Ballet Austin Guild Women On Their Toes Event

2009 Event Honorees
Honorees L to R: Don Cox, Lynn Meredith, Lisa Sikora, Janet Wright, Venus Strawn,
Janine Turner (Event Speaker), Alex Thomsen, Linda Butler van Bavel, Martha Benfield,
Jeanne Parker, Judith Dullnig, and Demetra Pender

A bit of history........

MAY 5, 1984, marked the first Ballet Austin Guild’s Spring Event and Luncheon. Held at the newly opened La Mansion Hotel (now the Doubletree Hotel), it featured the designs of Jim Heilman. Mr. Heilman attended the event which showcased his designs from Fashions by Melanie’s Investment Fashions.

Actress Janine Turner
2009 Event Speaker

Tyler Sieswerda and Terri Gruca
Hosts for 2009 Event

SINCE 1984 some of the other stores that have participated in the fashion events include Dillard’s--which featured the designs of Victor Costa (who also attended the event), Foley’s, Scarborough’s, The Rosebud of Temple, TX, Cat Swanson Designs, and The Garden Room. Speakers at the Spring Event include Karen Hughes and most recently Cindy Chupack. Other activities associated with these events include plant sales, bake sales and jewelry sales and modeling.

Past Guild Prez Kathy Taylor (center) poses with Honorees Jeanne Parker (L) and Venus Strawn (R)

FIFTEEN YEARS AGO, the Guild decided to not only have a Spring Event and Luncheon, but to include other volunteer organizations.

Women on Their Toes honors outstanding volunteers from other organizations throughout the Austin area--both male and female. Organizations honored have included Austin Junior Forum, Assistance League of Austin, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Austin, The Center for Child Protection, Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, Capital Area Food Bank, Caritas, Hospice Austin, Make-A-Wish Foundation, I Live Here I Give Here, CASA of Travis County, Junior League of Austin, Leadership Enrichment Arts Program, Lone Star Girl Scout Council, Meals on Wheels & More, Peoples Community Clinic, Settlement Club and Women’s Symphony League of Austin, and many others.