$1.8 Million Raised in Support of Organization’s Programs
SANTA ANA, Calif. – Oct. 21, 2024 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire (BBBS OC/IE) held its 60th annual Gourmet Dinner on Thurs., Oct. 10, 2024, at the Newport Beach Country Club in Newport Beach, Calif. The event assembled an enthusiastic group including organization executives and staff, community leaders, “Bigs” and “Littles” to celebrate a common mission of creating and supporting mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of the next generation.
One of the largest fundraising events in Orange County, the evening featured a Scotch bar, cocktail reception, sit-down dinner, raffle, fund-a-need segment, annual honoree recognition, exciting live auction, remarks by organizational and community leaders, and a profile of an exemplary Big/Little match. Over the past 10 years, the event has raised nearly $20 million and represents some 20% of the organization’s annual operating budget.
The evening kicked off with an appearance by the All-American Boys Choir with American Legion Post 291 for the presentation of colors, national anthem and Pledge of Allegiance.
BBBS OC/IE Board Chairman Cary Hyden then welcomed attendees. As a board member for nearly a decade, Hyden related a personal perspective on the importance of the organization’s efforts.
“I became a Big Brother over 40 years ago. At the time, I thought I was doing so to give back, to guide and support someone younger in need of mentorship,” Hyden remarked. “What I didn’t realize was how much the experience would shape me. The multi-decades connection I built with my Little changed the way I see the world and showed me firsthand the profound impact a mentor can have on a young person’s life.”
Sloane Keane, CEO of BBBS OC/IE, spotlighted 60 years of changing lives, opening doors and ensuring that young people in the community have the support they need to pursue their version of the American Dream. She emphasized that the fundamental idea is that no matter where the mentees come from and no matter their background, hard work and perseverance can lead to success through the power of mentorship.
“Through Big Brothers Big Sisters, we’re not just helping kids graduate from high school or get into college. Our mentors are helping them choose a pathway and then persist through navigating the complexities of higher education, whether that be community college or four-year university, all the way to graduation and helping them land their first job.”
A highlight of the evening was a video showcasing a success story featuring a Big Brother (Ralph) with a Little Brother (Alessandro) and his mother (Martha). Then Alessandro and Ralph appeared in person on stage together to further express what the program has meant to them.
In his remarks, Alessandro said about Ralph that “Your consistent presence through the good and the bad made all the difference. You didn’t just push me to aim higher in school, you helped me see a future that I never thought was possible. Because of you and this organization, doors opened that I didn’t even know existed.”
In special recognition of an individual contribution to the organization, the annual Joel K. Rubenstein award was presented to Tom Reyes, President, Reyes Beverage Group West. A Gourmet Dinner tradition, the award is named after a beloved Big Brothers Big Sisters board member who dedicated his life to improving the futures of children in Orange County. Recipients are individuals who have provided continued support over the years.
“I’m honestly so humbled to receive this recognition from Big Brothers Big Sisters. This organization holds a special place in my heart because it’s all about giving kids a real shot at a brighter future,” noted Reyes. “This isn’t just about me—it’s about every Big, every Little, and all the amazing people who step up to support these kids. It’s incredible to think we’ve been doing this for 60 years, and I’m just so grateful to be part of that legacy. Thank you for this honor, and I’m excited to keep working alongside all of you to make sure every child has the support they need to reach their full potential.”
During the live auction, items included an Ultimate Vegas Knights Experience, a Private Jet to a Romantic Napa Getaway, a Meet-and-Greet with Jeanie Buss and Lakers Floor Seats, a Monday Night Football Experience at a Rams vs. Dolphins game, a Coachella 2025 VIP Experience and Macallan 30-Year Scotch Whiskey.
In addition, a Fund a Need segment was held at levels of $100,000, $60,000, $25,000, $10,000, $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000. As a special cap to the segment, it was announced that annual honoree Reyes had pledged an individual $200,000 match on the evening.
The 2024 Gourmet Dinner raised a total of $1.8 million to support BBBS OC/IE mentoring programs.
BBBS of OC/IE currently has 20,033 alumni, with 3,906 youth served and 101,723 volunteer hours logged in fiscal 2024. In terms of tangible results, 98% of participating youth graduate from high school on time, 87% pursue higher education and 95% show socio-economic growth.
Volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of OC/IE is a unique opportunity to guide, support and inspire a young person. A diverse selection of programs offers various ways to get involved, including one-to-one mentoring, group activities or school-based support.
There is currently a waiting list of BBBS OC & IE Littles to be matched with a Big for mentoring. Learn more at www.ocbigs.org.
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About Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and Inland Empire is a non-profit organization that matches underserved youth and young adults with mentors to improve outcomes like growth
and development, education, social and economic opportunity in our community. It is the largest youth mentoring organization in California, working closely with other BBBS agencies in the state and across the nation. Learn more at www.ocbigs.org.