The Connect volunteer group for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix (BGCMP) invites the public to join its eighth annual charity celebration, “The Big Event.” Taking place at 6:00p.m. on Saturday, May 6 at the Camelback Esplanade, the event will feature local dining, live auctions and entertainment as guests come together to raise awareness and funds directly benefiting the deserving children of BGCMP.
For more than 70 years, BGCMP has provided engaging and educational after school programs, activities and events for the Valley’s children. The nurturing and fun environment at BGCMP aims to help youth and teens reach their full potential in life as responsible and mindful citizens. All proceeds from BGCMP events directly fund these programs.
“We are so thankful to have the opportunity to consistently encourage and inspire our Valley’s youth by providing after school programs and activities, which wouldn’t be possible without the loyal members of our community,” said Justin Low, Connect president and financial advisor and vice president at Morgan Stanley. “Ultimately, our objective with this year’s “The Big Event” is to raise a record-breaking amount of funds to support our commendable youth as they continue to make a difference in the world.”
Leonel Cano, BGCMP’s 2017 Youth of the Year, will be present to share his personal story at the event. Cano has been a dedicated member to the Ed Robson Family Branch since it first opened its doors in 2008. He participates in all opportunities offered at his Club, and inspires younger members by teaching art and dance, as well as coaching soccer. Cano plans to attend Grand Canyon University and aspires to be a visual artist for Disney or Marvel Studios.
To ensure Phoenix and West Valley Club kids have a safe and supportive place to attend after school activities, the Connect volunteer group raised nearly $100,000 through “The Big Event” in 2016. Over the years Connect has raised funds for the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Phoenix through major events such as The Big Event, Hearts-4-Clubs and Birdies and Greens Golf Tournament.
The evening is for adults age 21 and older. Tickets are $100 per person including all-inclusive food and beverages and can be purchased online at bgcmp.org with all proceeds benefitting BGCMP. Corporate sponsorship and donation opportunities are also available for those unable to attend but still wishing to support the cause.
The Big Event sponsors thus far for 2017 include Inventure Foods, Leslie’s Poolmart, Jaburg Wilk, Earnhardt Auto Centers, MidFirst Bank, Sucato Companies, VIAD, Linder Klauer, Insight Enterprises, Ernst & Young, In Memory of Bill Low Artist, Landshark Capital, Issacson & Walsh, Dutch Rojas, Bentley Flooring, Magic Light, and Serendipit Consulting.
For more information about The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix and “The Big Event,” or to learn how to get involved, visit bgcmp.org.
