Somewhere in Texas today, a gifted young artist is wondering if they can afford to continue their education, on Thursday, November 5, 2026 together we'll answer that question.
Join us as we launch the Millett Foundation Scholarship Fund and help the next generation of artists, musicians, performers, designers, and creative leaders discover that one community believed in them before the world even knew their names.
The Millett Legacy Luncheon is where Austin's generosity meets tomorrow's talent. It is a celebration of Austin's history, an investment in its future, and an opportunity to become part of a legacy that will endure long after the final guest leaves the room.
As you arrive at the Millett Opera House, you'll be welcomed into one of Texas' most treasured historic landmarks. The sounds of talented student musicians from The University of Texas College of Fine Arts will fill the building, reminding us that the artistic spirit of this Opera House is as alive today as it was nearly a century and a half ago. You'll gather with Austin's business leaders, philanthropists, preservationists, elected officials, and community champions for an afternoon of exceptional hospitality, meaningful conversation, and inspiring entertainment.
Every moment of the afternoon has been thoughtfully designed to celebrate the next generation of creative talent while honoring the historic setting that has inspired artists for nearly 150 years.
Your experience will include:
• An elegant luncheon in one of Austin's most iconic historic venues.
• An inspiring keynote address by entrepreneur, artist, author, and visionary Gay Gaddis.
• An unforgettable operatic performance by acclaimed soprano Jasmin Williams in Austin's original opera house.
• Performances by talented students from The University of Texas College of Fine Arts, representing the very future your generosity will help create.
• A signature dessert, thoughtfully created and presented by the talented students of the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, celebrating the next generation of culinary excellence.
As memorable as the afternoon will be, its greatest impact won't be measured by the conversations, the music, or even the applause. It will be measured by the lives changed because this community chose to invest in the next generation.
Every sponsorship, every hosted table, every auction bid, every Golden Ticket, and every gift helps accomplish two extraordinary missions: preserving the historic Millett Opera House and building the Millett Foundation Scholarship Fund for deserving students in The University of Texas at Austin College of Fine Arts.
When you support the Millett Legacy Luncheon, you are not simply making a donation. You are preserving a landmark that has served Austin since 1878 while opening doors of opportunity for the next generation of artists, performers, designers, musicians, and creative leaders. Few gifts have the power to protect our past while simultaneously investing in our future.
One hundred years from now, people will still walk through the doors of the Millett Opera House. Students will continue to pursue their dreams because this community chose to invest in them. Future generations may never know the names of everyone who attended this inaugural luncheon, but they will experience the lasting impact of the decisions made in this room. That is the true meaning of legacy.
We are honored to welcome Gay Gaddis as our keynote speaker.
Discover the remarkable story of entrepreneur, artist, author, and visionary Gay Gaddis.
Click here to learn more about her extraordinary journey.
Be in the Room
Every legacy begins with someone who chooses to show up.
Become a Founding Sponsor
Help launch a tradition that will preserve the historic Millett Opera House while opening doors for the next generation of artists, musicians, performers, chefs, and creative leaders.
This is more than sponsorship. It is an opportunity to become part of the inaugural Millett Legacy Luncheon and help establish a philanthropic tradition that will serve Austin for generations.
Purchase a $250 Golden Ticket for the opportunity to choose from one of four unforgettable travel experiences while making a lasting impact. Every ticket supports the Millett Foundation Scholarship Fund, helping provide educational opportunities for students and preserve the historic Millett Opera House for future generations.
• 6 nights for 4 adults in a private apartment located in Cortona, Italy
• Cooking demonstration with tastings
• Wine education and tasting with 4 varieties of local wine
• Travel assistance and concierge service
• 5-night stay for 2 adults at the Sand Hotel
• Blue Lagoon premium experience
• Choice of (1) of the following:
o Whale Watching Boat Tour (May - August)
o Northern Lights Boat Tour (September - April)
• 4 nights for 2 adults at an all-inclusive beachfront resort in Cabo
• Approximate 5-hour fishing day in the world-class sport fishing waters of the Sea of Cortez
• Multiple resorts to choose from
