What’s New at Ice Ball 2019?
It’s the beginning of summer in Central Texas. A season in which Big Brothers Big Sisters starts thinking about… ice. The Ice Ball Gala is BBBS’ largest signature event. It’s the coolest night in the hottest month, and it’s a night that impacts the lives of children in our community forever.
As this year’s Ice Ball preparations get underway, there are many new and exciting elements in store that will take this event to even greater heights. One of these is The BIG After – an after-gala celebration that will cap off the Ice Ball evening.
“The BIG After is our new, official after-party. We’ve always had dancing after the Ice Ball program concludes, but we decided to go big this year,” said Lauren Portley, BBBS VP of Development. “The BIG After provides another opportunity to support BBBS’ mission and to celebrate the success of Ice Ball with others who care about giving back.”
Event sponsors and Ice Ball ticket holders will receive automatic entry to The BIG After. Tickets will also be available for those who just want to attend the after-party itself. “We found that some businesses may buy a table for Ice Ball, but that there’s not enough space at the table for everyone they want to attend. So, these organizations are purchasing tickets to The BIG After for many of their associates and young professionals,” said Lauren. “Tickets to The BIG After are a great company perk and a great way to engage and recognize staff.”
“Our after-party is also a way for more people to get connected to, and to support, BBBS’ work. It’s a great event for people who might not consider attending a gala, but who would enjoy a dance and a party. They can come to have a great time, while also contributing to a great cause… providing life-changing mentoring relationships to more kids who need them. It’s a fun, easy way to make a big difference.”
“The BIG After also provides a great opportunity for corporate partners to entertain some of their clients and/or prospective clients and get to know them better,” said Lauren. “It’s really just a great opportunity for anyone who wants to dance and have a good time while supporting BBBS.”
Another addition to Ice Ball 2019 is a new band, PDA. Not only will this group provide amazing dance music, but they will also take requests from their songbook. For a modest contribution, Serenade Sponsors will be able to dedicate a song to their ‘special someone’ during The BIG After.
The BIG After will also feature a special Kendra Scott Plunko Game with prizes valued at $25 and up. There will also be other games and entertainment for this late-night crowd.
The BIG After is not the only new addition to this year’s gala. During the silent auction portion of the evening Kendra Scott will be offering a ‘Treasure Chest Gem Pull’ with items valued at $125 and up. Participants will pull a gem and receive a corresponding jewelry piece for $125. A Kendra Scott Mystery Locker game will offer additional jewelry items valued at $75 and up. Prizes for both of these attractions are limited and participation will be first-come, first-served.
Another new component of this year’s Ice Ball revolves around the addition of new technology. Known as ‘mobile bidding,’ participants will be able to bid on silent auction items from their cell phones during the pre-event portion of the gala.
This year’s Ice Ball will truly offer something for everyone while staying true to the central purpose of the event – helping kids achieve their biggest possible futures by igniting the power and promise of youth through mentoring.
“The Ice Ball Mission Moment is always the highlight of the evening,” said Lauren. “It’s the opportunity for everyone to hear from a current Big and Little about the impact mentoring has made, and is making, in their lives. All these new elements are fresh, fun and exciting, but at the end of the night, it’s all about impacting children’s lives for the better, forever.”
We hope you’ll join us!
Big Brothers Big Sisters’ 2019 Ice Ball Gala happens Saturday, August 24th at 6:00 pm at the Fairmont Hotel, 101 Red River St., in downtown Austin.
With ice sculptures, a live auction, silent auctions, a seated dinner, games, raffle prizes and The BIG After, it’s a fun event, with a life-changing purpose. Get your tickets, reserve your table, and learn more at www.AustinIceBall.org
