Categories: EventsFeaturesNews

BIG Night for Big Brothers Big Sisters Breaks Fundraising Record

Portland, OR. Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest held its fourth annual Big Hero Gala at Leftbank Annex which featured a live auction with auctioneer Johnna Wells, Timber Joey Webber and Emcee Cathey Armillas. The gala supports the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters to match kids facing adversity in our community with a caring adult mentor. The January 27th benefit raised over $302,000 – an all-time high for the agency – through live and silent auctions, paddle raises and sponsorship.

Kris Wigger and Mimi Lettunich, Big Brothers Big Sisters Board Chair

Big Brothers Big Sisters CFO and Miss Oregon Harley Emery

Big Brothers Big Sisters CEO Beach Pace and Ken Beattie of Cale America

Kukatonon African Dance Troupe

Former Little Brother Gerardo Morales and his Former Big Brother Adam Hulme deliver a keynote speech

Auctioneer Johnna Wells

Event guests were treated to cocktails and an art exhibit following two current pairings titled, “My Match,” a performance by African Dance troupe Kukatonon, dinner, dessert and an after party. The live portion of the event unveiled a recruitment video for the agency’s new Bigs in Blue program, which matches youth with a mentor in law enforcement. Portland Police Chief Danielle Outlaw was in attendance and pledged to become a Big Sister through the program.

Here’s a video about the program:

Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest serves just shy of 500 kids in the Portland Metro area and Vancouver. The estimated cost of connecting a child with a mentor and offering match support for one year is $1,500. The agency serves youth in our community through its community, site based and school based programs.

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Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.

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