A grand slam gala benefiting under-privileged Austin youth.
By Erin Gray
He is best known for being a grand slam singles champion, but recently, Andy Roddick has been hitting grand slams in other aspects of his life. Since retiring from tennis last year, 30-year-old Roddick has focused on philanthropy through the Andy Roddick Foundation, whose mission is to help youth in low-income areas through educational opportunities and sports mentoring.
Founded in 2000, the foundation has since raised more than $11 million for youth in Texas and South Florida communities. In its eighth year, the Andy Roddick Gala has always been the largest fundraising event for the Andy Roddick Foundation. The high-profile event has allowed the foundation to raise awareness and money to help children and teens. In August 2012, Roddick moved his foundation to Austin. To expand ARF’s capabilities, ARF announced the construction of a state-of-the-art facility that will include more than 10,000 square feet of computer labs, meeting and mentoring rooms, office space, a nutrition and physical-education center and seven lighted tennis courts.
The 2013 gala will take place Oct. 17 at ACL Live at the Moody Theater. The event includes a cocktail reception and dinner, but also a live auction with highly spirited bidding on luxury items and packages. In addition to cocktails and dinner, guests fortunate enough to have tickets to attend the gala will have the great pleasure of seeing the legendary Sir Elton John perform. John was the event headliner in 2011, and he continues to support the mission of the Andy Roddick Foundation.
Anticipating the return of John, Roddick says, “I am thrilled to have longtime friend and philanthropist Elton John return to Austin to help us achieve our goal of raising over $1 million in one evening. Our guests can expect a wonderful evening with a music legend while supporting us in our efforts to raise funds for the foundation.” For more information, visit arfoundation.org.
ATX Man Sponsored Events
The 11th Annual Brian Jones Classic
Sept. 9, 1 p.m., The Hills of Lakeway, 26 Club Estates Parkway
Join former UT and NFL linebacker Brian Jones to support the Austin Boys & Girls Club. Register an individual or team and enjoy a fun day hitting a few golf balls. The tournament begins at 1 p.m., Sept. 9, with a post tournament dinner and awards ceremony at 6:30 p.m.
Sixth Annual No Worries Classic Sporting Clay Shoot
Sept. 13, 9 a.m., Texas Disposal Systems Exotic Game Ranch, 11508 Carl Road, Buda
The Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation and Texas Disposal Systems Exotic Game Ranch sponsor the No Worries Classic Sporting Clay Shoot to bring awareness to Wonders & Worries, an organization that helps children whose parents have a serious disease. The Clay Shoot begins at 9 a.m., Sept. 13, and ends at 2 p.m.
19th Annual Kids Classic
Sept. 15 – 16, Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas, 4900 Mueller Blvd.
For 19 years, Tim and Christy Kite have hosted the Kids Classic in order to support Dell Children’s Medical Center. With the support of the Austin Chapter of Credit Unions, the Kids Classic will feature an auction and a golf tournament. The auction will be held Sept. 15, and the golf tournament will be held on Sept. 16 at The Hills Country Club.
Second Annual Whiskies of the World Austin
Oct. 2, 7 p.m., Austin Music Hall, 208 Nueces St.
Mingle with other whiskey enthusiasts while meeting distillers and brand ambassadors. Individuals also get to participate in a mixology class, take part in a whiskey and cigar pairing, and an artisanal food and whiskey pairing. The event runs from 7 to 10 p.m., with VIP hour staring at 6 p.m.
The 22nd Annual Penick Award Dinner
Oct. 22, 6 p.m., Four Seasons Hotel, 98 San Jacinto Blvd.
Presented by Caritas, the Harvey Penick Award Dinner is hosting its 22nd annual event to award individuals who show great leadership and excellence in life. Guests can sponsor or make a reservation to witness a truly great event. The award dinner begins a 6 p.m., and will end at 9 p.m.
ZERO Prostate Cancer Run
Oct. 26, 9 a.m., Camp Mabry, 2200 W. 35th St.
Join hundreds of men and women as they run the ZERO Prostate Cancer Run, an event that aims to stop prostate cancer. Not much of a runner, but still want to support ZERO? Select Snooze for Dudes on the registration page, and you can still show your love from the comfort of your own couch. The run begins at 9 a.m.
More Than a Game Celebrity Golf Tournament
Nov. 10 – 11, 12:30 p.m., Barton Creek Resort-Fazio Foothills Course, 8212 Barton Club Dr.
At the More Than a Game, a celebrity captain leads each team, with captains including Ben Crenshaw, Huston Street and Jody Cornradt. Golfers will be greeted with drinks and treats, like cigar rolling and a Tito’s vodka bar. VIP reception is at 6 p.m., and general reception is at 7 p.m., Nov. 10.
Austin Classical Guitar Series
Oct. 5, Oct. 24, Nov. 9. All at 8 p.m., Austin Classical Guitar Society, 5900 Balcones Dr., and The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr.
Audience members will be able to witness the beautiful sounds of classical guitar from Pepe Romero, (Oct. 5, Austin Classical Guitar Society) and Niño de Pura will blow people away with his genius (Oct. 24, The Long Center). Tickets are available at Austin Classical Guitar Society.
