Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State Celebrates Sweet Success with Their 5th annual Big Toast

Fun, food, spirits and local favorites were out in full swing, Thursday night, October 1st when Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State (BBBSOS) held its 5th annual food and drink tasting fundraiser “The Big Toast” at OceanCliff Hotel and Resort in Newport. This year, BBBSOS hosted well over 70 vendors including, Sons of Liberty Spirit Company, El Rancho Grande, Mill’s Tavern, Nami Japanese Steak House, Two Roads Brewing Company, InPopnito Popcorn, Exeter Job Corps Academy and so many more!
David Dadekian of Eat Drink Rhode Island, who served as honorary chair again this year was quoted as saying, “It’s an honor to be part of this event, so many amazing businesses that I work closely with all year long are always so pleased to return to The Big Toast. It’s great to be part of an event where the funding will directly support the youth and future of our great state.” Chef Branden Lewis from Johnson and Wales University was also on hand with over 30 JWU students to lend a hand with the event’s set up and execution. “I was so pleased to be a part of this event. My students from JWU’s Cooking Asia Club were very professional and added a great deal of support; we’re looking forward to helping out again next year. It’s a tremendous opportunity for our students to be out in the community lending a hand and learning what it takes to run an event such as this.” Students from the Rhode Island Bartending School were volunteering by serving beverages and, at the same time, gaining experience towards earning their bartending license.
The event this year netted nearly $25,000 for BBBSOS, a considerable increase from last year’s event! “The money raised from this event will allow us to continue to fund our mentoring programs,” said Development Director, Katje Afonseca. “Each mentoring relationship we have within our organization requires an extensive background screening for participating adults, along with on-going professional support from skilled BBBSOS case workers who provide training and free activities for our mentoring pairs. These necessities cost money and it is wonderful for us to have a fundraiser like The Big Toast to support these expenses.” Afonseca continued, “The Big Toast has received rave reviews from attendees, it also serves as a friend-raiser for BBBSOS and helps us to spread the word about our mentoring programs and mission.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State provides mentors to the youth of Rhode Island who will motivate and empower them to make positive decisions, improve academic results, avoid risky behaviors and grow in a way that will positively impact our community.
To find out more about the event, see photo highlights and more, visit www.TheBigToast.org, email events@bbbsos.org or call 401-921-2434x113. To learn more about becoming a mentor to a child in Rhode Island, visit www.BBBSOS.org or call 401.921.2434