Social Hour: Community Leaders Gathered for United Way for Greater Austin’s Gala

United Way for Greater Austin hosted their sixth annual A Night United event on March 2, 2024, at Fair Market. Over 400 of the region’s community leaders attended in support of their work to break economic barriers and build opportunity for all – including US Representative Lloyd Doggett, Texas Representatives John Bucy, Lulu Flores, and Caroline Harris Davila, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, among many others.

Guests filled the room with generosity and connection, all to celebrate 100 years serving Austin and weaving together a more prosperous community for all. United Way stands as a beacon, striving to create a vibrant, thriving community where everyone in Greater Austin has access to high-quality early care and education and life-changing resources.

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David C. Smith, Malini Rajput, Kristie Gonzales & Jay Fox

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Clay Duckworth & Mollie Duckworth

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US Representative Lloyd Doggett, Pflugerville City Council Member Rudy Metayer, Austin ISD Board President Arati Singh & Austin City Council Member Alison Alter

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Dave Greeley, Kristin Marcum, Brandy Bentley & Jeremiah Bentley

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Jennifer Wu & Andrew Chen

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Josh vonFrisch & Rina vonFrisch

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Stephanie Artman, Van Vo & Amy Mizcles

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Greg Mayer & Jeanette Ward

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Austin Mayor Kirk Watson

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Isabella Saenz, testimonial speaker

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Pflugerville City Council Member Rudy Metayer & Mark Strama

At the event, guests left their imprint by tying a ribbon to an art installation, which will be on display at the former Pease Elementary School, future home to United Way and a high-quality child care center. And throughout the evening, guests walked through a timeline showcasing important milestones for the organization from the past 100 years.

A Night United featured words of heartfelt inspiration from all speakers. United Way of Greater Austin’s CEO David C. Smith said, “We need an organization that believes when we come together there is no hurdle too high and nothing we can’t accomplish. We know that far too many of us don’t have access to education, loving family support, anyone who can help us dream beyond our current reality… And too many of us don’t even have the basics: the security of a roof over our head or enough food. We invite you to think bigger with us, to create opportunity, and to be that tapestry of support that never ends for thousands of our neighbors as we celebrate 100 years of service, and look ahead to many years to come.”

Learn more about the United Way for Greater Austin.