4ATX Foundation, Austin FC’s nonprofit arm, hosted the fourth Annual A Night in Verde Gala, A Benefit 4ATX Foundation, Presented by St. David’s HealthCare at Q2 Stadium on Thursday, September 26th. The unforgettable evening brought 4ATX supporters together with Austin FC players and coaches to celebrate the mission of 4ATX Foundation and honor the legends growing the roots of soccer across Central Texas.
Through the event, 4ATX raised $1,058,000 to support 4ATX Foundation’s mission to use the power of soccer to help communities thrive – socially, emotionally and physically. Attendees were able to bid on several auction items, including the opportunity to travel with the team to an Austin FC away match, exclusive team signed items, and a Pick Your Paradise luxury vacation package through the live auction portion of the night, sponsored by Q2 Software.
4ATX also awarded three (3) annual Legend of the Year Awards, Presented by Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages: one (1) to an Austin FC player for their exceptional volunteer service to the community, one (1) to a Central Texas community leader for their outstanding leadership and service in addressing health disparities and advancing health equity, and one (1) to a young person in 4ATX programs who has shown exceptional leadership skills.
Austin FC defender Hector Jimenez, Verde Leaders Assistant Coach Bryan Aviles, and International High School Teacher Elias Barahona as the Foundation’s Legends of the Year, presented by Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages.
Hector Jimenez, a defender for the Club since its inaugural season in 2021, volunteered for several 4ATX and Austin FC community events held in the past year including 4ATX Clinics pres. by St. David’s HealthCare events, Verde Leaders practice at Dobie Middle School, Dia de los Niños w/ AVANCE & the Thinkery, and 4ATX Foundation Hat Trick Society Cocktail Hour.
Bryan Aviles, met 4ATX and Verde Leaders while playing on the Wooldridge mini-pitch in 2021, and later competed in the first annual 4ATX Retas Cup with his Navarro Early College High School teammates. Today, Bryan is a Junior at Texas State and assistant coaching at the Burnet Middle School and Gus Garcia Young Men’s Leadership Academy Verde Leader sites.
Elias Barahona, was raised in El Paraiso, Honduras, by his grandmother after his mom immigrated to the United States. At the age 13, Elias embarked on a year-long journey to Austin, TX in the hopes of reuniting with his mother. The voyage was difficult, but successful, and Elias landed at the International High School at the age of 14. After a stellar collegiate career and a short stint as a professional soccer player, Elias decided to return to IHS as a teacher.
“It was an incredible honor to bring our community together and share the stories of Hector, Elias, and Bryan” said 4ATX Foundation Executive Director Kaitlin Mauro. “They're changemakers in our community and inspiring stories for the generations to come."
