Join a special celebration where philanthropy, community, and the future of our Texas Colorado River converge at Cocktails for the Colorado.

Cocktails for the Colorado will be an unforgettable evening at the Four Seasons, featuring the presentation of the prestigious John Lay River Hero Award.

All funds raised will 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 Texas Colorado River.

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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).