Celebrating 120 Years of Mentorship through the Upcoming BIG Benefit by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

BIG Benefit Celebration: Honoring 120 Years of Transformation

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) has announced a grand event called the BIG Benefit, taking place on November 19, 2025, at Cipriani South Street in New York City. This momentous occasion not only marks the organization's 120th anniversary but also aims to initiate a crucial vision to connect with 10 million kids across the nation who are in need of mentorship.

Hosted by the renowned eight-time Grammy-nominated comedian Jim Gaffigan, the evening promises to be filled with inspiration and entertainment. A highlight will be a special performance by Sting, the legendary 17-time Grammy Award-winning artist. The event is set to honor several influential figures including Andreas C. Dracopoulos, Co-President of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner, Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia, and Harvey Schwartz, CEO of Carlyle. Their remarkable contributions exemplify the transformative power of mentorship, making them deserving of recognition at this significant gathering.

Artis Stevens, president and CEO of BBBSA, emphasizes the importance of this anniversary. "This 120th anniversary represents not just our history, but also an opportunity to galvanize more people to break the cycle for 10 million kids who don’t have positive and sustained mentors in their lives," he asserted. Stevens sees the event as a pivotal moment to inspire hundreds of thousands of young individuals and volunteers to come together for meaningful change over the coming years.

The celebration is not merely a fundraising endeavor but a pivotal rallying point for the organization's future. BBBSA is set to unveil its ambitious strategy known as 'One Big Vision', which consists of a detailed five-point plan aimed at making a significant impact:

1. Train one million mentors to enable and empower the wellbeing of children in need.
2. Embed mentors in 1,000 highly-needy schools across the U.S., ensuring support reaches those who need it most.
3. Guarantee that every company has a youth workplace mentoring program, fostering collaboration between businesses and youth.
4. Re-engage 20 million alumni Bigs and Littles, encouraging them to advocate for and promote mentorship within their communities.
5. Make mentoring a funding priority at federal, state, and local government levels, ensuring sustainable financial support.

The inception of Big Brothers Big Sisters traces back to 1904, when one visionary aimed simply to match a single child with a mentor. Over the years, the organization has grown to become the largest and most respected youth mentoring institution in the United States. Its mission focuses on fostering mentoring relationships that equip young people with the tools and guidance they need to reach their full potential.

The impact of BBBSA’s mentoring programs is profound, leading to improved confidence, academic achievement, and the ability to build fulfilling relationships. Currently, BBBSA comprises local affiliates serving over 5,000 communities across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, proving its expansive reach and crucial role in the lives of young people.

To learn more about the BIG Benefit and how you can support mentorship, please visit Big Brothers Big Sisters.

In conclusion, the upcoming BIG Benefit isn’t just a celebration of 120 years of success; it represents a crucial turning point in the organization’s journey toward making mentorship accessible to millions of children across America. With visionary leaders, an ambitious plan, and a community ready to act, BBBSA is poised to usher in a new era of mentorship that will change the lives of countless youth for generations to come.