PRESCOTT—Nearly 300 guests gathered at the Prescott Resort on November 16, 2024, for Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters’ (YBBBS) Annual Grand Gala to support our youth mentoring mission.
The Deeply Rooted, Firmly Planted theme highlighted our 53 years of providing 1:1 mentoring between youth and caring adults. It also recognized other agencies serving the residents of Yavapai County. Together, we provide the support our families need to reach their dreams.
“Each of our donors has truly made a difference in the lives of our Littles and Bigs, helping us create mentorships that inspire hope and foster potential,” said Kristen Kerns, YBBBS Executive Director. “We are Deeply Rooted and Firmly Planted in this community, and with your continued support, Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters can keep growing and thriving for years to come. We are so grateful to have each of you as part of our mission.”
The night included a presentation of the Big and Little Brother of the Year to Big Brother Jeff Gage and Little Brother Jax for exemplifying mentorship’s power and positive impact.
“Through this Match, Jax has blossomed—his confidence has grown, his personality has come alive, and he’s found a newfound sense of security. This relationship has given Jax a foundation of trust and friendship that allows him to navigate the ups and downs of being a teen today with more confidence and resilience,” shared YBBBS board co-chair and Gala presenter, Jonathan Knight.
Guests enjoyed a gourmet meal from the Prescott Resort and had opportunities to support the mission through a wine pull, silent and live auctions, a live tree sale, and more.
They also raised their paddles during the live auction to become a Matchmaker, which means they joined a community of supporters who sponsor a new match and become a game-changer in the future of the Little Brother or Sister. YBBBS matches last an average of 59 months, which is four times the national average.
Thank you to our sponsors: APS, Desert Financial, OneAZ Credit Union, Blue Cross Blue Shield Arizona, Findlay Toyota, Advanced Coatings, Slater & Rutherford, The Hyland Group/EXP Realty, Allegra, Prescott Woman Magazine, Dignity Health YRMC, Raskin’s Jewelry, Pioneer Title Agency, Pinnacle Bank, Summit, Matt’s Saloon, Farmer’s Insurance Jeff Champ, Yavapai Title Agency, Triple E Construction and Amazon.
We’d also like to express our appreciation to Allegra Print & Mail for providing the evening’s program and to all of our silent auction donors.
The evening would not have been possible without the Gala Committee including Kristen Kerns, Heather Seets, Sherri Pimental, Toni Jarnagin, Wendy Ross, Veronica Aquilera, Robin Binkley, Matt Brassard, Eric Costanios, Robin Binkley, Donna Kerns, Cindy Maes, Kelly Paradis, Cathy Petzoldt, Krystal Priniski, Naresa Cassady, Tiffany Chiaravalloti, Gina Holm, Kristen Kerns, Cheryl Main, Laine Paglia and Jill Sweet.
Thank you to our volunteers including National Bank, Washington Federal, Prescott High School Interact Club, Yavapai County Mounted Sheriff’s Posse, Yavapai County Jeep Posse, and our own dedicated staff members. Photographers Chris Marchetti, Mama Bear Studios, and Cheryl Gray provided the gala images that are available to view and download here.
About YBBBS
For more than 53 years, Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every young person is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. We make meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and youth (“Littles”), ages 6 through 24. Learn more about YBBBS and how you can get involved at azbigs.org.
Photo: Big Brother Jeff Gage and Little Brother Jax receive their Big and Little of the Year Award from Kristen Kerns, YBBBS Executive Director, and Jonathan Knight, YBBBS board vice-chair from Desert Financial Credit Union. Courtesy/YBBBS.