Big Brothers Big Sisters Metro Chicago Looks to Wipe Out the Waitlist with its Eighth Annual BIG Bash

The Leadership Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Metropolitan Chicago is thrilled to announce its eighth annual BIG Bash, to be held on Saturday, November 9 from 8pm to midnight at Venue West in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood.

Due to a severe shortage of mentors, BBBS Metro Chicago was forced to initiate a waitlist for Littles (enrolled youth) looking to be matched with a Big (adult mentor). Currently there are more than 300 Littles on the waitlist. This year’s BIG Bash aims to raise $160,000 to cover the cost of matching each child on the waitlist with a Big Brother or Sister. It costs $250 to recruit, screen and train each Big.

"This year’s event is critical to not only highlight the need for more Bigs across Chicagoland, but to raise the funds necessary to make these matches happen," said Jeremy Foster CEO of BBBS Metro Chicago. "Right now, hundreds of Littles are waiting for someone to stand in their corner. Together, we can bring this number down to zero. And with every new Big this event brings in, we’ll be one step closer to providing children with a future they deserve."

BBBS Metro Chicago expects more than 400 mentors, young professionals, community leaders and corporate partners to attend the event. BIG Bash will feature live entertainment by award-winning local band Chicago Catz, a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, a premium open bar and a live “mission moment.”

For more information about BIG Bash and to purchase tickets, click here.