Rancho Alegre Launches Online Auction to Support Conjunto Music Preservation and Free Community Events

AUSTIN, Texas — Rancho Alegre, an Austin-based nonprofit dedicated to preserving and promoting Conjunto music, is launching a new fundraising initiative with an online auction featuring donated gifts, experiences and merchandise through November 6, 2026.

The auction is the first of several fundraising efforts planned by the organization, with an emphasis on affordability and making it easier for more people to participate. Items include gift cards, event tickets, books, bilingual children’s books, sports memorabilia, jewelry, gifts and other merchandise donated by businesses and individuals.

Bidding starts as low as $5, with items ranging from smaller gifts to a designer bag from Consuela. Winning items will be shipped directly to recipients, and new auction offerings are being added daily.

The auction is available through the organization’s website at RanchoAlegre.org.

Proceeds will help fund Rancho Alegre’s year-round mission to preserve and promote Conjunto music, including its annual Rancho Alegre Conjunto Music Festival and Conjunto Dance Series for Seniors. Both community programs are offered free of charge.

Piper LeMoine, Chief Operating Officer for Rancho Alegre, said the organization wanted to create fundraising opportunities that allow people to support its mission while also receiving something in return.

“People are struggling right now. They want to support us, but an outright donation may not be feasible for them,” LeMoine said. “So with the holidays coming up, we wanted to offer them a two-fer: get deals on gifts AND support us at the same time.”

Rancho Alegre Plans Additional Fundraising Events

The online auction is the first of several fundraising activities planned by Rancho Alegre as it looks to expand community participation and generate support for its cultural preservation programs.

Upcoming initiatives include a Tamale Contest on December 13, 2026, a fundraising night at the Portillo’s location in Schertz in February 2027, and the relaunch of the Rancho Alegre online shop.

The expanded online store will feature additional merchandise, including bilingual children’s books. Some items currently available through the auction are also expected to become available in the shop.

The organization is emphasizing accessible price points across its fundraising efforts, giving supporters different ways to contribute while purchasing gifts and merchandise.

Businesses and Organizations Support the Auction

Rancho Alegre recognized the businesses and organizations that donated items and helped make the inaugural auction possible.

Participating donors include:

• Consuela
• Kendra Scott
• Gorjana Jewelry
• American Furniture Warehouse
• University of Texas Athletics
• Houston Zoo
• BookPeople
• Kerbey Lane Cafe
• Waterloo Ice House
• Amy’s Ice Creams
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
• Oriental Trading Company
• Smokey Mo’s BBQ
• Texas Rangers
• Texas Stars Hockey
• Round Rock Express Baseball
• Black Bear Diner
• KFC
• Crux Climbing Center

Through these contributions, Rancho Alegre hopes to bring together local businesses, individuals and music supporters to help sustain its work in the Conjunto community.

Preserving the Legacy of Conjunto Music

Rancho Alegre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on preserving, documenting and promoting Conjunto music and its cultural contributions.

Its projects include producing a podcast, operating a nonprofit record label, digitizing historic analog recordings, interviewing legendary and emerging artists, and contributing to the historical record of Tejano and Conjunto music.

The organization also connects artists with professional services and business resources, provides affordable merchandise for bands, and participates in educational outreach at schools and universities.

Through its annual Conjunto Music Festival, senior dance series and other year-round events, Rancho Alegre continues working to keep Conjunto music accessible to audiences and future generations.

Supporters can participate in the online auction through November 6 by visiting RanchoAlegre.org.

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