Fashion: 'Big' love at ball

Enthusiasm wasn't masked at the Big Brothers Big Sisters ball.

By Sara Glassman, Star Tribune

Last update: March 29, 2009 - 12:30 AM

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It may have been difficult to recognize masked guests at the Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities (BBBS) masquerade ball last weekend, but that was part of the fun. Strangers, acquaintances and friends were all part of the BBBS family.

Gloria Lewis, president and CEO of the organization, bubbled with enthusiasm as she greeted partygoers. "We're celebrating matching children with a caring adult," she said, adding that BBBS is working on a program to help some of the state's 7,600 children of prisoners.

In the ballroom of the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis, there were lots of "bigs," including new "big couple" Julie Christman and Bret Ptacek, from Minneapolis. They have been hanging out with 10-year-old Michael, taking him to a dog park and a Timberwolves game. "It's fantastic so far, and he's starting to open up," Ptacek said.

Others, such as Dr. Dan Zapzalka, a urologist from Wayzata, have had long-term commitments. He has had two Little Brothers for the past seven years. "They're in high school now, so friends and girls are more of interest," he said.

Kids do grow up. Zakiya Edwards, who was a Little Sister for seven years and now is 20 and a student at the University of Minnesota, performed "Love Will Save the Day" to open the banquet.

"I grew up in a single-parent home. It was really important to have a positive adult influence when my dad wasn't there," she said.

That's all you can ask for from your family.

Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177