The Anaqua Garden Bar at the downtown Plaza Hotel is exactly as advertised on their website: a “hidden garden oasis”. Rounding the corner, you’re transported among luscious vibes, evoking an upscale bar in Havana; a perfect combination of tropical oasis and zen garden.

The Tobin Center played host to an elegant crowd of black-tie attired guests enjoying an unforgettable and magical evening highlighting courage, success, strength, and determination in support of Rebecca Taylor, president of Rebecca’s Wish, a nonprofit organization providing help and hope for children suffering from pancreatitis through supportive patient care, charitable services, and medical research.

Over 600 guests attended the 23rd annual gala to support the ongoing work of the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas. CEO Marian Sokol welcomed attendees and the Rev. Dr. Michael K. Marsh gave the invocation, followed by the update and introduction of the Uvalde team and their success.

Alamo Heights brasserie Bistr09 became a fashion hotspot for the day, hosting designer Erika Peña as she shared her vibrant Passport to Bali collection as part of the Runway Brunch series.

The curtains rise as the silhouettes of the musicians on stage come into focus, and out of the quietude comes a beautiful harmonization of sound and rhythm so unique but unknowingly familiar that a wave of movement can be seen taking over the audience, as feet begin to tap, hands begin to clap, and couples sway back and forth with smiles.