For more than 93 years, Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters (CBBBS) has provided at-risk youth in Los Angeles County, of all beliefs, backgrounds, and identities with strong, professionally supported mentoring relationships with caring adults that change the lives of these young people for the better - forever. Two decades of research shows that Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs truly help young people achieve and become productive contributors to society. Mentors serve as role models, friends, and guides in the lives of children facing adversity in Los Angeles.
Your Great Event was particularly excited this year to produce the CBBBS Big Christmas Party. For four hours on a lovely day at Calamigos Equestrian in Burbank, more than 400 guests enjoyed an afternoon of fun, frolic, and food.
Set on grass amidst sheltering trees, children (also called littles) and their parents and mentors (also called bigs) could play badminton, volley ball, and basketball. They tossed frisbees and swiveled their hips with hula hoops. They made gingerbread houses and used the arts and crafts tables to make a myriad of things. There were picnic games like a balloon toss, sack races, and a tug of war with the girls against the boys! Carnival games provided old-fashioned fun. Older kids could play billiards or ping pong or pinball machines.
The DJ kept the dance floor full and Captain Tall Boy on his stilts and two costumed T-Rex dinosaurs charmed the guests. If that was not enough, two strolling magicians wowed everyone with their magic.
Red table cloths and beautiful poinsettias set the holiday mood. And when Santa Claus made his appearance, it was the icing on the cake. That is, until the doors to the patio opened and each child was able to choose and take home an unwrapped toy, donated by generous CBBBS supporters. The children’s eyes, smiles, and looks of consternation while they decided what toy to pick, were captivating. Teenagers received gift cards. Photos with Santa topped off the day.
Your Great Event had as much fun as the guests and is delighted that this event was not only a party but a fund-raiser as well. There are lots of ways to host an event and raise funds. Let us help.
The Event was covered by ABC News: