Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas will launch a new fundraising event, "The Big Bash," on Sept. 29 at Barn at the Springs in Springdale.
The "dressed-down cocktail" attire event will feature a comedy set from local comedian Raj Shuresh, live music from Dr. Nola and the Soul Shakers, open bar and heavy hors d'oeuvres. The mentoring organization will also recognize its Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year at the benefit.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas
The Big Bash
What: Comedian, open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, live music
When: 6 p.m. Sept. 29
Where: Barn at the Springs
Tickets: $70 each, $120 for two and $500 for a table for eight
Attire: Dressed-down cocktail
Information: (479) 966-4366, ext. 203, or bbbsnwa.org
Nearly 250 Northwest Arkansas children ages 6 through 18 -- called "Littles" -- are currently matched with adult volunteers -- "Bigs." After going through background checks and an interview process, Bigs spend a few hours a month with their Littles, doing ordinary things like playing sports, reading, hiking or just having pizza.
Each site-based match (the Big goes to the Little's school or Boys & Girls Club) costs the group $500, and community-based matches (in which the Big coordinates activities with Little's parent) are $1,000. There are 30 children on the waiting list to be matched, mostly boys, according to Sarah Van Vleck, development director -- meaning there's a great need for Big Brothers.
Hosts for the evening will be A.J. Sims, Amaud Mitchell, Azu Denton, Bo Bittle, Crysty Terminella, David Erstine, Haley Gartman, Jeff Smith, Jeff Young, Josh Rinkenbaugh, Laura Rowland, Marisa Snow, Matt Bumgarner, Ryan Collins, Terrance Boyd and Tim Cavell.
-- CARIN SCHOPPMEYER
NAN Our Town on 09/21/2017