David Dadekian to return as HONORARY CHAIRPERSON for the 5th Annual BIG TOAST Fundraiser to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State (BBBSOS) is pleased to announce that David Dadekian, President of Eat Drink RI and winner of a 2014 Rhode Island Foundation Innovation Grant, will be returning as Honorary Chairperson for the Fifth Annual ‘The Big Toast.’ This extraordinary tasting event features over 60 restaurants, bars, breweries, wineries and distilleries offering samples of their most delicious and enticing offerings. This year the event will be held on October 1st 2015 at the OceanCliff Hotel and Resort in Newport overlooking beautiful Narragansett Bay. Tickets are on sale now at www.TheBigToast.org. Guests who purchase tickets using promo code ‘EARLYBIRD’ will save $10 on each ticket from now until July first.
Dadekian is excited to be a part of The Big Toast again this year. His vast knowledge of the RI culinary world will help BBBSOS identify and connect with potential food and beverage vendors and help to publicize the event. “BBBSOS has been a great organization to work with! Their mission is not only admirable, but the services they provide to more than 500 local children every year are critical to the future of Rhode Island. I’m so happy to be able to offer my experience in helping to make this event a continued success!”

Eat Drink RI, founded by Dadekian is one of the top media, marketing, and event production companies in the region for all things culinary. Their news resource covers local food events, chefs & restaurants, the beverage industry, and locally produced artisanal products.

When Dadekian was asked if he could attribute his success and career to someone who served as a mentor in his life, there was no hesitation. “The first person that comes to mind is Jim Gendron who currently teaches math at the Lincoln School. He always encouraged me to ‘follow what I wanted to follow’ which lead me to go to film school in New York City.” David continued: “After moving back to Rhode Island, Senator Jack Reed has been someone I have learned from. As a politician he has proven himself to not be self-serving and was heavily invested in the cultivation of local oyster farms, and in Hope & Main, Rhode Island’s first culinary business incubator.”

Last year’s Big Toast sold out and netted over $17,000 for BBBSOS. “The money raised from The Big Toast allows us to continue to fund our mentoring programs,” said Director of Development, 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. Having Dave as our Honorary Chairperson has taken this event to the next level. His input and expertise is priceless for us as we plan and host this stellar food and drink tasting event!”
To find out more about the event, see photo highlights from last year’s event or to learn more about becoming a mentor to a child in Rhode Island, visit www.BBBSOS.org or call 401.921.2434.