The 2011 Engaging Conversations® event raised over $40,000 for the Austin Children's Shelter. Austin Children's Shelter protects and heals children, young adults and families in need.

2011 Table Hosts

Rebecca Campbell

Executive Director of the Austin Film Society since 1998; producer and director of award-winning documentary, THE TOWN THAT JACK BUILT 

Olga Campos 

Broadcast journalist; former host of KVUE’s Daybreak program; known for her passionate support of and service to many area causes and community organizations

Aaron Franklin

Pitmaster and owner of Franklin Barbecue, which Bon Appetit this summer named the best barbecue spot in the country

Dan Garrison

Owner, Garrison Brothers Distillery, in Hye, Texas, just west of Johnson City, producers of home-grown, handcrafted Texas bourbon

Jamie Grant

Executive director and CEO, Long Center for the Performing Arts; performing arts innovator and leading North American arts administrator

Michael Hsu

Principal architect, Michael Hsu Office of Architecture; designer of iconic Austin businesses from restaurants to retail centers, and unique Austin residences

Bruce Knox

Executive vice president, Circuit of the Americas, the multi-purpose motorsports and entertainment facility that will host the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix and MotoGP

Andy Martinez

President and CEO, Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; former executive with corporations including IBM and NCR; leader of community organizations

David McWilliams

Executive director, T Association for former Texas student-athletes; Champion University of Texas Longhorn football coach (1987-1991) and player (1961-1963)

Graydon Parrish

Realist painter combining classical and contemporary realism whose work is found in many private and public collections; adjunct instructor, Grand Central Academy of Art

Dick and Sara Rathgeber

Longtime generous supporters of numerous community organizations, including the beneficiary of tonight’s event, the Austin Children’s Shelter

Marc Seriff

Co-founder, America OnLine; advisory board member, G-51 Capital venture fund and UT College of Natural Sciences; board member, numerous Austin arts organizations

Carl Shepherd

Chief strategy and development officer, HomeAway, the leading online marketplace of vacation rental homes; former chief operating officer, Hoover’s Online

Greg Soechting

Co-Owner, The Austin Wine Merchant, locally owned, operated and supported for twenty years

Stewart Vanderwilt

Director and general manager, KUT-FM; instrumental in founding the first radio service in Far West Texas, Marfa Public Radio; director, Public Radio International, Inc.