Big Brothers Big Sisters’ 50th Gourmet Dinner exceeds fundraising goals

Contagious energy filled the Hyatt Regency ballroom at the 50th Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Gourmet Dinner on Oct. 11, which was fueled by a shared passion for the cause of mentoring in San Diego. The night began with the trademark Seafood/Cocktail hour, sponsored by Donovan’s Steak & Chop House and Donovan’s Prime Seafood, including a hosted bar, seafood hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and networking opportunities. The crowd was then ushered into dinner by the spirited, 56-member, San Diego State University marching Aztecs, flanking the walkway to the ballroom. 700 of San Diego’s top business and community leaders were then treated to an a sensational program, emceed by Kate Snow, BBBS of America board member, Big Sister, and correspondent on NBC News “Rock Center with Brian Williams.”

This year Big Brothers Big Sisters awarded its “Person of the Year” award to Ron Fowler, chairman and CEO of Liquid Investments Inc. and executive chairman of the San Diego Padres. Ron and his wife Alexis have been supporters of Big Brothers Big Sisters over the past eight years; recently providing critical funding for Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring Children of Prisoners program, when funding by the federal government was discontinued. The Fowlers’ donation helped assure that no mentoring services were lost for the more than 140 San Diego children with an incarcerated parent.

Net proceeds exceeded the $550,000 goal for the event.

For more information, visit www.sdbigs.org