Each spring, The Junior League of Austin (JLA) proudly holds the Austin Entertains fundraiser. The event supports entrepreneurs and innovative women in the culinary and beverage industry by showcasing the Austin area’s top chefs and bartenders. Since 2020, over $79,000 has been awarded to participants through culinary fellowships, including Kendall Antonelli (Antonelli’s Cheese Shop), Whitney Alexander (Sorrento’s Coffee), and Krystal Craig (Intero Restaurant). 

Austin Entertains Pillars

Culinary Showcase: A primary goal of Austin Entertains is to elevate and celebrate female entrepreneurs who fuel the Austin-area culinary industry by featuring female leaders in local restaurants, bars, breweries, wineries, and distilleries.

Fellowship Award: Grants are awarded to culinary participants to help further their educational, business, or professional development. The fellowships include grants and a package of professional services to be used to advance the recipient’s business and professional development in the culinary field.

Community Impact: Event proceeds also support JLA community program Food In Tummies (FIT), which combats food insecurity in east Austin and Del Valle ISD. FIT provides bags of food for 1,000 students each weekend to help those who are considered economically disadvantaged. Full tummies help improve school attendance, student health, grades, and more!

Audiences

Participants: Female chefs, bartenders, brewers, winemakers, spirit purveyors, and industry leaders from the Austin area’s most recognized and awarded restaurants, bars, breweries, wineries, and distilleries.

Patrons: Past donors and sponsors include brands and corporations like Whole Foods, H-E-B, Dulce Vida, Nyle Maxwell Family of Dealerships, Coca-Cola SW Bev, Barton Springs Mill, and Chevron. Other patrons include local stores and businesses of all sizes.

JLA Members & the General Public: Austin Entertains grows year over year. Attendance has been upwards of 500 people. Participants and patrons also have exposure to over 40,000 followers and readers across all of our JLA media channels.