Big Brothers Big Sisters Takes Guests Out to the Ballgame, Raises $213K+
By Tyler Butler
On February 15, more than 550 Big Brothers Big Sisters Pitch In for Kids’ Sake Gala attendees were greeted with popcorn and cotton candy as the entered to showcase the event’s baseball theme. Guests wore baseball inspired attire and had the opportunity to connect with Big Brothers Big Sisters “big” and “little” participants as they roamed the event sharing their “player cards” which included tidbits on their individual stories.
The event began with a cocktail party where they mixed and mingled, purchased mystery boxes and posed in the photo booth. Guests then hears from featured speakers Arizona Diamondbacks legend Luis Gonzalez and Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone who inspired and engaged the audience.
Big Brothers Big Sisters’ president and CEO Laura Capello spoke about the organization’s program goals and how they match more than 1,500 youth each year with caring, supportive mentors and provide professional support to make sure those matches are successful.
Event co-chairs, board member Teresa and her husband Casey Strunk, presented awards to the “Bigs of the Year,” Ray Hager, Kaitlyn Ruddick and Bill Janiga.
“Big” and “little” matches told baseball-themed jokes and kept the atmosphere lively throughout the evening, and Paul Horton, chief meteorologist of KPHO CBS 5 and BBBSAZ Advisory Council member, served as the event’s emcee.
Mentor pair Evan, age 17, and big brother Ray shared how spending time together has enriched both of their lives. Evan’s mom Cathy, also shared how the program helped Evan grow and change from a shy boy to a confident young man.
The event concluded with Gonzalez inviting all Big Brothers Big Sisters participants to join him on stage to lead the crowd in a rousing rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”
Preliminary numbers show that more than $213,000 were raised to allow the organization to facilitate more than 175 matches for a year.
