Big Night Out Gala
On Feb. 21 at the Arizona Biltmore, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona celebrated its 65th anniversary with the Big Night Out Gala. More than 700 guests attended the event, raising $350,000-plus.
Attendees were treated to a hosted reception courtesy of Tito’s Handmade Vodka. During the cocktail hour, mystery boxes that included items such as a roundtrip airfare on JetBlue were available for purchase. A raffle included a sapphire ring from Molina Fine Jewelers and a ride-along with Sheriff Paul Penzone.
The evening honored Leslie’s Pool Supplies with the Chairman’s Award, Dr. Christine Wilkinson with the Community Impact Award, AAA Cares with the Enterprise Award and Howard Nute with the Common Good Award.
The program featured Bigs and Littles presenting awards and sharing individual impact stories. Each Big and Little “Match” story spoke to the power of mentorship and showed how mentors ignite potential in the lives of their mentees. An after-party features Rico DeLargo, dancing and dessert stations.
Oscar De las salas and Gary Jackson, and Veronica and Paul Penzone co-chaired the event, with Nicole and Greg Stanton as honorary chairs. Paul Horton, CBS 5 chief meteorologist, served as emcee. The Arizona Cardinals and CopperPoint Insurance Companies were the main sponsors.
PHOTOS BY ELENA AND JIM THORNTON
Big Sister Bridget O’Toole and Little Sister Alicia opening their mystery box
Matt Manoogian, Natalie Emery, Mark McIntyre, Vikki Colvin, Maria Lindsley and Greg Lindsley
Oscar De las Salas, Gary Jackson, Nicole Stanton, Representative Greg Stanton and Rico DeLargo
Guests in the ballroom
Laura Capello, BBBSCA president and CEO, and Tom Julian; Little Brother Jesus speaks to the power of mentorship
Sarah and Paul Evans; Teresa and Casey Strunk
Susan Hwang and Todd Koishigawa
Suzy Stein, Fernando Perez, Oscar De las salas and Rico DeLargo
