STORY:
Austin's Driskill A Double Event

Texas landmark will celebrate two special occasions on New Year's Eve

The gala is completely underwritten by The Driskill, with all proceeds to be donated to local Austin charities. Lifeworks, an Alliance of Youth and Family Services, has been designated the event's primary beneficiary.

"We wanted this milestone event to give something back to the community," said Jeffrey Trigger, managing director in a press release. "We called our employees together and asked them what was important to them. They told us they felt that children's charities were crucial. That's how we chose Lifeworks as the primary beneficiary."

The celebration will also mark the completion of the hotel's recent $35 million restoration, which took three years and a Texas-size dose of patience. "It wasn't just a renovation, but a restoration," Trigger said. "We went back three layers to the hotel as it was originally designed and built in 1886."

Romanesque in style, the "Frontier Palace" has welcomed many distinguished heads of state and other officials, cattle, cotton and oil barons, politicians, entertainers, desperados and debutantes in its magnificent marble lobby, under its colorful stained glass dome. It is located in the heart of Austin, with the Governor's Mansion, the Capitol, Convention Center, Town Lake and the Historic Street District within steps of its grand arched entry.

The black-tie celebration will feature a gourmet dinner created by Chef David Bull in the Driskill's Grand Ballroom on the mezzanine, with Henry Munoz's orchestra from Dallas playing big band and salsa music. Casino gambling for charity will take place in the Jim Hogg Room (named for a colorful former governor), and guests will flow through the Maximilian Room, with its magnificent gold "Carlotta" mirrors, for an array of spectacular desserts. Strolling palm readers, astrologists, tarot card readers and magicians will perform throughout the evening.

Meanwhile, two seatings are also planned for the Driskill Grill, with four course dinners, complimentary champagne and souvenirs. The legendary singer/pianist Mark Carroll and his trio will entertain in the Driskill Bar.

Guests are invited to make the $500 per person donations for the gala to Lifeworks or to the United Way, designating the Austin charitable organization of their choice. Dinner in the Driskill Grill is available for $150 per person.

"The Driskill has treated guests to Texas hospitality for over a century," said Trigger. "This will be a Millennium to remember."

Source: Driskill Hotel Press Release

DATE: 10/19/99

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