Across Texas, talented students are working toward futures in the arts, but for many, the cost of education can put those dreams out of reach. On Thursday, November 5, 2026, we have an opportunity to help change that.
Join us for the Millett Legacy Luncheon, an afternoon where Austin’s generosity, history, and creative spirit come together to invest in the next generation.
Through the Millett Legacy Scholarship, we will support promising students pursuing education in the fine, performing, and culinary arts, with special consideration given to first-generation college students and those with demonstrated financial need.
Hosted inside the historic 1878 Millett Opera House, the luncheon will bring together Austin’s business leaders, philanthropists, preservationists, elected officials, and community champions for an afternoon of exceptional hospitality, meaningful conversation, and inspiring entertainment.
Your experience will include:
• An elegant luncheon inside one of Austin’s most treasured historic venues.
• An inspiring keynote address by entrepreneur, artist, author, and visionary Gay Gaddis.
• Quan Cosby as emcee for this special afternoon.
• An unforgettable operatic performance by acclaimed soprano Jasmine Williams inside Austin’s original opera house.
• Performances by talented students from The University of Texas College of Fine Arts, representing the next generation of artists and performers.
• A signature dessert thoughtfully created and presented by students from the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, celebrating the next generation of culinary talent.
Every element of the afternoon reflects what the Millett Opera House has represented for nearly 150 years: creativity, performance, gathering, and possibility. Today, we have the opportunity to use that history to open doors for those who will carry its spirit forward.
Every sponsorship, hosted table, auction bid, Golden Ticket, and gift helps advance two important missions: preserving the historic Millett Opera House and creating educational opportunities for the next generation through the Millett Legacy Scholarship.
When you support the Millett Legacy Luncheon, you are doing more than attending an event. You are helping preserve a landmark that has served Austin since 1878 while investing in promising students whose talent deserves the opportunity to flourish.
One hundred years from now, people will still walk through the doors of the Millett Opera House. The students supported through this scholarship will have gone on to create, perform, lead, and inspire in ways we cannot yet imagine.
Future generations may never know the names of everyone who gathered for this luncheon, but they will experience the lasting impact of a community that chose to preserve its history while opening doors for what comes next.
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.
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
