PLACES TO GO Around the Neighborhood
WESTSIDE STORIES Janice Ta
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INSIDE Mozart's Giving Campaign Festival of Lights
Health Optimization Summit
VOLUME 38 ISSUE 1 - SINCE 1986
W E S TA U S T I N N E W S . C O M
STARS SHINE BRIGHT IN AUSTIN,
JAN. 23, 2025
Tommy Schwegmann and Lisa Jauregui
PHOTO BY JEFF LOFTIN
Raising $2.8 Million to End the Cycle of Child Abuse Kit Sheffield and Elina Sharipova PHOTO BY JEFF LOFTIN
The Grand Ballroom of the JW Marriott set the stage for the 18th annual Dancing with the Stars Austin to support the Center for Child Protection. More than 1,100 philanthropists and supporters gathered to watch 11 of the city's most influential figures trade in their comfort zones for the dance floor, pairing up with professional dancers to deliver show-stopping performances. This year's star-studded event was hosted by emcees Lauren Zima (Entertainment Tonight) and Chris Harrison (formerly The Bachelor), and featured a lively auction and dazzling entertainment. Contestant Monica Fabbio wowed the crowd and judges, taking home the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy, while Maryanne McKenzie was honored with the Fundraising and Awareness Award for her incredible dedication to the cause. Funds raised will help the Center continue to provide vital services, including forensic interviews, therapy, and medical care to survivors of child abuse. CEO for the Center for Child Protection Michael Torres said this year's event was a vibrant showcase of Austin’s philanthropic spirit. “The $2.8 million the community helped us to raise will make a profound difference in the lives of the children we serve, offering them hope for a brighter future,” he said. Since its inception, Dancing with the Stars Austin has raised over $27 million, making it one of the Center’s largest and most impactful fundraisers. For more information about the Center for Child Protection and its mission, visit centerforchildprotection.org.
Chris Harrison and Lauren Zima
Devin Raymond and Kylee Orlando
PHOTO BY JEFF LOFTIN
Ryan Rogers, Bridget Ramey, and Jeremy O'Bannon
J.R. Martinez and Liz and Dan Bandstra
PHOTO BY TICO MENDOZA
PHOTO BY JEFF LOFTIN
PHOTO BY JEFF LOFTIN
Maryanne McKenzie and Travis Herman
PHOTO BY JEFF LOFTIN
Amy Beard, Michael Torres, and Bridget Ramey
Bill Bayless, Christy Carlson Romano, and J.R. Martinez
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Monica Fabbio and Nolan Whitely
PHOTO BY JEFF LOFTIN
PHOTO BY TICO MENDOZA
PHOTO BY TICO MENDOZA
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