For the Love of the River
Thursday, October 16, 2025 | 6pm – 9pm
Four Seasons Hotel Austin
On October 16, 2025, hundreds of Austin’s philanthropy, community, and corporate leaders will come together for an evening of celebration and fundraising for our state’s lifeblood and greatest natural resource, the Texas Colorado River.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Four Seasons Hotel Austin, Cocktails for the Colorado promises a night full of excitement and purpose. The event will kick off with a Cocktail Reception on the lawn, offering breathtaking views of the River. Guests will then enjoy a delectable, seated dinner, a rousing live auction, and the presentation of the prestigious John Lay River Hero Award.
All funds raised directly support the mission of Colorado River Alliance and serve communities throughout the full length of the Colorado River Basin to support, activate, or create efforts to conserve and protect our most precious resource.
The Mission
Championing the long-term vitality of the Texas Colorado River through education and engagement.
A healthy, flowing river is imperative to the long-term well being of the communities through which it runs. With a commitment to innovation and collaboration, the Colorado River Alliance provides meaningful, memorable educational and engagement experiences that empower Texans with knowledge and tools to protect the Texas Colorado River.
John Lay River Hero Award
Colorado River Alliance has honored an individual, couple, group, business, or organization for contributions to the preservation and protection of the Texas Colorado River. Honorees have included Central Texas business leaders, corporations, conservationists, elected officials, news outlets, vineyard owners, musicians, a photographer, and a filmmaker.
The award was renamed in honor of our esteemed and beloved longtime Board President John Lay in 2020 for his outstanding service to protecting our river and his lifelong commitment to resource stewardship, education, and community building. Mr. Lay’s decades of leadership on the Colorado River Alliance Board ensured that thousands of school children had an opportunity to be inspired and excited by the Colorado River.
We will forever be grateful for his service and commitment to our mission. His impact will endure through the honor of this esteemed award. In loving memory of the remarkable Mr. Lay (1948-2023).
