Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State raises over $160,000 at Big Night Out

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State raises over $160,000 at Big Night Out

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State (BBBSOS) held their annual event on Saturday night, May 5, 2018, at the Omni Hotel in Downtown Providence. “The Big Night Out” was a Kentucky Derby-themed event which galloped into the guests’ hearts as Emcee Lindsay Iadeluca, NBC 10 News Reporter, 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 segments, which provide direct financial support to the agency’s local mentoring programs. Guests danced the night away to the sounds of Brass Attack, one of New England’s favorite bands.
Over 250 guests were in attendance to support BBBSOS and the impact mentoring has on the youth of Rhode Island and the local community. The evening began with heartfelt videos announcing the Big Brother, Big Sister and Big Couple of 2018.

2018 Mentors of the Year Include:

Big Brother of the Year: Nicholas Rodrigues of Lincoln

Big Sister of the Year: Jennifer Merrill of Providence

Big Couple of the Year: Cindy & Anthony Capobianco of West Greenwich

The 2018 Legacy Award was presented to MetLife Auto & Home for being a long time, significant donor in support of the agency’s mission.

BBBSOS gratefully acknowledges the support of our Diamond Level Sponsor, MetLife Auto & Home, and Gold Level Sponsors, Alex and Ani and MCR Development, for making this event a success.

BBBSOS Board President Brendan Kane, of Peregrine Property Management, challenged his friends and colleagues to support the agency’s mission and single-handedly raised $70,000. That night he personally thanked the “President’s Circle Donors” for answering his call to action, and instilled a sense of pride by reminding them that they’ve “invested not just in the future of a child, but the community as a whole.”

BBBSOS was delighted with the results of the event which supports their mission of providing 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 90 boys waiting for a mentor. Tiana Ochoa, 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.