Bay Area Leaders Support Kids at Big Brothers Big Sisters Diamond Anniversary Gala

SAN FRANCISCO - March 20, 2018 - PRLog -- Celebrating Big Brothers Big Sisters' 60th year serving the Bay Area, this very special Diamond Anniversary Gala will bring together over 400 philanthropists, business and community leaders at San Francisco's Four Seasons Hotel on Friday, April 20th, 2018, for an unforgettable evening devoted to Bay Area children in need.

The lavish event, which features a night of five-star feasting and entertainment, will raise funds to help Bay Area kids realize their potential through enduring one-to-one relationships with caring adults that change their lives for the better, forever.

A highlight of San Francisco's annual social calendar, the Big Brothers Big Sisters Gala is backed by Honorary Committee members United States Senator Dianne Feinstein, San Francisco luminary and former mayor The Honorable Willie Brown, Wanda "Mama Durant" (mother of Kevin Durant and often called "The Real MVP") and Lorrie Sullenberger, philanthropist, wife of Captain C.B. "Sully" Sullenberger and a longtime Big Sister.

The 60th Anniversary year marks the first year after Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area merged with a counterpart agency in the North Bay. The local charity now serves over 1,000 children a year across all nine Bay Area counties as one strong central agency, with headquarters in San Francisco and offices in Oakland, Milpitas, American Canyon and San Rafael.

"Big Brothers Big Sisters is all about authentic, enduring relationships and staying power. Our mentoring relationships give children caring adults who are committed to be in the child's life for the long haul," says CEO Dawn Kruger.  "And Big Brothers Big Sisters is here for the long haul. This 60th Diamond Anniversary marks decades of experience and endurance... and a new era to shine."

Community and corporate support is expected to raise a record-breaking amount this year to support expanded services to more kids in need throughout the Bay Area. The inspiring evening is made possible by Platinum Sponsor PwC, as well as a host of other sponsors including World Wide Technology, Silicon Valley Bank, BDO, Sovos Foods, and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Foundation.

The Gala begins with a red carpet cocktail reception followed by a live musical performance by America's Got Talent Finalist, Lawrence Beamen, known as "the modern day Barry White."  Beloved ABC7 news anchor and local celebrity Dan Ashley will once again serve as Master of Ceremonies for the fourth consecutive year.  A highlight of the evening will be dynamic keynote speaker Joan Ryan, an award-winning journalist and author whose work has focused on the impact of mentoring on elite athletes from Olympic gymnasts to San Francisco Giants.

The evening will also feature a moment to honor Philanthropy Awardee Latham and Watkins LLP, the law firm that navigated two Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies through the complex recent merger with the North Bay. Kids are center stage during the heartwarming presentation of Ezrati Family Scholarships to select Littles going on to college, as well as announcing the "Inspiration Matches" of the year - Littles and Bigs whose personal stories embody the organization's mission and vision.

The Gala culminates with a live charity auction of extravagant items, including luxury trips to London and Mexico, a VIP box to watch the Warriors in the NBA Semi-Finals, a year of dining out at some of San Francisco's best restaurants, and unique diamond jewelry.

Sponsorships, tables and tickets are still available but going fast - visit bbbsba.org/gala (http://www.bbbsba.org/gala) for details and reservations.