Texas Advocacy Project’s Black & White Ball Raises a Record $1.5 Million in Austin
More than 500 guests attended the 20th annual fundraiser supporting free legal and social services for survivors across Texas
This article is produced by TRIBEZA as sponsored content.
Survivors of abuse across Texas will receive legal assistance, safety planning and social services at no cost with support from Texas Advocacy Project’s largest annual fundraiser, which surpassed its previous fundraising record by nearly $238,000.
Presented by DaBella at the JW Marriott Austin, the 2026 event brought together advocates, philanthropists and longtime supporters for a live auction, paddle raise and program highlighting the people behind the organization’s work.
“To see 500 people come together and raise more than $1.5 million was extraordinary, but what matters most is what those dollars mean after the ballroom is empty,” said Heather Bellino, CEO of Texas Advocacy Project. “They mean a survivor can pick up the phone and hear, ‘Yes, we can help.’ They mean access to an attorney, a social worker, safety planning and support, for free. That is what this community made possible.”
Established as a legal hotline in 1982, Texas Advocacy Project works with survivors of dating and domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, stalking and human trafficking. In 2025, the organization helped 14,042 clients and their children through its free legal and social services.
At the Heart of the Night: Courage
The evening’s Courage Award presentation offered a personal account of what that assistance can mean. Presented by Accenture, the annual award honors a former client whose experience reflects the courage involved in seeking safety and a path forward.
“I want to thank Texas Advocacy Project for helping save my life and for giving my children a future,” the 2026 honoree said. “And I want to thank every person in this room. Because when I look around tonight and see all of you, I think about what I said when I first walked up here: I wish every survivor who has ever been in my shoes could see just how much support they actually have.”
Guests supported that work through auction bids and raised paddles, helping the organization exceed the $1.272 million record set in 2025.
“Our sponsors and supporters aren’t simply putting their names behind an event. They are putting their resources behind survivors,” Bellino said. “Every person who donated, raised a paddle, sponsored a table or joined us in that ballroom helped make it possible for someone they may never meet to have options when they need them most.”
A Community That Shows Up for Survivors
DaBella returned as presenting sponsor for the second consecutive year. Biote, which sponsored the opening reception, celebrated five years of partnership, while Accenture marked 20 years of sponsorship.
Verizon served as influencer sponsor, supporting an initiative to bring community voices into the room and expand the organization’s network of supporters. Following the formal program, guests continued the celebration at the Afterglow Party presented by BMW of Austin.
Beyond its direct services, Texas Advocacy Project provides public outreach and education to raise awareness of abuse and help Texans understand their legal options.
For help or more information, call 800-374-HOPE or visit texasadvocacyproject.org.