The Big Event was a Big Success

Atlanta cares about kids.  Through sponsorships, ticket sales and the silent auction Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta raised enough money to provide over 50 children with a mentor for 2010.

Turnout at Ten Pin Alley was an epic success.  Special thanks to Jamal Crawford of the Atlanta Hawks and his foundation for making this event happen.

Crawford said, “I am very excited about my first "Big Event" in my new adopted city of Atlanta. I'm looking forward to meeting a lot of Hawks fans while raising money for charity. I have come to really appreciate Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta."

Other celebrities ready to party with a purpose included Real Housewives of Atlanta cast member Ne Ne Leaks, Recording artists Naughty By Nature members Treach and DJ Kay Gee and Vin Rock, Olympic gold medalist Angelo Taylor, WNBA player Jennifer Lacy, Recording artist Heston, as well as a host of other Atlanta Hawks, Falcons, Braves and their cheerleaders.

The evening featured a red carpet entrance, bar and heavy hors d'oeuvres, and entertainment by DJ Tron of the Urban Legends.  The silent auction featured an autographed football by Atlanta Falcons running back Jerious Norwood, an autographed basketball by Atlanta Hawks guard Jamal Crawford, a Four Seasons Hotel package, a Ten Pin Alley Bowling Package, Suite Tickets to the Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics January 8 game at Phillips Arena, Atlanta Braves club level tickets and an Autographed baseball signed by David Justice.

Special thanks to other Big Event sponsors, including QuickTrip, Wachovia, Georgia Commerce Bank, Maria and Mark Lazzaro, Arby's Foundation, Chevron, Michael H. Ross and MHR International, WVEE V103, WAOK AM, Dave FM, The Atlanta Voice, Sunday Paper and Atlanta Daily World.
This annual fundraiser was designed to appeal to a more diverse 25 – 40 year old audience, and this “party with a purpose” was a truly festive social event geared towards raising awareness of BBBS of Metro Atlanta.

2010 will mark the 50th anniversary for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta.  “In that time we have served more than 50,000 children, " said Janice McKenzie Crayton, President and CEO of the agency, "We see this as a rare opportunity to celebrate, to raise our profile in the community, to recruit more Bigs, to re-engage former Bigs and Littles and to raise significant funds for the agency. We want to conduct a multifaceted celebration that will culminate with our 50th anniversary 2010 Legacy Awards Gala.”

Thank to everyone who came to party with a purpose.