Austin FC Players Arrived in Style at the 2024 A Night in Verde Gala, Supporting 4ATX Foundation
Q2 Stadium transformed into an elegant event setting for the nonprofit that uses soccer to empower Austin's young leaders
On September 26, Austin FC players, coaches and supporters enjoyed an unforgettable evening at the 2024 Night in Verde Gala presented by St. David’s HealthCare in support of the 4ATX Foundation which uses soccer to equip and empower young leaders to create transformational change in the Austin community.
The event transformed Q2 Stadium into an elevated and grand space fit for an evening of timeless glamour. As guests arrived, they were ushered down a green carpet, offered champagne and photo moments to capture their elegant attire. Once inside, all were treated to delicious cocktails and dinner while Tierra Neubaum of Fox 7 Austin led an inspiring and emotional program.
Three community members were honored as the 4ATX Foundation 2024 Legends of the Year, Presented by Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages. Awards were given to Austin FC defender Hector Jiménez, Verde Leaders Assistant Coach Bryan Aviles, and International High School Teacher Elias Barahona.
“It was an incredible honor to bring our community together and share the inspiring stories of Hector, Elias, and Bryan,” said Kaitlin Mauro, Executive Director of the 4ATX Foundation. “These changemakers not only embody the spirit of 4ATX’s mission but also highlight the profound impact soccer can have in uniting and uplifting our community for generations to come.”
About the 4ATX Foundation Legends of the Year:
Hector Jimenez, a defender for the Club since its inaugural season in 2021, volunteered for several 4ATX and Austin FC community events held in the past year including 4ATX Clinics presented by St. David’s HealthCare events, Verde Leaders practice at Dobie Middle School, Dia de los Niños w/ AVANCE & the Thinkery, and 4ATX Foundation Hat Trick Society Cocktail Hour.
Bryan Aviles, met 4ATX and Verde Leaders while playing on the Wooldridge mini-pitch in 2021, and later competed in the first annual 4ATX Retas Cup with his Navarro Early College High School teammates. Today, Bryan is a Junior at Texas State and assistant coaching at the Burnet Middle School and Gus Garcia Young Men’s Leadership Academy Verde Leader sites.
Elias Barahona, was raised in El Paraiso, Honduras, by his grandmother after his mom immigrated to the United States. At the age 13, Elias embarked on a year-long journey to Austin, TX in the hopes of reuniting with his mother. The voyage was difficult, but successful, and Elias landed at the International High School at the age of 14. After a stellar collegiate career and a short stint as a professional soccer player, Elias decided to return to IHS as a teacher.
More about the 4ATX Foundation
4ATX Foundation is the the nonprofit arm of Austin FC, which strives to use the widespread popularity of soccer to connect people, bridge differences, and build healthy communities. This organization offers soccer camp scholarships, free youth soccer clinics, donates equipment, and provides services such as restoring and building soccer pitches. They also aim to create safe spaces for families to connect and be active within their own communities.
Through the 4ATX Foundation’s Verde Leader’s program, they empower underprivileged students to find success on the soccer pitch, in the classroom, and in life through soccer clinics, workshops, and a variety of development programs.
Learn more about 4ATX Foundation and how to get involved in supporting their mission at www.austinfc.com/4atx-foundation.