
A nationally recognized art consultant, Annette is curator of American and contemporary art at the Blanton Museum of Art. Dan manages family interests in West Texas, has assumed leadership roles with the Headliners Club, Wittliff Collections at Texas State University-San Marcos and Zach Theatre. During the past year, they’ve also socialized around — and supported — Arthouse, Austin Circle of Theaters, Austin Museum of Art, Communities In Schools, Conspirare, Deborah Hay Dance Co., Greenlights, Leadership Austin, Okay Mountain, Planned Parenthood, Seton Cove, Umlauf Sculpture Garden, and Women And Their Work.
For more 2009 Fortunate 500 updates, follow the category link below.
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2009 Fortunate 500 Top Picks: All-Stars
The Top Picks for the 2009 Fortunate 500 list of socially active area citizens were published in Glossy today. In Out & About, we’ll mete out those Top Picks over the next four days. Then, beginning Tuesday, we’ll release the full lists and galleries.
Top Picks: Eloise and John Paul DeJoria
Sociability and social giving are not second nature to billionaires. These qualities are virtually instinctual, however, to Eloise and John Paul DeJoria. Not only do they support almost every worthy cause in Austin, they show up at events, big and small, and crank up the fundraising bandwagon with a jolt of star power. Often, John Paul will make a dramatic gesture, pledging an instant five figures to goose the giving. Then he’ll rise to the stage to hasten the live auction bids.
The pony-tailed entrepreneur is best known of his Paul Mitchell hair products, but he also co-founded Patron Spirits Company and was founding partner in the House of Blues chain. His holdings including energy, utility, audio and automotive interests. Equally gracious is his exquisitely attire wife, Eloise, a former model with whom he has six children (they often appear in the family’s wistful advertisements). The DeJorias split their time between Las Vegas, Nev. and Austin. But it would be hard to find a more socially visible billionaire in Texas.
For more 2009 Fortunate 500 updates, follow the category link below.
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