The Kindness Campaign’s Art of Kindness Gala 2026 Raises Over $1 Million
Funds will support the organization’s mission to provide mental health tools and resources to children
On March 27, The Kindness Campaign raised more than $1 million at its Art of Kindness Gala, bringing together community leaders, local celebrities and supporters at PBS Studios in Austin.
The annual Austin-based fundraiser supports The Kindness Campaign’s mission to improve children’s mental health through emotional literacy programs, tools and experiences designed for schools, families and communities across Central Texas and beyond. Founded by Andra Liemandt, the organization highlighted its continued growth and impact during the evening. Liemandt also debuted her second children’s book, “Enoughie Buddy® and Friends: Superpowers Activate!”
Communication expert and the evening’s featured speaker Jefferson Fisher, captivated the audience with a message centered on shared human experiences, noting that while everyone carries a difficult story, each person also has the capacity for kindness — and that a single act can change a life.
Guests adhered to a “shades of blue” dress code, with Liemandt wearing designs by Simkhai, who was also in attendance. Actress Aja Naomi King was styled for the evening by event co-chair Stephanie Coultress O’Neill of Estilo.
The event, emceed by Trevor Scott, drew a notable guest list including Lindsey Morgan, Leven Rambin, Kaity Biggar, Jonathan Simkhai, Alexandra Chando, Ryan Rottman, Loreal Sarkisian and Kelly Frye, among others. Attendees also reconnected throughout the evening, including Chando and Rottman, who previously starred together in “The Lying Game,” filmed in Austin from 2011 to 2013.
Ryan Holiday, bestselling author and owner of Painted Porch Bookstore, attended alongside his wife, Samantha Holiday, just two days after the city of Austin declared March 25 as “Ryan Holiday Day,” recognizing his global influence in popularizing Stoic philosophy, his mentorship and his contributions to the Central Texas literary community.
The gala featured a live auction led by The Cowboy Auctioneers, with top items including a private chef dining experience curated by Chef John Carver that sold for more than $100,000. Another high-selling package included a personal styling session with Jonathan Simkhai, tickets to his New York Fashion Week show and a guitar signed by Taylor Swift.
By the end of the evening, The Kindness Campaign raised more than $1 million to support children’s mental health programs — an incredible show of generosity in support of its mission to build emotionally healthy humans through kindness.