T. Boone Pickens Named Honorary Chairman of the 2013 Big Black Tie Ball Benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters

All of North Texas is invited to an intimate evening with Country Music and All-star Celebrity Apprentice Winner Trace Adkins at Gala on November 9, 2013.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is pleased to announce that renowned philanthropist and energy entrepreneur T. Boone Pickens will serve as the Honorary Chairman of its 2013 Big Black Tie Ball on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at the Omni Dallas Hotel. In addition to a cocktail reception, dinner, and silent and live auction, the evening will feature a performance by Grammy-nominated Trace Adkins.

"Big Brothers Big Sisters is humbled to have T. Boone Pickens lend his support to our organization and this worthy event," says Rob Roby, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters. "We are equally honored to introduce country music superstar Trace Adkins at this year's Big Black Tie Ball. Through the generosity of Mr. Pickens, Trace Adkins is donating an unforgettable performance as a demonstration of his friendship with Mr. Pickens and his commitment to changing the lives of the children we serve."

Trace Adkins is one of country music's most versatile and accomplished entertainers. With an instantly recognizable baritone voice, he has earned platinum and multi-platinum albums with total sales surpassing 10 million. On Sunday, Adkins was named the winner of the first edition of NBC's All-Star Celebrity Apprentice.

The funds raised from the Big Black Tie Ball will directly benefit the more than 4,000 children currently waiting for a Big Brother or a Big Sister. Each $500 raised will remove one child from our waiting list and match them to a mentor who will enrich, empower and encourage them to reach their highest potential. Last year's event featuring Jewel was a record-breaker - over 650 guests raised $550,000 for mentoring initiatives in North Texas.

This event is open to the public and sponsorship opportunities are available. Individual tickets are $350 and couples tickets are $500. A limited number of VIP tickets to meet & greet Trace Adkins will be available. Please visit bbbstx.org/bigblacktieball or contact 888.887.BIGS to purchase tickets or for more event information.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters, the nation's largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring organization, holds itself accountable for children in its program to achieve measurable outcomes, such as educational success; avoidance of risky behaviors; and higher aspirations, greater confidence and better relationships. Partnering with parents/guardians, schools, corporations and others in the community, Big Brothers Big Sisters carefully pairs children ("Littles") with screened volunteer mentors ("Bigs") and monitors and supports these one-to-one mentoring matches throughout their course. The first-ever Big Brothers Big Sisters Youth Outcomes Summary, released in 2012, substantiates that its mentoring programs have proven, positive academic, socio-emotional and behavioral outcomes for youth, areas linked to high school graduation, avoidance of juvenile delinquency and college or job readiness.

Big Brothers Big Sisters provides children facing adversity, often those of single or low-income households or families where a parent is incarcerated or serving in the military, with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. This mission has been the cornerstone of the organization's 85-year history. Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star serves over 30,000 children, volunteers and families through 20 offices and over 100 counties in Texas. Learn how you can positively impact a child's life - donate or volunteer at bbbstx.org.