Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas celebrated its 20th Anniversary Ice Ball Gala at the JW Marriott in downtown Austin. 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. “Donors, friends, and supporters 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.”
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 Gala Chairs Jason Vitanza and Philisa Giannukos.
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 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.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas serves nearly 750 children in Central Texas every day. For over 50 years, they have matched children, ages 6–16, with caring adult mentors. BBBS’ mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Last year, more than 97 percent of the children served by BBBS remained in school and avoided early parenting. For more information, visit www.bigmentoring.org.
