Nearly 250 guests filled the Austin Proper Hotel on May 9 for the seventh annual Dinner with Friends, a spirited Palm Royale–themed evening that raised more than $1.4 million in support of Friends of the Children Austin.
Led by Co-Chairs Rachel Arnold and Nancy Pollard, the sold-out fundraiser brought together a lively crowd of philanthropists, community leaders and longtime supporters, rallying behind the organization’s mission to provide long-term professional mentorship to children facing systemic obstacles.
The evening included a lineup of dynamic speakers, including Executive Director Marilyn Manzo-Dawson, 126th State District Court Judge Aurora Martinez Jones, and Friends Austin Board Chair Jessica Leggett. Each took time to reflect on the program’s growing impact and the powerful stories of resilience behind the numbers.
The live auction and paddle raise, helmed by acclaimed auctioneer Lydia Fenet, kept the energy high. Guests bid enthusiastically on exclusive experiences, and in a surprise twist, those who pledged $1,000 were entered into a raffle to win a baby blue Moke.
The event’s success was made possible through generous support from presenting sponsor Vista Equity Partners and a long list of contributors, including Kirkland & Ellis, H-E-B Tournament of Champions, Vinson & Elkins, and Tory and Milam Newby, among others.
With a record-setting total raised, this year’s Dinner with Friends underscored what can happen when a community comes together with purpose. The funds will go directly toward helping Friends of the Children Austin expand its reach and deepen its support for local youth and families, ensuring that every child served has a trusted adult in their corner.
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