Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Central Texas Hosts 18^th Annual Ice Ball

By Rob Giardinelli         Photography by Chris Caselli and Gypc Girl Photography

THE SETTING: The JW Marriott in Austin was the recent setting of an event that kicked off the fall social season in grand style. Over 750 of the Capital City’s charitable philanthropists turned out for the 18^th annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas Ice Ball. It was an evening that dazzled its guests and will be well remembered, and spoken fondly of, for a long time.

 

THE STYLE: The black tie crowd began the evening in the ballroom foyer of the JW Marriott for cocktail hour. As revelers sipped cocktails, they had the opportunity to peruse silent auction items, participate in a game of Buried Treasure, where the winner received a pave diamond circle necklace, and pose for photos in front of the event’s grand signature ice sculpture.

 

The festivities then moved to the ballroom for the main program. Emcee, KVUE-TV’s Quita Culpepper effortlessly kept the evening moving at a fun, brisk pace. While partygoers dined on a multi-course meal, they were treated to a series of heartwarming testimonials on how Big Brothers Big Sisters has positively impacted the Central Texas community. The evening was capped off by a round of live fundraising, which included a head or tails auction, Fund-A-Friendship paddles up, and the spirited live auction with a host of experiences such as a tour of Sonoma wineries, a skiing adventure in Park City, and an Italian getaway on the Amalfi coast.

 

THE PURPOSE: The event, chaired by Albert and Sarah Swantner, raised over $930,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas. Funds from the event will go toward programs that help create life-changing relationships between adult mentors and at-risk youth between the ages of six and 16, which allows them to reach their full potential.