Ice Ball 2016 Raises Funds To Support Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Work

Ice

It was a night of shimmering gowns, sparkling smiles and glittering ice as Austinites gathered for the 12th Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas Ice Ball.

The largest annual fundraiser for the organization was held on Saturday, August 20, at the Hyatt Regency Austin and raised half a million dollars to support the agency’s mentoring programs for local youth.  There was excitement in the air as 700 guests arrived to recognize, celebrate and support BBBS’ work to create life-changing friendships between at-risk youth and caring adult mentors.

“This was another tremendous event that will contribute to our organization’s mission, which is to help kids succeed in life,” said Brent Fields, CEO of BBBS. “Funds raised tonight and throughout the year will allow us to serve and support approximately 1,000 mentoring relationships. A big ‘thank you’ to those who attended for their support and participation.”

Guests enjoyed a number of pre-event activities including a silent auction, raffle, Kendra Scott Mystery Boxes and a seated dinner. A live auction featured trips to Paris and Bali, box seat tickets to a Spurs game, and a hunting trip to the King Ranch as well as an opportunity to fund mentoring matches directly during the ‘Fund A Friendship,’ paddles-up portion of the event.

A highlight of the night was the video story featuring Big Sister Shannon Mouser and her Little Sister Mykayla Reynolds whose mentoring relationship has lasted for 7 years and whose story serves as a poignant reminder regarding the difference that mentoring, and Ice Ball, truly make.

The emcee for the night was Shannon Wolfson, evening anchor and investigative reporter for KXAN, and the auctioneer for the evening was Gayle Stallings.

“We’re so grateful for all the support from the Austin community,” said Kate and Hector Perez, Co-chairs for the event. “Supporting kids in one-to-one mentoring relationships can make the difference for their futures. To see so many come out to support, contribute, advocate and celebrate the success of BBBS made the night truly successful. This is such a great party, but it’s also about helping kids in ways that affect the rest of their lives. Thank you Austin for making Ice Ball 2016 a huge success!”

Although the decorations have now been put away and the ice melted, for many children and families in Central Texas, the impact of this special night will last a lifetime.

Special thanks to our top sponsors: BB&T, Pamela and Will Hurley, Kate and Hector Perez, RSM, US Micro Products, Sam Bassett, General Motors, H-E-B, IBM, Maswell, Locke & Ritter, Connie and Bill Nelson, Pape-Dawson Engineers, Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati Foundation, and The XYZ Co.

___________________________________

See Shannon and Mykayla’s video story here

See Ice Ball event photos here

See MyEventIsTheBomb photos here

To learn more about our work, subscribe to our blog at www.bigmentoring.org 

And, as always, please share our stories with others who might enjoy them.

Recent Posts