Sponsor and board chair Kori Gough, left, with executive director Deborah Risovi

By Holly Jackson

Contributing Writer

“Under a Circus Big Top” was the festive theme for the sixth annual Celebration for Children. More than 325 philanthropic partygoers enjoyed a thrilling evening at the Cover 3 restaurant and sports bar, which was open only for this sold-out soiree.

For laughs, guests donned clown noses during a cocktail reception with beverages by Glazer’s Distributors, Twin Liquors, Capitol Beverage and Ambhar Tequila. The Texas Juggling Society threw in some games. Annie Ray Photography provided dress-up costumes for outrageous picture-taking. DJ Johnny Bravo spun the crowd onto dance floor.

Tasty concessions featured fried shrimp, beef tenderloin, chicken sliders, veggie enchiladas and macaroni and cheese. Carnival-inspired desserts included funnel cake and cotton candy.

A Say Yes raffle of 25 wine bottles supported financial education for foster care kids. The silent auction showcased impressive items such as tickets to a Katy Perry concert, jewelry party at Kendra Scott’s store, Earl Campbell-autographed picture and a Lance Armstrong signed jersey.

Dressed in a top hat, auctioneer Andrew Bost led the exciting live auction. The largest packages were luxury vacations: a ski stay at the Lodge and Spa at Cordillera in Beaver Creek, Colo., an oceanfront suite at the Capella Resort and Spa in Ixtapa, Jalisco, and private home accommodations on Fripp Island, S.C.

The fifth annual Erika S. Herndon Scholarship was awarded to Analicia Rodriguez. Under the care of Child Protective Services since she was 3 months old, she desired to break the cycle of family dysfunction. As a teenage mother, she has accepted responsibility by getting a job to afford an apartment and enrolling in Austin Community College classes.

Proceeds raised a respectable $92,000.

“It was not only a fun evening but also a huge success for our programs,” said board chair Kori Gough. “We were touched, especially by the increased money for teens who are about to age out of the CPS system.”

Since 2003, Partnerships for Children has provided critical resources for abused and neglected youth in care of Child Protective Services. Their nonprofit programs are a Rainbow Room of basic supplies, Holiday Wishes for gift purchases, Fall Festival, Caseworker Appreciation events and Special Requests for extra items.

For more information, visit www.partnershipsforchildren.org.

For more events, visit HollysHotHappenings.com

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