Thursday, October 16 | 6pm - 9pm
THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL AUSTIN
Inspire the Next Generation of River Stewards
Thursday, October 16, 2025 | 6pm – 9pm
Four Seasons Hotel Austin
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, where the lush lawn sets the backdrop for an elegant outdoor cocktail hour overlooking the river, featuring the celebration of the Mobile River’s 10th Anniversary and the presentation of the prestigious John Lay River Hero Award to Alvin Dedeaux.
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.
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.
2025 John Lay River Hero Honoree: Alvin Dedeaux
Colorado River Alliance is pleased to announce the 2025 John Lay River Hero Award will be presented to Alvin Dedeaux on October 16, 2025 at Cocktails for the Colorado for his commitment to shining a light on the Texas Colorado River.
As a long-time Austinite and environmentalist at heart, Alvin is the owner and founder of All Water Guides, an Orvis endorsed fishing guide service throughout Central Texas and the Texas Coast. Alvin uses his platform as a YETI and Howler Brothers ambassador to shine a light on the importance of water conservation.
In 2018, Alvin co-founded the LoCo Trash Bash to remove trash from his favorite water, the beautiful Colorado River. To date, the annual LoCo Trash Bash has removed over 45 TONS of trash from the river and banks of the Lower Texas Colorado River past Longhorn Dam.
About the 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).
