PRESCOTT – Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters held their annual Grand Gala Dinner and Live Auction Nov. 16 at The Prescott Resort. The crowd of nearly 300 enjoyed the music of the Embry-Riddle Jazz Band and singer Rebecca Lane while learning about the mission to Defend the Potential of Yavapai County’s children.
Grossing $301,000, the gala is the largest fundraiser for YBBBS. Funds were donated through ticket sales, sponsorships, matching funds from generous community donors, auction item sales, the Dueling Bartenders contest with Barry Barbe of El Gato Azul and Skyler Reeves of The Barley Hound, as well as the downtown artist contest, held in support of the gala.
YBBBS Executive Director Erin Mabery extends her gratitude to the community for donating auction items and funds to make this a successful event, with special thanks to Perry and Sandy Massie, as well as the agency’s board of directors, staff, gala volunteers and sponsors who supported it.
The agency honored the 2019 premier gala sponsors at the event: The NAZ Suns, Prescott Woman Magazine, Allegra Print & Mail, Life Line Ambulance, Allan’s Flowers, Credit Union West, Signals, Cobham and the Prescott News Network – Courier Cares.
The gala is an intricate event with months of planning involved. It would not be a successful event without the guiding hand of the Gala Committee, chaired by local business owner Tracy Homer of The French Hen Boutique.
Community leaders also made the night a success for the YBBBS children, including Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli, who served as auctioneer, and Greg Ellingham of Findlay Toyota, the evening’s emcee.
The agency also deeply appreciates the time and talent of Prescott Unified School District and Mingus Union High School art students and teachers for creating 36 hot air balloons for gala decorations and sales.
Kim Ryder received the most votes of the YBBBS Prescott Downtown Artist Contest that was held in conjunction with the gala. Many thanks to community members who paid to vote for the artists, as well as the local business owners who displayed their work: Augie’s, Frontier Starbucks, The French Hen, Keller Williams Realty, The Raven, Key2myheart, Allan’s Flowers, Fancy That, Realty Executives and Raskin’s Jewelers. Local artists Beth Millbourn, Olesya James, Lacey Wood, Kim Ryder, Lydia Strom-DuBord, Ann Hein, Celeste Stout, the Fancy That Family, Joe Tomasic and Kristin Rose donated their artwork to the contest and the gala silent auction.
Since 1971, YBBBS has served over 11,000 county children and their families, providing Big Brothers and Sisters to inspire their potential. With over 140 children on the current wait list, much work remains. Learn how you can help a local child at azbigs.org.