Nonprofit Spotlight: Big Brothers Big Sisters | Big Chefs Big Gala

On Saturday April 8, more than 30 of the Reno-Tahoe area’s most talented chefs will come together at the Grand Sierra Resort to cook for a cause at Big Chefs, Big Gala. The cause is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada, which has been serving our community since 2001.

This year, guests will enjoy an evening of fine wine and a four-course meal prepared by a star-studded team of our area’s top chefs. Captains Thierry Bregeon of the Grand Sierra Resort, Christian Christensen of SÜP, Josh and Whitney Deri of Blend Catering and Sergio Romero of The Twisted Fork, have selected chefs from Reno’s best restaurants to help them prepare the meals.

For each course, captains and their teams will adapt their own menu based off a primary ingredient or theme. For example, the primary ingredient for the second course is lobster, and chef Charlie Abowd of team Deri, will be serving a fresh lobster salad. While chef Colin Smith of team Romero, will be preparing a butter poached lobster dish. With each team working to top the others’ dishes, this event promises to be the foodie event of the year.

“We are so fortunate to have such talented and generous chefs in our community. Where else could you get 30 chefs to offer their time and services on a Saturday night? The best part is, they are participating to raise awareness and make a substantial difference in the lives of the children we serve,” said Liza Maupin, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

A Perfect Match

Ten years ago, Little Brother Connor was an 8-year-old being raised by a single mom who was looking for a positive male influence in his life. Big Brother Sean was a young entrepreneur who wanted to make a difference in his community. Over the next 10 years, Sean met weekly with Connor and made sure that Connor knew anything was possible.

Now, Connor is a freshman at the University of Nevada, Reno pursuing a degree in business. Sean’s positive influence lead Connor on the path to success.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is backed by 111 years of experience and success. By spending a few hours each week having fun with their “Little”, a volunteer Big has a lasting impact on a child and on the community. Children in the program have an 86 percent high school graduation rate, compared to their similarly disadvantaged peers at just 65 percent.

Children enrolled in the program are also 75 percent more likely to obtain a four-year degree, 39 percent more likely to have household incomes over $75,000 and 72 percent more likely to be satisfied with their relationships with friends and family.

Big Chefs, Big Gala, is the largest fundraising event of the year for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada. In addition to fine wine and a gourmet meal, the event will offer appetizers, dessert, a silent and live auction and the opportunity to have a one-of-a-kind experience while supporting a worthy cause! Go to www.bbbsnn.org and get your tickets to enjoy the best meal in town.

Want to get Involved?

Be a Big

In Washoe County, more than 100 children are waiting for a Big Brother or Sister to believe in them and help them succeed in life. Boys wait two times longer than girls, sometimes waiting six to 12 months before being matched with a mentor. With 20 percent of youth in our community living in poverty, we need your help now more than ever!

Host a Clothing Drive

By scheduling a clothing drive at your business for Big Brothers Big Sisters you are helping fund one-to-one, professionally supported, mentoring relationships that improve the lives of children living in poverty and the community as a whole.

Serve on our Board of Directors

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada has a vibrant and diverse Board of Directors who meet six times a year to provide oversight and financial support.

To find out more about Big Chefs Big Gala, becoming a Big, or other ways to get involved visit www.bbbsnn.org or call 775-352-3202.

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