ATX, TX November 2025

A Spirit of Gratitude

November is the month we pause to count our blessings, and this issue is a celebration of gratitude in every sense. Our city thrives on the generosity of people who lift each other up, and the stories you’ll find here shine a light on that spirit.

We begin with Shalom Austin, whose community-driven flood relief efforts remind us that compassion in action can rebuild lives. You’ll also read about FORE Kids, where Sergio and Angela Garcia, alongside Chris Harrison and Lauren Zima, show how friendship and philanthropy combine to create lasting impact for children across Texas. At CHARM, we welcome a new doctor whose expertise and dedication bring hope and healing to those who need it most.

Austin’s cultural heartbeat takes the stage at Esther’s Follies, where laughter has been the city’s soundtrack for nearly five decades. It’s a reminder that joy, especially shared joy, is one of life’s greatest gifts. For the season of giving, we’ve curated the perfect holiday gift guide to inspire meaningful presents for everyone on your list. And with Austin Smiles, we spotlight the power of a smile — both in the lives of children who receive care and in the hearts of those who make it possible.

For me, this issue is especially personal. After our home flooded, three incredible partners stepped in to help us rebuild. Their expertise restored more than walls and floors — they gave us back our sense of safety, comfort, and belonging. I am profoundly grateful for their role in helping us put our lives back together, and it serves as a reminder that sometimes the greatest gifts are not things, but people.

As you turn these pages, I hope you feel as inspired as I do by the compassion, creativity, and community that make Austin such a remarkable place. May your November be filled with gratitude, laughter, and love.

With Many Thanks,

JULIE ROYCE, MANAGING EDITOR @ATXCITYLIFESTYLE

November 2025

PUBLISHER

Zack Fogelman | zack.fogelman@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Julie Royce | julie.royce@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Juan Martinez | juan.martinez@citylifestyle.com

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

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A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

COVER 3 celebrates 17 years in business!

COVER 3's flagship location at 2700 W. Anderson Lane is celebrating 17 years! We're so grateful to be a part of this neighborhood. Over the years, we've watched families grow, made lasting friendships and celebrated countless milestones and special moments. Thank you for your loyalty and support. We are here for you, and because of you!

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B. Moore Organized transforms every occasion

B. Moore Organized takes the stress out of every season with our Seasonal Spaces service. From Christmas trees to spring tablescapes, we bring professional styling to your home for any holiday or occasion. Our team not only decorates with elevated design and attention to detail but also returns to carefully remove and store décor when the season is over. Clients enjoy beautiful, festive spaces without the hassle, making holidays seamless, enjoyable, and completely stress-free.

Closet Factory Austin partners with Lowe’s Home Improvement

Closet Factory Austin has officially partnered with Lowe’s, blending national credibility with local craftsmanship. With a new showroom at Marketplace ATX and custom storage solutions available in neighborhood Lowe’s stores, the family-owned business proudly manufactures right here in Austin. Clients can tour a sample closet for design inspiration and book a complimentary in-home consultation to create storage systems that are both functional and stylish.

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REPAIRING THE WORLD through action

When devastating floods swept through Kerr County and the Texas Hill Country on July 4, Shalom Austin leaders mobilized within hours. What began as a holiday marked by rising waters soon became a rallying point for the Jewish community across Texas and beyond.

Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus, CEO of Shalom Austin, said the urgency was clear.

“As soon as we began to learn the devastation that was going on, specifically at Camp Mystic, where some of our Dell JCC members were present, we immediately knew we needed to do something,” he said.

The response quickly grew from local concern into a national call for help. By mid-August, more than 3,200 donors across 46 states had contributed, raising nearly $850,000 for relief efforts.

Board Chair Phil Loewy recalled that Septimus reached out on July 4, even while on family vacation.

“Daniel jumped on it immediately,” Loewy said. “Our Jewish communities in Texas, unfortunately and fortunately, have had experiences with disasters. We felt that, along with partnering with other Texas federations, we were best equipped to help and get moving because of the resources we had in place.”

The campaign has emphasized both immediate needs and longer-term recovery. Matt Smith, chair of the Texas Flood Relief Campaign Allocations Task Force, explained that the group leaned on national partners to guide best practices.

“It was decided that we needed to give 15 to 20 percent of the fund out right away. That’s just a best practice in disaster relief,” Smith said. “At the time, there are so many needs, but you don’t yet know what the longer-term problems will be.”

One early recipient was CADENA, a Jewish relief organization based in Latin America, which wanted to offer its assistance to those affected. Shalom Austin’s funding allowed CADENA to remain in Texas longer, deploying teams that cleared debris while also bringing therapists to support survivors.

“During a disaster, as you can imagine, there’s a lot of mental health and trauma that goes on. We really loved supporting that type of work,” Smith said.

Mental health support has become a central pillar of Shalom Austin’s relief approach. Beyond CADENA, funds helped launch a partnership between UT Health San Antonio to support an app for Kerrville Fire, creating confidential and easy access to ongoing mental health support.

drives, while an Amazon wish list drew hundreds of donations from across the country.

“We received over 400 items donated to us over the course of a couple of weeks, which is just incredible,” Septimus said. “Our volunteer director made sure whatever was being donated could be utilized.”

As relief continues, leaders acknowledge the challenges of sustaining momentum.

“The scope is enormous, and our fund cannot ever cover it all,” Smith said. “We hope that by giving out funds, it inspires other foundations to also give. This is going to be a yearslong effort, and part of our job is making sure it doesn’t leave the news cycle.”

“In this relief effort, we came together to help those in need, and in that process, we built community.”

“They saw a lot while helping others and really didn’t have an outlet to speak with anyone or the funding to pay for it,” Smith said. “This was a quick decision that aligned with our values.”

Volunteers also played a crucial role. More than 50 people joined grassroots clean-up and supply

For Loewy, the effort embodies Shalom Austin’s core values.

“Two of our values are kehilla , which is community building, and tikkun olam , the commitment to making the world a better place,” she said. “In this relief effort, we came together to help those in need, and in that process, we built community.”

Septimus framed the response as part of a deeper tradition of Jewish resilience and responsibility.

“We know what it’s like to be vulnerable… we know our history and our story,” he said. “Our community continues to live out those values of helping others when we see someone who’s in need of support.”

“I've

- Emma L, longtime customer

ARTICLE BY JULIE ROYCE | PHOTOGRAPHY

FOR NEARLY FIVE DECADES, ESTHER’S FOLLIES HAS KEPT AUSTIN LAUGHING WHILE SHAPING THE CITY’S COMEDY IDENTITY

KEEP AUSTIN LAUGHING

A neon-lit corner of Sixth Street has pulsed with satire, magic and music for almost half a century. Esther’s Follies, the sketch-comedy revue launched on April Fool’s Day in 1977, has become an Austin institution — one that has survived fires, cultural shifts and even a global pandemic.

By the early 1980s, tragedy struck when the original venue was destroyed by fire.

“We lost everything… our piano, our costumes,” Sedwick recalled. “But the community rallied around us. Ann Richards and Lily Tomlin even staged a benefit to help us rebuild. That support

“THE ENERGY FROM AN AUDIENCE… THAT EXCHANGE IS REAL MAGIC."

Today, its cast and founders reflect not only on the laughter but also on the gratitude that comes from sustaining one of the city’s most enduring creative spaces.

“From the beginning, we wanted Esther’s to be a place where Democrats and Republicans could sit together and laugh at themselves,” said co-founder and producer Shannon Sedwick, who has been at the heart of the show since day one. “That sense of shared humor is what kept us going — through good times and very hard times.”

What began as a quirky experiment in a small space quickly evolved into a signature Austin spectacle. Early productions included water ballets on land, costumed antics and irreverent sketches that echoed the spirit of Sid Caesar’s Your Show of Shows. Sedwick and co-founder Michael Shelton named the revue after swimmer Esther Williams, adding a touch of absurdity that matched the city’s “Keep Austin Weird” sensibility.

cemented the bond between Austin and Esther’s.”

Over the decades, Esther’s became more than just a comedy show. More than a thousand performers have passed through its doors, yet the heart of the troupe remains steady, thanks to longtime players like Ray Anderson, who has dazzled audiences as a magician, director and choreographer for over 40 years.

“Nobody thought magic and sketch comedy would mix,” Anderson said. “But somehow it worked. I learned here that I had to be just as funny as the comics on stage. The magic can’t be the side act; it has to be part of the laughter.”

Performer and writer Shaun Branigan, who joined the show 27 years ago, credits its survival to its adaptability. “Audiences have shorter attention spans now, so the show is faster, sharper. You learn to say in two words what used to take five. Esther’s forces you to stay sharp and that keeps it exciting.”

For writer and performer Ted Meredith, who has spent 18 years balancing satire with wide appeal, Esther’s success lies in finding angles audiences can connect with.

“By the time we put something on stage, every joke has already been on Twitter. Our job is to give it an Austin twist, something people won’t see anywhere else,” he said. “When we reopened after the pandemic, that first night was the most grateful I’ve ever felt.”

Ellana Breedlove, who has served as Anderson’s magician’s assistant for 16 years, calls that live connection irreplaceable.

“Performing five nights a week is a gift,” she said. “The energy from an audience… that exchange is real magic. People escape real life for a while and we get to share in that with them.”

As Austin’s reputation as a comedy capital has grown, Esther’s Follies has maintained its place as both a cornerstone and an outlier. While big names and new clubs have shifted the scene, the Follies remains singular: a mix of political satire, vaudeville, music and magic that could only have been born in Austin.

“AUSTIN

HAS GIVEN US EVERYTHING — SUPPORT, LOYALTY, LOVE."

“Comedy is hard right now because people are so divided,” Sedwick admitted. “But our job has always been to find the funny in what unites us or at least make both sides laugh at themselves.”

For the cast, gratitude runs deeper than applause. It’s about collaboration, survival and a rare stability in the unpredictable world of live theater.

“I’ve been here longer than I ever imagined,” Branigan said. “What keeps me coming back is the creativity and the chance to make people laugh every night.”

Sedwick summed it up best: “Austin has given us everything — support, loyalty, love. In return, we’ve given laughter. It’s been a true love affair with this city.”

As Esther’s Follies approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027, the show remains more than entertainment. It’s a reminder of the power of comedy to heal, unite and endure. In a city known for its music and innovation, Esther’s has carved its own legacy: one of resilience, absurdity, and above all, gratitude for the laughs that keep Austin’s spirit alive.

CELEBRITY POWER COUPLES JOIN FORCES TO RAISE MILLIONS FOR TEXAS YOUTH CHARITIES

Driving Positive Change

Masters champion Sergio Garcia and his wife, Angela, have partnered with television hosts Chris Harrison and Lauren Zima for the fourth annual FORE Kids ATX fundraising gala and golf tournament, set for Nov. 6-7 at Omni Barton Creek.

The Garcias founded the million-dollar event in 2022, raising more than $7 million for Texas children’s charities. This year’s edition expands its mission with the addition of Experience Camps, a national nonprofit offering grief support programs for kids, soon launching in Texas.

“I’m so grateful to host this event for the fourth year in a row with my wife, Angela, providing much-needed support to Texas children,” Garcia said. “We are especially excited to welcome Chris Harrison and Lauren Zima as our partners. Their goal to empower grieving

children adds another important layer to our fundraising mission.”

Zima, who lost her father in 2010, said the cause is deeply personal.

“Chris and I are honored to join as partners for FORE Kids ATX 2025,” she said. “The tragic floods this summer have driven home even more for us that our state needs long-term grief support for kids and families. Experience Camps knows grief can derail a child’s life, but it doesn’t have to.”

Beneficiaries also include the UGLI Foundation, Dell Children’s Medical Center, Foster Village and the Center for Child Protection. Events include the PAR-Tee gala themed “A Night in Old Spain” and a golf tournament featuring professional athletes and celebrity guests.

To donate to FORE Kids, please visit: https:// www.forekidsatx.org/beneficiaries.

"Experience Camps knows grief can derail a child’s life, but it doesn’t have to.”

ARTICLE BY JULIE ROYCE PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF EXPERIENCE CAMPS

Guiding patients toward healing

Expanding CHARM’s mission with whole-body musculoskeletal care

Dr. Kunj Amin is the newest physician at Austin's Center for Healing and Regenerative Medicine. He brings advanced expertise in interventional spine and musculoskeletal medicine along with a deeply personal philosophy shaped by experience.

“I initially went into medicine as actually a pivot,” he said. A family connection reinforced his decision: “My dad was disabled when I was very young… the ability to optimize someone’s function who otherwise has been permanently in deficit, to bring them back to something that’s at par or above, was something that was interesting to me.”

His training took him from medical school at Rosalind Franklin University to residency at the University of Pennsylvania and fellowship at Texas Spine and Scoliosis, where he developed a passion for non-operative care.

After an ankle injury in college, Amin underwent surgery he now believes could have been avoided.

“That’s a lot of the value that I bring for people currently, and hope to continue to do — help people find the right treatment at the right time… and if surgery’s not where they need to be, then how do we get you better with something less invasive?”

His research also reflects that commitment. Recent papers in Interventional Pain

ARTICLE BY JULIE ROYCE

Medicine and Spine examined the safety of epidural injections in patients with spinal stenosis and osteoporosis.

“I’m really happy with that work and I’m really proud of that because I think that it informs my conversations with patients and informs how I recommend things for people,” Amin said.

At CHARM, he looks forward to blending conventional techniques with regenerative therapies.

“Sometimes people who are in the industry think of it as an either-or and I definitely think of it as a this and,” he said. “In some cases, a steroid injection is the best option. In some cases, an ablation is the best option. And in some cases, it might be a regenerative therapy. You just have to match the right tool to the right job.”

Part of what excites him most about CHARM is the opportunity to treat the whole body.

“I think having the freedom to move about the body and address people’s different concerns was definitely part of the rationale.

The regenerative therapies are one of the really exciting things in our field, and offer a holistic, natural treatment approach for people.”

His vision for CHARM is grounded in patient education and empathy.

“My vision for patient-centered care is to be an educator and someone who can walk alongside patients in their journey,” he said. “I want to be the best ally in that journey, help you answer the questions of ‘What do I need to do to take care of my body and what are non-invasive ways I can help myself?’”

Amin has a particular passion for women’s musculoskeletal health, citing disproportionate rates of conditions such as osteoarthritis and SI joint pain, as well as musculoskeletal issues associated with perimenopause and menopause.

“Those are often the people who come in most frustrated,” he said. “They come in having had pain for multiple years and seeing multiple doctors, and they’re like, ‘People tell me it’s all in my head.’”

As he settles into his role, Amin emphasizes both humility and optimism.

“I think it’s going to be an excellent fit,” expressing gratitude for the opportunity, he said. “I have a lot to bring to them, and I’m really excited for all the things that they can teach me as well.”

THE PERFECT Holiday Gift Guide

Local treasures to make the season shine

The holidays are a time for gathering, celebrating and giving thoughtfully. Our curated Holiday Gift Guide highlights unique finds from businesses we love. Each one offering something special for the season of sharing.

FISCHER & WIESER HOLIDAY HARVEST COLLECTION

Fischer & Wieser curated gift sets are a perfect way to spread cheer through gourmet goodness. Their Holiday Harvest Collection is a festive assortment of handcrafted sauces, jellies and salsas designed to complement holiday meals and gatherings. Order directly from the Fischer & Wieser website:  https://store.fwfarmstead.com/ collections/gifts-cookbook

AQUATIC PLANT BOOKPLATES FROM GENTRY CUSTOM FRAMES

Give the gift of timeless artistry with Gentry Custom Frame. This season, they’re offering two rare Aquatic Plant Bookplates from 1934, beautifully framed in birdseye maple veneer with raw silk panels and protected by museum glass. These elegant pieces are not just décor but heirlooms that bring history and sophistication into any home. Priced at $385 each, only two are available — making them a truly special and limited holiday treasure. Gentry Custom Frame is located at 5200 Burnet Rd, Suite 3, Austin, TX 78756.

ARTICLE BY JULIE ROYCE

Diamond earrings from Kruger Diamond Jewelers.

DIAMOND EARRINGS FROM KRUGER’S JEWELERS

Sleek and sparkly, these diamond hoops deliver modern magic with every detail. Their rectangular shape adds a bold twist to a classic style, featuring 28 brilliant diamonds set in a 14K yellow gold micro-prong setting. Effortlessly cool and endlessly wearable, these diamonds dazzle from morning mimosas to twilight toasts. Find them at Kruger’s Diamond Jewelers, downtown Austin at Congress & 8th.

WRAPPED IN RELAXATION WITH A MILK + HONEY GIFT CARD

For everyone on your list - and a little something for you. At milk + honey, every detail is designed for comfort - from the robe around your shoulders to the calm that lingers long after you leave.

Buy $300 in gift certificates, receive a $50 bonus. Buy $500 and receive a $100 bonus. The easiest way to give them what they need most: a reason to pause. Shop now at  http://www. milkandhoney.com/

STILL AUSTIN'S CASK STRENGTH BOURBON

Still Austin’s best-selling Cask Strength Bourbon is a bold, 118proof take on their beloved Straight Bourbon, drawn from select barrels. It opens with aromas of cherries, mint, blackberry cobbler and cinnamon toast in brown butter, accompanied by flavors of grilled peaches, butterscotch pecan pie and dark brown sugar. A finish of rye spice, nutmeg and clove lingers.

The label depicts a starry night sky over their iconic Musician, reflecting the spirit’s depth and mystery. Pick up a bottle for the bourbon-lover in your life this holiday season.

APPAREL FROM WILLIAM MURRAY

Born in Austin. Backed by Bill Murray. Built for laughs, life and the long game. William Murray isn’t country club stiff — it’s polos, tees and gear with a pulse. Bold prints, easy vibes and a little mischief to keep us honest.

ATX is in the brand’s DNA and Bill fuels the journey. Have you heard of them? Good. Haven’t? Even better, consider this your invite. Austin roots. Murray vibes. Game on. 20% Off Using promo code: WMG20 at https://www.williammurraygolf.com/

H O P E

with YOU

The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?

The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.

Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.

“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”

Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:

SCAN TO NOMINATE

“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”

Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:

“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”

Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.

This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.

“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”

Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.

This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.

To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.

YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING

Smiles for tomorrow

ARTICLE

BY

JULIE ROYCE PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF AUSTIN SMILES

Austin Smiles – The Austin Plastic Surgery Foundation will host its 39th Annual Wish Upon a Smile Gala on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at the Starlight Terrace at The Oasis on Lake Travis. Beginning at 5 p.m., the event includes dinner, cocktails, a lively auction and a performance by Austin favorite Sir Woman.

The evening will be emceed by CBS Austin’s Allison Miller, with Victoria Pineda returning as auctioneer. Gala co-chairs Patty Johns and Michelle Jones are leading the effort to raise funds that support Austin Smiles’ mission of providing surgical and post-surgical care for children born with cleft lip and palate.

This year, the Cullington, Fox, Beckham International Service Award will honor Dr. Bob Clement, a longtime volunteer surgeon, and George Cowden, who founded Shoot for a Smile, a fundraiser that has generated more than $1 million for the organization.

Austin Smiles serves more than 800 children in Central Texas annually and leads three medical mission trips to Latin America each year, performing 50 or more surgeries per trip. Proceeds from the gala provide life-changing care, enabling children to eat, speak and thrive.

You shouldn’t have to choose between a green home and your dream home. New Builds. Renovations. ADUs.

RISING WITH gratitude

On May 28, a supercell storm swept through Central Austin, dropping several inches of rain in just 15 minutes. Floodwater surged into our home, forcing a complete renovation — floors torn up, walls rebuilt and belongings hastily packed into storage. Proper flood insurance had prepared us financially, but nothing softened the shock of watching water invade our sanctuary.

Three ATX City Lifestyle partners helped turn devastation into renewal. Right On Roof On secured our detached mother-in-law suite with a new roof.

“Too often these days, great service is missing, so I make it a point to deliver it every time,” said owner Matthew Cullen. His crew’s efficiency restored not just safety but peace of mind.

Closet Factory followed, creating a custom primary closet that brought order back to daily life.

“A custom space isn’t just cabinetry; it’s the backdrop for how you live every day,” said owner Monica Fernandez.

Casa Washa made our yard sparkle with a deep clean once renovations were complete. That finishing touch brought freshness back outdoors, completing the sense of renewal.

With the help of these partners, our home became our sanctuary again. And for that, I am deeply grateful.

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT:

• Right On Roof On provides expert roofing services with a focus on trust, transparency and quality.  https:// rightonroofon.com/

• Closet Factory creates custom-designed closets and storage solutions, transforming underutilized areas into beautiful, functional spaces tailored to each family’s lifestyle.  https:// www.closetfactory.com/ locations/austin/

• Casa Washa delivers professional exterior cleaning services, restoring curb appeal and making homes shine with meticulous care.  https:// casawasha.com/

ARTICLE BY JULIE ROYCE

Three local partners helped us rebuild and restore