Big Brothers, Big Sisters to Hold 50th Anniversary Gala

Monday, April 15, 2013

One of many Big Brother matches

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest will host ‘The Golden Gala – Celebrating 50 Years of Making a BIG Difference," on Saturday evening, April 20th at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. The Gala was organized to celebrate the agency's 50th anniversary and its continuing success in providing support to children of Central Mass through its famous mentoring programs. The festivities will start at 5:30.

What is Planned

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour, then silent auction, dinner, dancing and live entertainment provided by Decades by Dezyne, Voices of Metrowest and the Players to be Named Later. WCVB-TV’s Susan Wornick will conduct a live auction during the program portion of the evening.

The formal speaking program will be begin at 8 pm with opening remarks by Board Chair Kelly Fitzgerald and then words from Charles Pierson, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

"The gala is a way to celebrate 50 years of success, learn more about the agency, support the work of the agency, and have a great time! The event is designed to be a fun, festive evening that will allow our attendees to reminisce about the past, appreciate the value and work of the agency in the present, and support the agency for the future," says Jeffrey Chin, CEO of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Central Mass.

What and Who We're Celebrating

The Gala will pay tribute to Ben Ticho, whom retired earlier this year after 38 years with the agency, including 34 years as Executive Director. Additional event honorees will include: Bob Cousy, H Martin Deranian & Cameron Fersch, Ted & Maureen English, Jim Harrington, Gary MacConnell, Charlie & Maureen Tillett and Susan Wornick. All of these individuals have contributed in major ways to the success of the agency, either through contributions or monetary support, long-term participation in its mentoring programs, leadership, or otherwise volunteering.

Proceeds from the event, which is anticipated to draw approximately 350 people, will help Big Brothers Big Sisters deliver and expand its professionally supported mentoring programs to reach more children in need of one-on-one attention from responsible and caring volunteers within our community. The event will of course also draw more attention to these important programs and hopefully encourage more volunteers to join.

"It is our hope to provide important, vital support services for at-risk youth and their families. We accomplish much of this through our professionally supported mentoring programs we seek to bolster our partnerships with numerous corporate, school-based, and university sponsors. We know there is great need in our area for mentoring services, and we will rise to the occasion to serve that need…with support and help from all our friends and supporters," says Chin.

Major sponsors for The Golden Gala include The TJX Companies, Anonymous, Bob’s Discount Furniture, Staples, and Waters Corporation.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://bbbsgoldengala.kintera.org or click here; or contact the Big Brothers Big Sisters Worcester Office at 508-752-7868. Mechanics Hall is located at 321 Main Street in Worcester.