March 28, 2024

BBBSOS Raises over $100,200 at Signature Event

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Saturday night, May 6, 2017 was an enchanted evening as the clouds cleared and a rainbow appeared on the horizon at Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln, RI. It was the perfect setting as Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State (BBBSOS) celebrated mentoring in a big way at their 10th annual gala, ‘The Big Night Out’ with an Enchanted Garden theme. The event’s Diamond Level Sponsor, MetLife Auto & Home was one of many sponsors who made the night a ‘Big’ success. Emcee Brendan Kirby, co-host of The Rhode Show, WPRI/CBS 12, engaged guests throughout the evening while auctioneer Jack Martone got the crowd in the giving mood, raising over $30,000 during the evening’s Live Auction and Fund-A-Match segment, 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 and the impact mentoring has on the youth of Rhode Island and the local community. The evening began with an entertaining video compilation highlighting the many people that BBBSOS counts on to be able to continue providing mentors to hundreds of children each year. BBBSOS was delighted to honor Champions of Mentoring, Rachelle R. Green, Esq., Cervenka Green Ducharme Antonelli LLC; Branden J. Lewis, MBA, CEC, Chef, Johnson & Wales University; and Jon Poyourow, MA, RD, LD, Chef, Johnson & Wales University. Steve Trenteseaux was honored with the agency’s Legacy Award (awarded posthumously), for his dedication and passion for BBBSOS’ mission. Keynote Speaker, Former Little Sister Michelle Columba, inspired attendees as she spoke of her journey and experience with her Big Sister, Christina Bisceglio, who stood with her in support. A special video presentation interviewing three mentor-mentee pairs, highlighted the organizations mission, clearly illustrating how one person can significantly change the life of another.

“Once again, the event was a great success” said Jean Reuter Finkelman, event co-chair. “It was enchanting, not just from its physical presence but more importantly due to the enthusiasm for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State’s mission. As the organization’s largest fundraising event of the year, it netted over $100,000 that will directly be used towards mentoring programs for hundreds of at risk kids in our state.”
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 70 children on the waiting list, most of whom are boys, waiting for a mentor. Heather Potter, Program Director at BBBSOS said, “With more and more children applying for a mentor every day, raising money for our programs is becoming even more crucial. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State is committed to providing quality mentors and we need the community’s support to accomplish our 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 ext. 101.

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