Scene & Heard - 'One-of-a-Kind Guy': Big Brothers Big Sisters roasts its retiring CEO

If you had spent 32 years working for the community and dedicating your life to a nonprofit organization, you might hope that at your retirement dinner others would be inspired to give back as well.

The giving was certainly bountiful Friday night as Bert Grisard, former president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters in Winston-Salem, was roasted by friends, family and colleagues at a reception and dinner. Held at the Millennium Center, all in attendance were ready for a casual, fun night of honoring someone who has given so much.

Grisard has been the president and CEO since the agency was formed in 1977, and under his leadership BBBS has served more than 12,000 children in Forsyth County. A slideshow displayed pictures on a large screen over the stage the whole night and was filled with smiling children, laughing adults, bowling games and dinners -- mere snippets of the hours, years and a career to which Grisard dedicated his life.

Tables were scattered throughout the room, and a large buffet dinner of pasta, vegetables and a carving station were set up at the back of the room. The piece de resistance was a 3D replica of a golf hole in cake form, done by Cake of Winston-Salem. While those who know Grisard will tell you he plays plenty of golf now, surely the cake serves as a reminder of good things to come during retirement.

Amy Mack, who started as BBBS' new president and CEO on Nov. 2, was greeting the guests. "Tonight is about honoring Bert and his wife, Shelia, and how important they are. If you think about what a difference he has made since he came here, it's amazing. Tonight only shows a part of what he's done, it's not enough," she said.

Mrs. Grisard discussed her husband's retirement. "Well, it means he will be home a lot more. I've already started making lists for him. The roast tonight will be great because these people know a lot of things about Bert," she said.

Near the slideshow, I ran into Ken Moser, chairman of the board of directors, who was one of Mr. Grisard's fraternity brothers at Wake Forest University. "A roast suits Bert's personality. No other way would be more appropriate to celebrate his retirement," he said laughing. "But I think the world of him. I count him as one of my heroes. He could have done a lot of things with his life, but he chose this, and that is a wonderful accomplishment."

Pam Suber, the BBBS development director, planned the roast and retirement dinner and was certainly glad the night was going well. "It was fun to plan, but there were a lot of moving parts that got complicated at times. I just had to remind myself that this was a one-time event for a one-of-a-kind guy, and that put it all in perspective," she said.

In the middle of the ballroom was a group of men who know first-hand what a difference BBBS can make -- they are Big Brothers themselves. Don Timmons has been a Big Brother for five years, and Toussaint Holland, former president of the board, has been one for 10 years. "Bert is an easy target," said Timmons.

"BBBS would not have become what it is without Bert. He is a constant impact on the agency and you see what it means to be a mentor from him," said Holland.

A rather loud, fun group was nearby-- Larry Wingate, George Fleetwood and Walt Murray. They were all fraternity brothers at WFU with Grisard. Amidst sharing memories of their college days, Mr. Wingate said, "Bert has succeeded against all odds."

Bill Wise was sitting and enjoying dinner. He has been a Big Brother for 23 years. "This is a good way to say good-bye. This has not been a job for Bert for the past 32 years. It has been a position. You can see Bert in everyone, in everything at BBBS."

The guest of honor, as can be imagined, was in high demand, and his energy and excitement were infectious throughout the room.

"What I want to know is why anyone would pay good money on a Friday night to come see someone retire?" Grisard asked, laughing. Then, spotting someone across the room, he pointed, and said seriously, "That was one of our first Little Sisters. She really needed help, and I'm not sure she would have gotten through her situation without BBBS."

Soon after, Grisard was called to the stage and got comfortable in a lounge chair as his nine roasters took their positions. Wanda Starke, news anchor at WXII, and board member, was the emcee, and got the roast going: "Bert has to be the strangest CEO-- he is allergic to coats and ties," she said.

From there on, the laughter never stopped.

cworf@wsjournal.com



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