Match Specialists continued to pair Bigs and Littles together virtually and sent out weekly virtual kits to facilitate matches. The kits included new activities for Bigs and Littles to do together and promoted education and assistance with homework, as students were still adapting to virtual schooling. Bigs and Littles can now see each other in person wearing masks and following CDC guidelines, but the video chatting tools have brought them closer than ever and still allow them to stay connected between inperson outings. The theme of this year’s virtual gala comes from the support system vital to the BBBS mission: bigger together.
BIGGER
TOGETHER
Big Gala Goes Virtual by Dakota Parks
or the last seven years, Big Brothers Big Sisters NWFL (BBBS) has been celebrating its biggest black-tie fundraising event of the year, the Big Gala. Each year, around 400 sponsors and community supporters dress up, dawning their best formal wear and head to Skopelos at New World for live music, a cocktail hour, silent auction and a paddle auction to support the mission of BBBS. Like many nonprofits facing canceled fundraisers and abiding by social distancing guidelines, this year, the Big Gala has gone virtual. On Jan. 15 from 7 – 8 pm, attendants can tune in to YouTube Live from the comfort of their home, sporting comfy pajamas or even their favorite black-tie ensembles. Director of Development Dana Hall explained how BBBS has adapted virtually to keep Bigs and Littles connected through COVID using innovative technology. “It’s hard to know the long-term effects of social distancing on children, both academically and socially,” Hall said. “So, we really felt like mentoring was an essential service to these kids and we had to keep them connected. The goal is to support our Littles and be defenders of potential. Every child has potential, but some just need a little additional push of motivation in order to see and reach that potential.” 8 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
kits will feature different photo props, flowers for centerpieces, wine and small appetizers. “I think one unique thing about the virtual gala is that several people are planning mini–Big Galas at their homes and they're going to get dressed up like normal,” Hall explained. “I think that's what our community is craving—just that slight sense of normalcy. If you want to dress up in black tie and send in photos, we would love that. If you want to put on PJs and get comfy while you watch, we love that too. We just want to keep everyone safe and healthy and celebrate together.”
“We are bigger together The virtual platform also We want to celebrate that support because of our comallows for a bigger audimunity supporters,” Hall system and let the community know that ence to tune in, including said. “We are bigger to- we still need help funding our matches.” friends, families and prigether because of our or matches across the matches and the incredible things that our matches country. The live stream is free to attend and open are able to accomplish together. One thing that I love to the public. January is also National Mentorship about the bigger together theme for the Big Gala is Month and Big Brothers Big Sisters NWFL is openly that everyone—from a viewer to our staff and board, recruiting new Bigs—especially male mentors. Bigs, Littles or their families have all experienced this. We have all been impacted by this year and the chal“We are constantly looking for strong male menlenges posed by it. We want to celebrate that support tors to be matched with boys on the match waiting system and let the community know that we still need list. Men are a little harder to recruit as mentors and help funding our matches and making new matches these kids are at a pivotal point in their life that havfor kids on the waiting list.” ing a strong male mentor and role model would really help them. Being a mentor isn’t extremely time Proceeds from the Big Gala go directly toward supconsuming. It’s two to four outings a month and a porting child mentorships and the work that BBBS weekly touchpoint that can be a phone or video call does for the community. During the live stream, CEO just checking in on your Little. Those small check-ins Paula Shell will give a presentation, a Big and Little and outings together can really make a difference in a will video in to share their match story, and the stachild’s life,” Hall said. ple auctions will go completely digital. Celebrating sponsors is also a vital part of the gala as well. LoTo learn more about the Big Gala and volunteering as cal businesses and families that sponsor BBBS will a mentor, visit: www.bbbsnwfl.org. get recognized on the live stream and receive a hand delivered Bigger Together At Home Gala Kit. Bigs and Littles will be delivering kits to sponsors wanting to celebrate at home with a small gala watch party. The
