The Big Night Out - Classic Hollywood

Saturday night, June 4, 2016, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State (BBBSOS) celebrated 50 years of providing high quality mentors to the youth of Rhode Island at their 9th annual gala, ‘The Big Night Out’ with a Classic Hollywood theme. The event’s Diamond Level Sponsor, MetLife Auto & Home was just one of the many sponsors who made the night a ‘Big’ success. Emcee Kelly Sullivan, WPRI 12’s 5:30 Anchor and Reporter, engaged guests throughout the evening while auctioneer Jack Martone got the crowd in the giving mood, raising over $37,000 during the evening’s Live Auction and Fund-A-Match which provides direct financial support to the agency’s local mentoring programs.

Guests danced the night away to the sounds of Nancy Paolino and the Black Tie Band. Over 250 guests came in support of BBBSOS celebrating the great impact 50 years of mentoring has had on the community. In recognition of 50 years, BBBSOS was delighted in honoring all past Champions of Mentoring and Legacy Award Honorees. In attendance were Hilina Ajakaiye, Dr. Nancy Carriuolo, Marty Fine, Valerie Tutson, Joyce Stevos, and our founding mother Dr. Dorothy Pieniadz. Big Sister of the Year Sandra Cotrone and her Little Sister Shanya delighted the audience with their singing and dancing performance, in which they received a standing ovation. Hannah W. a 7th grade “Little” at our site-based program, represented BBBSOS in an Alex and Ani Commercial played at the event, but was unable to attend as keynote speaker as she is fighting her third battle with cancer.

The event netted $123,000 for BBBSOS--the organization’s best year yet! “The money raised from this event will allow us to continue to fund our mentoring programs,” said Executive Director, Katje Afonseca. “Each mentoring relationship we have within our organization requires an extensive background screening for participating adults, along with on-going professional support from skilled BBBSOS case workers who provide training and free activities for our mentoring pairs. These necessities cost money and it is wonderful for us to have a fundraiser like our Annual Gala to support these expenses.”

BBBSOS provides mentors to the youth of Rhode Island who will motivate and empower them to make positive decisions, improve academic results, avoid risky behaviors and grow in a way that will positively impact our community. Currently there are over 100 children on the waiting list, most of whom are boys, waiting for a mentor. Heather Potter, Director of Outcomes and Engagement at BBBSOS said, “With more and more children applying for a mentor every day, raising money for our programs is even more crucial. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State is committed to providing mentors and we need the community’s support to accomplish this mission.”

To find out more about the event, see photo highlights or to learn more about becoming a mentor to a child in Rhode Island, visit www.BBBSOS.org or call 401.921.2434.