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.

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.