Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State Celebrates New Fundraising Goal with The Big Toast

Marketing & Community Outreach Specialist, George Evans Marley and his husband, Hugh Minor

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State (BBBSOS) held its 4th annual food and drink tasting fundraiser “The Big Toast” at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport on September 26.  

This year, BBBSOS hosted well over 60 vendors including, D’Vine on the Hill, Chapel Grille, Mill’s Tavern, Egg Roll Cafe, Fool Proof Brewery, InPopnito Popcorn and so many more!  This year’s event was a milestone for BBBSOS, with all available attendee tickets selling out in advance.  “We could have easily sold another 200 tickets” said Executive Director, Deb Saunders.  “It was important for us to keep our guest’s safety and comfort as our top priority.  Limiting the ticket sales made the event far more enjoyable for both guests and vendors.”   David Dadekian of Eat Drink Rhode Island, who served as honorary chair was quoted as saying, “It’s an honor to be part of this event, so many great people from the industry being a part of an event that will help so many young people throughout Rhode Island.”  Chef Brandon Lewis from Johnson and Wales University was also on hand with over 25 JWU students to lend a hand with the event’s set up and execution.  “I was so pleased to be a part of this event.  My students from JWU’s Cooking Asia Club were very professional and added a great deal of support; we’re looking forward to helping out again next year.  It’s a tremendous opportunity for our students to be out in the community lending a hand and learning what it takes to run an event such as this.”

The event this year netted nearly $17,000 for BBBSOS.  “The money raised from this event will allow us to continue to fund our mentoring programs,” said Development Director, Katje Afonseca.  “Each mentoring relationship we have within our organization requires an extensive background screening for participating adults, along with on-going professional support from skilled BBBSOS case workers who provide training and free activities for our mentoring pairs.   These necessities cost money and it is wonderful for us to have a fundraiser like The Big Toast to support these expenses.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.  Currently there are over 100 children on the waiting list, most of whom are boys, waiting for someone to positively impact their lives.  Heather Potter, Program Director had this to say “Mentoring is more than just being a child’s friend.  It’s being the person who allows them to see the light in their life, giving them higher aspirations, greater educational success and higher self esteem.”

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