fbpx

Big Shots Havana Nights Gala Raises Upwards of $350,000!

More than 500 guests enjoyed a Havana Nights celebration at our 9th annual Big Shots Gala at Sheraton Downtown Denver Hotel on May 11. The décor in the Plaza Ballroom was Havana Nights – a throwback to 1950s Cuba. Attendees dressed in dramatic florals, bright colors, and fedoras; and guests enjoyed traditional salsa music and dancers, and a classic Cuban meal. Everyone was there for one shared purpose – to celebrate the life-changing impact of youth mentoring.

 

 

This year, Big Shots raised more than $350,000 through sponsorships, ticket sales, and robust live and silent auctions. True to our mission, the evening officially kicked off with a welcome from an enthusiastic match – Big Sister Brooke and Little Sister Hope – whose relationship and humor set the stage for an inspirational evening.  Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera welcomed guests and shared her support for our mission. The program continued with highlights from Dave Ryan, CEO, who shared about our impact and the relevance and importance of the 2019 rebranding. We announced our 2019 Corporate Partner of the Year, AT&T. It was presented to AT&T Colorado’s President, Roberta Robinette. The evening ended with the coveted Match of the Year awarded, given to Abel and Kerry, who spoke about the importance of their mentoring connection in supporting Abel’s mental health and leadership skills. Check out Abel & Kerry’s Match of the Year video:

 

 

Dave Ryan, CEO shared, “This gala is always so energizing for me because it is a time when we bring so many of our old and new friends together and for one night we celebrate what we all know to be true: That the presence of a caring adult in a child’s life has profound life-changing impact and benefit, not just to the child, but also to the adult and the larger community. And further, that when that match has professional support behind it, study after study proves that the child has bigger hopes and dreams, avoids behaviors that create risk, and does better in school.”

 

Big Shots Gala was made possible by Premier Sponsors: Boa Technology, BOK Financial, Empower Retirement, and KeyBank, as well as Experiential Sponsors: Recht Kronfeld and Subaru. The tremendous corporate and community support of the Big Shots Gala is a testament to the belief that we can transform our Colorado community by inspiring, igniting and empowering potential in youth. Thank you to everyone who attended this year!

Related Stories