(Community Matters) Ballet Austin’s Fete 09. Julie & John Thornton really launched the Fete as one of Austin’s preeminent social events. The second year, Amy Rudy & I chaired. This year’s event (the 8th or 9th I believe) was chaired by the lawyer who makes husbands cry, Becky Beaver.
3rd st entrance to the unfinished but tricked-out-for-the-night 54 story Austonian
I didn’t see my friend, Terry Mitchell, the building’s developer, but I’m sure he was there.
Fete guests were escorted to the 33rd floor for the dinner/gala using the construction elevator
Steven and Michael Barnes
Stephen Mills (Ballet Austin artistic director), Kristi & Scott Eckert and Brent Hasty
I’m pleased to hear rumors of Kristi & Scott’s relocation to Seattle are unfounded. Though, it’s true their extraordinary home (probably the city’s best view from the west shore of Town Lake overlooking the city) is going on the market – one of the highest listing prices recorded in Austin. I’m not surprised given the house, location & views. Loved hearing a wee bit about Scott’s Seattle project – quite exciting.
Charles Duggan, Lynn Meredith & Larry Connelly
Joanie Benson & Jenn Hamlin
Nina & Frank Seely
Trisa Thompson, Michael Guerra & Bettye Nowlin
I know Bettye was there with Carmen Tawil, Sharon Watkins & Jolynn Free. Saw Jolynn but not the rest.
JR Ruiz & Tim McCabe
Tim’s permanently endeared himself & Trammel Crow to a board of Austin influencers. They’ve agreed to pro bono help manage the construction of PeopleFund’s new headquarters on the Featherlite tract in East Austin
Steve Marley & Tom Meredith
Four Seasons events & catering manager, Steve Marley, how long has he been in Austin? – and lucky us. There’s never been an event I’ve called Steve for when he hasn’t bent over backwards to help us make it work at the best property in town. The Four Seasons catered last night’s dinner.
the women at our tableAmy Rudy, Jenn Hamlin, Stephanie Beard & Carla McDonald
the men at our tableSteven Tomlinson, Jack McDonald, John Hamlin, Brian Beard & Kirk Rudy (& moi)
a roving Cabaret singer & John
a Ballet Austin dancer a la Trocadero Ballet
update: spoke with Charles Duggan on Mon. It really was Trocadero
our favorite local artistic agent, John Riedie
I think John arranged the entertainment for the Fete*ish
and, after dinner, descended to the 10th floor, Cabaret
then, down to the first floor Fete*ish:
Rick Johnson, Cliff Redd, ST, ES
a little pole dancing on 1
martinis, food & desserts
Fete ’09 chair, Becky Beaver. Dick Clark (lft), John Duncan behind Becky
It was an outstanding night. rats, no pics of some favorites: Cookie Ruiz, Christi Cueller, Julia & Evan Smith (he raised $50k+ at the live auction), Alex Winkelman (who helped throw the Fete*ish), Suzanne & Marc Winkelman, Wyeth & Evelyn Wiedeman, Melanie & Ben Barnes, Charles Gentry, Oliver Everette, Linda Ball & Forrest Preece, James Armstrong, Ken Gladish, David Wyatt, Dave Shaw, John Hogg & David Garza, Lance Avery Morgan, Mary Margaret & Sen Ray Farabee, Karen Landa, Nancy Scanlan & John Watson, Jon & Elizabeth Ivester and Marshall Jones (chair Fete*ish)
Community Matters 
Hi! I attended the fete in 09 and accompanied Kathleen Ward and there was a photographer there who was taking photos and I would like to get pics of us together. Can you help me out with who that might be as this was a special night for me/us. Any help would be much appreciated. Steve Woods