More than 500 guests helped turn a Halloween celebration into a major fundraising success for local youth mentorship programs in Oxford County
There were costumes, music, dancing and plenty of reasons to celebrate at this year's Big Night Out. When the Halloween festivities were over, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oxford County had another reason to be smiling. The organization's annual fundraising celebration brought together approximately 500 guests and raised an impressive $100,000 after expenses, money that will help connect more young people with mentors throughout Oxford County.
For Executive Director Kristen Ralph, reaching that fundraising milestone was particularly meaningful.
The Halloween-themed celebration, known as Haunted Hollow, gave guests an opportunity to enjoy a night out while supporting a cause that continues to make a difference in young people's lives. And judging by the enthusiasm of those who attended, guests embraced the opportunity.
Ralph says the evening was a reminder that Halloween isn't just for children.
Beyond the costumes and entertainment, the success of Big Night Out has important implications for the organization's work. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oxford County provides its mentorship programs free of charge to families, but those programs require professional staff to screen volunteers, support mentoring relationships and ensure children and mentors have the resources they need. The organization also offers activities and opportunities for young people who are still waiting to be matched with a mentor.
With the latest fundraising success, Ralph says more children will have the opportunity to build those important one-to-one relationships.
For those who have considered becoming a mentor, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oxford County is also offering an opportunity to learn more.
A "Bigs 101" information session is scheduled for November 24, giving prospective volunteers a chance to find out what's involved in becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, without any obligation to sign up. The session is part of the organization's ongoing efforts to recruit volunteers and create more meaningful connections for young people. And while the fundraising numbers are impressive, the real measure of the organization's success can sometimes be found in relationships that continue long after a young person has officially graduated from the program.
I asked Kristen Ralph to share an example of what mentorship can mean years after a match is first made. She remembered a relationship she helped establish more than a decade ago.
...And perhaps that's the greatest reason to celebrate.
The costumes have been put away, the music has stopped, and another Big Night Out is in the books. But the friendships and mentoring relationships made possible through the evening's generosity could continue for years, even decades, to come. With $100,000 raised and more young people moving closer to finding a mentor, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oxford County has set a high bar for its next Big Night Out.
If this year's celebration is any indication, there will be plenty more reasons to smile when everyone gets together again.
