Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fond du Lac County celebrated another successful year of mentoring during The BIG Event 2024 Presented by Shea Electric & Communications LLC! 210 guests visited the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in Fond du Lac on Thursday, August 1 to cheer on their favorite mixologists, honor the Big of the Year, congratulate graduating matches, and bid on some incredible items with the help of auctioneer extraordinaire Rod Drendel and Marian University President Aaron Sadoff. Thanks to 115 silent auction items, 10 live auction items, a one-of-a-kind “Box of Rocks” bracelet donated by The Goldsmith, and generous donations made at the event, nearly $60,000 was raised to support local children with powerful mentoring relationships!
The evening kicked off with six “celebrity mixologist” teams from local companies who kept guests both entertained and hydrated with their specialty cocktails. Katie Gavin and Amy Popp from Grande Cheese Company served up a fresh “Limoncello Spritz;” Katie Reinke and Tami Schattschneider from SSM Health boosted spirits with “The Apothecary Elixr;” Adam Stone, Renee Breister, and Teri Wall from National Exchange Bank & Trust dazzled with the “Strawberry Rose NEBaTini;” Karen Wuest and Julie-Hamm-Tellock from Michels Corporation hit the ground running with “The Muddy Boot;” and John Buelow and Andres Gonzales from Mercury Marine showcased the “Blueberry Lemon Thyme Smash.” Reigning champions Mark Diederichs from Breeze Dairy Group and Kurt Petik from Rabo AgriFinance claimed the crown of best mixologist for the third year in a row with their “Capt’n Scotchy!” Grande Cheese Company sponsored the appetizers with a selection of provolone, Romano, and white cheddar cheese to pair with each of these one-of-a-kind beverages.
After a panko-crusted walleye and petit filet dinner with dessert sponsored by Mix It Up Bakery, four graduating matches were honored by BBBS. These incredible friendships, ranging from four years to eight years together, graduated from our program as the Little either turned 18 or graduated from high school. Little Sister Arionte and Big Sister Amber Buss have been matched since May 2020. Arionte graduated from Fond du Lac High School with a passion for art. Little Brother Cohen and The Samens Family have been matched since January 2016. Cohen graduated from Fond du Lac STEM Academy and plans to study finance at UW-Green Bay this fall. Little Brother Jaylen and Big Brother Bruce Jacobs have been matched since July 2018. Jaylen graduated from Fond du Lac High School with a bright future ahead of him. Little Brother LJ and Big Brother Dave Colwin have been matched since February 2018. LJ graduated from Fond du Lac High School and plans to study at UW-Green Bay and Georgetown University as he pursues a career as a civil rights attorney.
Not only was Dave Colwin acknowledged among the graduating matches, but he was also honored as the 2024 Big of the Year. Dave was matched with his first Little Brother, Jake, in 2008 and his second Little Brother, LJ, in 2018. Both Jake and LJ spoke to the audience about how Dave supported their interests, cheered them on, and encouraged them to reach their full potential. Dave joined them onstage to accept his award as he spoke about the importance of giving back and the joy of watching each of his Littles grow into young adults. Although their time at BBBS has come to an end, their friendship will last a lifetime. You can read more about Dave, Jake, and LJ here.
Auctioneer extraordinaire Rod Drendel and Marian University President Aaron Sadoff led the live auction portion of the night. There were 10 special live auction items available for bidding during the live event including a pool party, a kayak package, a custom sturgeon spear and decoy set, furniture, a pheasant hunt, Wisconsin Badgers football homecoming tickets, and various food and beverage opportunities.
Throughout the night, attendees could also purchase $25 “Box of Rocks” opportunities for their chance to take home a beautiful 14 karat white gold bracelet set with two carats of diamonds donated by The Goldsmith! Each box contained a special magnet made by youth from BBBS and Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac.
To close out the evening, BBBS Board President Katie Reinke took the stage to talk about the growth of the agency this year, including the purchase of a new building at 987 S. Main St. in Fond du Lac and an upcoming capital campaign.
The prizes, auctions, and cocktails may be over, but there are still other BIG ways to get involved! Whether it’s a one-time gift or a sustained donation, you can support BBBS with a donation here. There are currently over 100 Littles waiting for a mentor in the Fond du Lac County area. Click here to learn more about becoming a Big Brother, Sister, Couple, or Family.
Thank you to the sponsors who made this event possible: [PRESENTING] Shea Electric & Communications LLC [PLATINUM] BrownBoots Interactive Inc., The Goldsmith, Sunny 97-7 [GOLD] Fox Valley Savings Bank, Grande Cheese Company, Sabel Mechanical LLC, Society Insurance, SSM Health [TABLE] Adashun Jones Real Estate Inc., Ahern, Alliance Laundry Systems LLC, Bristol Morgan Bank, CLA, The Commonwealth Companies, Excel, Fond du Lac Noon Kiwanis, Horicon Bank, Integrity Saw & Tool Inc., Mayville Engineering Company Inc., Michels Corporation, National Exchange Bank & Trust, Van Horn Automotive [WINE] Festival Foods [DESSERT] Mix It Up Bakery [CENTERPIECES] Stuart’s Landscaping & Garden Center
BBBS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Fond du Lac County and northern Dodge County. The agency assists children with social, emotional, and character development through one-to-one mentoring and group mentoring opportunities in community-based and school-based settings. Youth ages 6 and up can enroll in the program through parent or guardian referral. Volunteers ages 16 and up who pass a background check and have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance can be mentors. Visit bbbsfdl.org or call (920) 922-8200 to learn more.
