2024 Ice Ball Recap
2024 Ice Ball Recap
It was elegant. Glamorous. Beautiful. But most of all it was inspirational and impactful, as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas celebrated the 20th Anniversary of its annual Ice Ball Gala. Held at the JW Marriott in downtown Austin on August 24th, this glittering fundraising event raised over $800,000 to create life-changing friendships between children in our community and caring adult mentors.
Amidst the sparkle, the true stars of the night were Little Sister Robin, her Big Sister Hannah, and her grandmother Dee. Their powerful match story, which was shared during the program, embodied the importance and purpose of the entire event.
“It was truly a grand evening as was befitting a 20th anniversary celebration,” said Kedrick Jeffries, BBBS CEO. “Donors, friends, and employees came together for this special evening. It was a homecoming of sorts with a special vibe of old and new uniting to support BBBS and the community. Thank you to everyone who made this such a memorable and impactful night.”
The evening began with a cocktail hour and pre-dinner activities which included an impressive 20th anniversary ice sculpture that provided a signature photo-op. An “Ice Ball Memory Wall” offered guests an opportunity to share past Ice Ball stories, and this year’s silent auction featured UT football tickets, an evening at Comedy Mothership, A Year of Dinner Dates, winery packages, golf rounds, jewelry, and more. Guests also enjoyed a 360 photobooth, a signature cocktail, a champagne station, an opportunity to purchase permanent bracelets, and the chance to participate in a fun raffle.
This year’s raffle featured two different prizes: Circuit of the Americas tickets for 3 days to the Formula 1 US Grand Prix, or a stunning Châtelaine® Collection pendant necklace from David Yurman.
Barton Strings, Austin’s beloved string ensemble, welcomed guests into the ballroom as dinner was served and the main portion of the evening got underway. Emcee Quita Culpepper, KVUE anchor, introduced Kedrick Jeffries who welcomed the crowd, delivered opening remarks, and recognized this year’s gala Chairs, Jason Vitanza and Philisa Giannukos, for their passion and hard work in creating this special night.
“We’ve been connected to BBBS for over 10 years,” said Jason. “We have experienced first-hand the power and difference mentoring makes in the life of a child. It’s an experience we want to make available to as many children as possible. Ice Ball is so much more than a party. It’s a chance to help kids achieve bigger and brighter futures.”
Christine and Blake Absher were honored with this year’s Ice VII Award, which is given to a person or couple whose reach and influence have positively impacted both BBBS and the organization’s signature Ice Ball Gala.
A special 20th anniversary video highlighted the event’s beginnings, as well as memorable stories from past galas and gala chairs including Amy Clary, founder of the event, Reva Enzminger, Connie and Bill Nelson, Christine and Blake Absher, and 2024 Chairs Jason Vitanza and Philisa Giannukos.
After a rousing game of Heads or Tails, the program continued with a live auction which featured exclusive trips and packages such as a getaway for 8 to a beachside villa in Bali, a culinary trip to Spain, special concert tickets and a suite to see Usher at the Moody Center, a golf trip to St. Andrews, Scotland, a stay at a private villa in Mykonos, Greece, as well as a Bourbon Trail Tour in Kentucky, among others.
The most inspirational portion of the night was the presentation of BBBS’ match story featuring Little Sister Robin, Big Sister Hannah, and Robin’s grandmother Dee. This occurred during the Fund A Friendship portion of the program where guests were invited to make donations to directly support more match relationships. Robin shared her experience with mental health challenges and self-harm that began at an early age. With the help and support of her Big Sister Hannah and her grandmother Dee, she has found joy, confidence, acceptance, and for the first time in her young life – friendship and hope. It is a story that exemplifies the impact BBBS mentoring has on children and their families.
The evening ended with a special surprise – the presentation of BBBS’ first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award to Candy and Rhett Stone whose relationship with BBBS began some 40 years ago when they became a Big Couple to their Little Brother Andy. Andy described the ways in which the Stones have been there for him throughout his life and how their relationships and connections have deepened over the years. Andy then called the Stones to the stage to receive their award. It was truly a “full circle” moment that illustrated the impact match relationships can have over the course of a lifetime.
Following the evening’s program, guests enjoyed socializing and dancing to music provided by Austin Nines.
Ice Ball 2024 was an amazing evening full of memories, hope, and purpose as everyone came together to support BBBS and children in our community.
While the evening itself may have ended, its impact will be felt for years, and generations, to come.
Special thanks to our top sponsors:
Laura & Kyndel Bennett and Sara & Dick Rathgeber; Circuit of the Americas – Aubrey & Bobby Epstein; RSM; Urbanspace; Jenn & Sam Bassett; and Guerra Underground LLC.
See event photos here
