BIG Night. Real Impact. A Community That Showed Up

More than a first event… this was the start of something powerful.

BIG Night. Real Impact. A Community That Showed Up.

What started as a first-ever event quickly became something much bigger.

Led by the passionate and dedicated Ambassadors Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara & the Southern Tier, the inaugural BIG Meat Raffle brought more than 340 people together for a night filled with energy, generosity, and purpose.

From the moment the doors opened, the room was alive – laughter, connection, friendly competition, and yes… a whole lot of meat. Tables were packed. Prizes were stacked. And the community showed up in a BIG way.

Powered by Purpose – and the People Behind It

This wasn’t just an event – it was a labor of love.

The Ambassadors Board poured their time, creativity, and heart into every detail, bringing this first-of-its-kind event to life. And the response from Western New York was nothing short of incredible. With more than 75 raffle items and overwhelming support from sponsors, donors, and attendees, the night became a true celebration of what’s possible when a community comes together.

The Impact Is Real

While the night was filled with excitement, the impact goes far beyond one event.
Proceeds from the BIG Meat Raffle will help support more than 300 children and mentors served each year – fueling life-changing, one-to-one mentoring relationships across our region. Because of this support, more kids will have someone in their corner:

  • Someone to listen
  • Someone to guide
  • Someone to believe in them

The Need Is Still Urgent

As incredible as this night was, the need continues.
Dozens of children are still waiting to be matched with a mentor – a Big who can help change the trajectory of their life.

What’s Next

The momentum doesn’t stop here.
You can be part of what’s next:

  • Become a Big
  • Make a donation
  • Help us spread the word


Learn more at BiggerTogether.org

Because When This Community Shows Up… Lives Change

To our Ambassadors Board, sponsors, donors, volunteers, and every single person who attended – thank you. Western New York didn’t just show up… You made a difference. 💚

 

Similar Posts

  • Women Who Move The City Wednesday- Congrats Cindi McEachon

    Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County and Media Sponsor, Kiss 98.5 are excited to honor Cindi McEachon as this week’s Women Who Move the City Wednesday Honoree! Cindi’s nomination for the Women Who Move the City award clearly demonstrated her passion and dedication to our community is contagious and that she has an innate ability to inspire those around her to not only give back but also, be better versions of themselves. Over the years, Cindi’s focused her volunteer efforts toward improving the lives of and empowering young girls throughout Western New York. Through her service as a Board Member for Homespace LLC, which provides a safe and nurturing transitional living environment with supportive services for single parent families that prepares them to achieve and maintain their independence, Cindi gives her…

  • Barbershop Recruitment Event Planned

    In an effort to recruit more male mentors, we will be holding our first barbershop volunteer recruitment event “Grooming Men of the Future” on Saturday, September 28th from 11am – 3pm at three barbershops located in the City of Buffalo. The event is an opportunity for men to stop by in a relaxed & familiar setting to learn more about becoming a Big Brother from Big Brothers Big Sisters fraternity partner Alpha Phi Alpha. The barbershops opening their doors that day to BBBSEC are Styles of Man on East Delavan and the Signature Cutz locations on Main Street and Grant Street. Men who stop down that day will be entered to win a cut from a barber of their choice at each shop and into…

  • Women Who Move the City Wednesday- Congrats Megan McNally!

    Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County and Media Sponsor, Kiss 98.5 are excited to honor Megan McNally as this week’s Women Who Move the City Wednesday Honoree! Megan McNally is co-founder and Executive Director of The Foundry, an organization on the east side of Buffalo that supports business creation, education and creativity. Located in a historic 25,000 square foot building, The Foundry offers workshop space for start-up businesses, artisans and tradespeople, as well as a multi-function community space to support arts performances, DIY education and public gatherings. It has become a recognized place for the encouragement of new ideas and productive action. In the last year, The Foundry has hosted workshops for over 400 participants and introduced new individuals into the east side community. Additionally, The Foundry…

  • A BIG Boat Cruise

    A group of matches enjoyed a beautiful summer day aboard the Grand Lady docked at the Holiday Inn in Grand Island! The 2-hour cruise included points of interest on the Buffalo shoreline and interesting facts about Buffalo’s waterways. For many of the kids this was their first time on a boat. A special thanks to the Holiday Inn-Grand Island for generously donating the delicious lunch served while we were aboard!

  • Women Who Move the City Wednesday- Congrats Lorna MacDonald Czarnota!

    Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County is honored to celebrate Lorna MacDonald Czarnota as this week’s featured Women Who Move the City Wednesday (WWMTC) Honoree!  Lorna, an award-winning storyteller and author, has delighted audiences in schools, libraries, festivals and conferences throughout the United States, Canada, and Ireland with traditional and original stories since 1985.  She is the founder and executive director of Crossroads Story Center, Inc., a not-for-profit reaching at-risk youth through story, music and art.  The organization is dedicated to helping young people navigate troubled waters through the model of story by mentoring and forming productive adult/youth partnerships.  Lorna’s healing story work is recognized in national and international storytelling communities. Lorna was the resident storyteller for nine years at Hopevale Residential Treatment Center and presents…

  • Help Recruit the Next Generation of Bigs to our Team. 

    The Big Draft is here.  You’re on the clock! We’re thrilled to announce the Big Draft Recruitment Campaign! While the NFL is drafting its next players, we want to engage our community to help us draft the next generation of Bigs. This recruitment campaign stems from the BBBS partnership with the NFL Inspire Change Initiative. The goal of that program is to advance the national conversation and progress on social justice and to create positive change in communities across the country. The NFL supports our efforts to break down barriers and build stronger communities through our mentoring program.  From Feb. 9 – April 25, 2020 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara and the Southern Tier is following the NFL draft, aiming to recruit potential…