Big Brothers, Big Sisters goes green
In case you’re wondering why parts of Montrose and downtown Houston shone bright green last weekend, Big Brothers, Big Sisters has a perfectly good explanation.
It’s all part of the organization’s nationwide rebranding campaign. A conscious switch from purple to a hue that feels more “bold, modern and electric.”
Hence the local chapter’s new state-of-the-art facility on Washington radiating neon last Saturday night. And from the building’s lofty third-floor perch, “An Evening for Potential” galagoers could easily spot the Downtown Aquarium Ferris Wheel, which was also illuminated for the occasion.
“Isn’t this better than a ballroom?” Pierce Bush, president of BBBS Lone Star, asked the sold-out crowd of 250 supporters. Heads nodded and applause erupted as he continued. “And the food … have you ever had gala food like this?”
Bush made good points on both accounts. In past years, the event, which helps to fund the nation’s largest donor- and volunteer-supported mentoring nonprofit, has taken place in hotels and blacktie venues around town to accommodate its supersized crowds. But when restaurateur Benjamin Berg offered to underwrite and cater the dinner and after-party, event staffers made a wise call: Smaller is decidedly better.
That’s how guests wound up with B&B Butchers filet mignon, fried macaroni and cheese and New Yorkstyle cheesecake on their plates.
The program proved equally rich. Audience members roared with laughter as honoree Brigitte Kalai recounted her humorous big s ister experience; the Brigitte and Bashar Kalai Event Space was recently dedicated in recognition of her and her husband’s commitment to Houston youth.
Later, big brother/little brother duo Max Anyiam and Jeremiah Courtney stole the show with a touching video chronicling their basketball adventures, which is Courtney’s after-school activity of choice. Their bond illustrated what’s at stake — a reminder driven home by the names of wait-listed children placed at each table setting. The initiative was magnified even further during the Electric AfterParty.
On the first floor, 900 balloons filled up a boardroom-turned-photo booth to represent each youngster on BBBS’ current wait list. The staggering, interactive display was easily the evening’s biggest draw.
Not to be outdone, The Annie’s late-night menu of french fries, sliders and hot dogs wasmighty popular, too.
BBBS even borrowed Handlebar Houston’s resident DJ, DJayKaos ,to lay a few tracks. Meteorologist and emcee Stephen Morgan was among those getting down on the dance floor.
An additional 100 ticket holders packed in for the after-hours festivities. Twirl Cotton Candy and Neverland Balloons and Face Painting vendors welcomed their arrival.
Then for a Sunday encore, Mayor Sylvester Turner ensured that City Hall and the Montrose bridge were also lit. Because thanks to Hines, this year’s presenting sponsor, the future for mentor-matching is bright — bright green.