Ice Ball Gala: A Night of Sparkle and Surprises as Big Brothers Big Sisters Celebrated Their 20th Anniversary
BBBS celebrates its 20th Anniversary Ice Ball Gala at the JW Marriott Downtown Austin
Glamorous, beautiful, and inspirational, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas celebrated its 20th Anniversary Ice Ball Gala at the JW Marriott in downtown Austin on August 24th. This glittering fundraising event raised over $850,000 to create life-changing friendships between children in our community and caring adult mentors.
“It was truly a grand evening as was befitting a 20th anniversary celebration,” said Kedrick Jeffries, BBBS’ CEO.
Barton Strings, Austin’s beloved string ensemble, welcomed guests into the ballroom as dinner was served and the main portion of the evening began. 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.
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.
Auctioneer David Ackel inspired the crowed to bid on a range of exceptional live auction packages
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. 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 and her grandmother, she has found joy, confidence, acceptance, and for the first time in her young life – friendship and hope.
The evening concluded with a special surprise – the presentation of Big Brothers Big Sisters’ first-ever Lifetime Achievement award to Candy and Rhett Stone whose relationship with BBBS began some 40 years ago when Rhett became a Big Brother to Little Brother Andy, who presented Candy and Rhett with their award. It was truly a “full circle” moment that illustrated the impact BBBS’ mentoring 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 children in our community. While the evening itself may have ended, its impact will be felt for years, and generations, to come.
