Ice Ball was a huge success!
This was my first Ice Ball. My very first gala. And definitely the only time I’ve ever had chills in the middle of a Texas summer.
Bid spotting Bigs! Our volunteer mentors strutting their stuff during the opening remarks.
The Ice Ball was one amazing night. We’d set our goal at an already-ambitious $250,000, but this weekend we were floored by guests’ generosity. They cranked up the giving during the live and silent auction, resulting in a whopping $318,000 for our kids!
The amazing Gayle Stallings working the room!
It was exhilarating. Live auction packages to Cabo, Bali and the King Ranch were going for tens of thousands. Paddles were also up during the Fund A Friendship portion of the evening when guests are asked to directly sponsor children in the program.
Of course, none of this would be possible without our longtime friends and supporters. Everyone from Gayle Stallings, of FUNauctions, to the event volunteers who help put the Ice Ball together each year.
Last, but not least, our Bigs – the lifeblood of the mission. They came out in full force as bid spotters to help guests win the auction packages of their dreams, and also to give their first-hand accounts of what it’s like to mentor a child.
Forever Sisters: Amy Jones (left, former Big Sister) and Zenobia Marshall (right, former Little Sister)
Our guest of honor was Zenobia Marshall, a former Little Sister. She told her personal story of how her Big Sister, Amy Jones, impacted her life – and that they’re still friends today. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room as she described how Amy has been by her side for more than two decades of friendship!
Watch the Ice Ball video highlights (thanks to our friends at Castleview Productions) and don’t forget to save the date for next year’s Ice Ball, on Saturday August 24!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiAskb45Mmk&w=560&h=315]
