Cool Night, Warm Hearts

Austin Ice Ball provides a refreshing winter break from the Texas summer heat and benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas.

By Jasmina Kuenzli

An evening of laughter, celebration and more than a few heartwarming moments, the Austin Ice Ball combines charity with crystals in an event that leaves attendees dazzled. With its lavish decorations (ice sculptures, twinkling lights and even an ice bar), illustrious attendees and inspiring personal narratives, Austin Ice Ball is Big Brothers Big Sisters’ largest fundraiser, raking in more than $500,000 last year.

Connie Nelson, host committee chair and one half of a “big couple,” has been putting together the event for months, and she’s confident this year’s Ice Ball will be even more successful than the last.

“Everyone’s there to do what they can to make this event the biggest, the brightest and the boldest yet,” Nelson says, adding that more than 800 people are expected to attend. “The goal is to go to the Hyatt ballroom on Aug. 22 and have an evening to celebrate our efforts and to have more kiddos in our area to be matched with a mentor.”

The Ice Ball is certainly a celebration. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dancing, live music and auctions are just the tip of the iceberg. The beauty of the Ice Ball only further illuminates the noble and inspiring mission behind BBBS, the personal stories that give the attendees an emotional connection to the children the program serves. Former “bigs,” “littles” and those currently in the program share their stories in what Nelson deems her favorite part of the evening, “the stories we tell the audience why we do this,” which make the night “magical.”

BBBS, a nationwide effort started more than a century ago, matches youths ages 6 to 18 with adult mentors in the community. The organization guides children who need positive encouragement and incentive to reach their highest potential. Children in the program often come from low-income and single-parent families, and those who participate in BBBS are more likely to attend college. BBBS bases the entirety of its organization on building relationships with the participants. The need for mentors and funds is so huge that hundreds of children fill the waiting list every year. The funds from last year’s Ice Ball took 300 youths off the waiting list.

“We need the money for the mentoring process,” Nelson explains, noting that the administrative aspects of mentoring, from recruiting volunteers to performing background checks, add up quickly.

Nelson has a personal connection to the BBBS program. She and her husband, Bill, are a big couple to Thomas, age 15. They became a big couple after their son mentored a child while he was a student at the University of Texas.

Even though planning and orchestrating such an extravagant and important event is a colossal logistical effort, Nelson cites the worthiness of the cause as well worth the effort.

“We all have a heart for the Big Brothers Big Sisters mission. When everyone’s on the same page and dedicated to the program,” she says, “it’s a privilege and honor to be involved.”

Aug. 22, the best and brightest of Austin will dress in their finest and mingle in the Zilker Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, learning about the inspiring stories of the real people who benefit from the attendees’ generosity. Undoubtedly, the Ice Ball will be even more successful than it was last year, and the funds raised will help the truly outstanding organization continue its admirable work. A

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Fab Ladies Luncheon

Aug. 6, 11 a.m., Avery Ranch Golf Club, 10500 Avery Club Drive

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Texas Women in Business Luncheon

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Big Brothers Big Sisters Ice Ball

Aug. 22, 6 p.m., Hyatt Regency Austin, 208 Barton Springs Road

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Photo: Executive board member Bill Blackstone, Rachel Blackstone, Executive board member Jared Toren, Lindsay Toren, Dan Graham and Lisa Graham celebrate at last year’s Ice Ball.