River Walk Royal Masquerade Gala Raises Money for Scholarships

Guests enjoy games at the gala.
(Photo courtesy of Victor Blanco)

By Sophia Scearce

Elegant floor length gowns and intricate Mardi Gras masks dazzled the Wyndham Garden at the River Walk Friday night, as around 300 people attended the first ever River Walk Royal Masquerade Gala.

“People got really creative with them, and some went above and beyond with hats, wigs, and even colored contacts,” said photographer Victor Blanco.

The gala was hosted by the San Antonio River Walk Association, which works to protect, promote and preserve the River Walk. The night’s festivities featured live music, casino games, and the association’s first ever online silent auction for its newly formed non-profit called “Friends of the River Walk.”

Each guest paid between $50-$75 of entrance fee. Some chose to purchase an entire table for $1,000. 

All proceeds from the event will fund the Robert Hugman scholarship for UTSA students studying architecture, as well as support the preservation and promotion of events along the River Walk. 

Robert Hugman, after whose name the scholarship is named, was the original architect of the San Antonio River Walk when it was constructed in 1939.

Besides the excitement and enthusiasm among the attendees, the silent auction raised nearly $2,000, all of which will benefit the association’s mission as well as the scholarship program.

“My expectations for this event was to raise money for the Robert Hugman scholarship and to bring more recognition to what the San Antonio River Walk Association does , which I feel we achieved,” said Loren Reyes, the membership and sponsorship director of the association. In fact, she regarded Friday’s event so successful that next year they “plan to double in size."

The San Antonio River Walk Association also offers a variety of internship opportunities for college students and is a frequent participant of Trinity’s Career Fair.