The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix’s (BGCMP) Connect volunteer group invites the public to its seventh annual charity gala – “The Big Event” – which will take place on at 6:00p.m. on Saturday, May 7 at the Arizona Historical Society Museum at Papago Park.

Guests can enjoy an evening full of fine cuisine, auctions and live entertainment with all proceeds directly benefitting the Valley’s most deserving kids.

Some of the Valley’s favorite local restaurants  – including The Gladly, Larder + Delta, 24 Carrots and Hummus Express – will set up tasting stations where guests will be able to sample delectable dishes while enjoying signature cocktails featuring Tito’s Handmade Vodka. “The Big Event” will also include live entertainment and more than 200 live and silent auction items.

“We are honored to support our Valley’s most deserving youth with our events and help fund after-school programs that have a positive impact on their lives,” said Justin Low, Connect president and financial advisor and vice president at Morgan Stanley. “Our goal with this year’s ‘The Big Event’ is to raise more money than we ever have to support our healthy habits, academic success, fun with a purpose, and Be-Good, Do-Great programs.”

Connect members are committed ambassadors for BGCMP. They contribute energy, connections and passion, by raising funds, providing Club resources and promoting community awareness. For the past six years, the group has raised nearly $700,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix. Annually, the group manages four major fundraising campaigns to raise at least $125,000: The Big Event, Hearts-4-Clubs, Birdies and Greens Golf Tournament, and the Leadership Council.

Last year, Connect raised nearly $100,000 through “The Big Event” to support Boys & Girls Clubs programs throughout Phoenix and the West Valley to ensure that kids have a safe place to go after school where they can reach their full potential.

Tickets are $100 per person in advance and $125 per person at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at bgcmp.org, with all proceeds benefitting BGCMP. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are available and offer a great way for organizations to show their commitment to Valley kids and increase their visibility among some of the Valley’s young professionals.