ONLINE: Big House Party

press release: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County (BBBS) is not hosting their 800-person annual Gala this year due to COVID-19. Instead their “BIG House Party” or reimagined Gala will be a virtual event to be held on Thursday, September 17, starting at 6:30pm. Since 1966, BBBS has been defending the potential of children by creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

The “Big House Party” will be BBBS’s largest fundraiser of the year with the goal of raising $200,000 to serve 600 kids in Dane County this year. The agency has adjusted their programs to support children and families who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. All of the proceeds from the event will go towards keeping kids connected virtually with their Big, recruiting more Bigs to mentor online, make more virtual matches, sustain matches over time and decrease our current wait pool of over 200 kids who are waiting to be matched to a Big Brother, Big Sister, Big Couple or Big Family.

"Mentoring is critical now more than ever. Our kids are experiencing social and physical isolation which can increase the likelihood of exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and can compound the effects of trauma. Youth matched with a mentor in our program are more likely to achieve educational success, avoid risky behaviors, and have better relationships with peers, parents, and teachers. The time is now for the community to step up, defend and protect our youth’s potential,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters CEO, Sandy Morales.

Big Brother Ercan Dzelil will be honored as the 2020 BIG of the Year. Dzelil, a Madison police officer, will be honored for the mentoring relationship he has had with Little Brother Cle, whom he has built up trust with over the years.

This year’s BIG House Party presented by Mad City Windows and Baths, features an extensive silent auction including a Milwaukee Brewers Suite for a 2021 game, a 14k white gold ring with .33 carats of sparkling diamonds, and numerous items and experiences that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your home.

Auction items (as well as the livestream event) can be viewed at https://one.bidpal.net/bighouseparty2020.