Nearly $3 Million Raised in Support of Organizations Programs
SANTA ANA, Calif. – Oct. 1, 2025 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire (BBBS OC/IE) held its 61st annual Gourmet Dinner on Thurs., Sept. 25, 2025, at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach, Calif.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of the BBBS OC/IE community and Gourmet Dinner guests, along with the extraordinary support of the Stars & Stripes Childrens Foundation, a combined $2.9 million was raised this year to fuel life-changing mentorship. Together, the Gourmet Dinner and Stars & Stripes represent two remarkable events united by one shared mission: transforming thousands of young lives across Orange County and the Inland Empire.
One of the largest fundraising events in Orange County, the Gourmet Dinner evening featured a Scotch bar, cocktail reception, sit-down dinner, raffle, fund-a-need segment, annual honoree recognition, exciting live auction, remarks by organizational and community leaders, and a profile of an exemplary Big/Little match. Over the past 10 years, the event has raised nearly $20 million and represents some 20% of the organizations annual operating budget.
The evening kicked off with an appearance by the Anaheim Union ROTC company for the presentation of colors and Pledge of Allegiance, with the national anthem led by BBBS OC Little Sister Katie Valderamma. Next up were Big Brothers Big Sisters Governing Board Member Henry Walker for the invocation, followed by welcome remarks from Board Chairman Cary Hyden.
In her opening remarks, BBBS OC/IE CEO Sloane Keane noted that “This evening has always been about honoring the hands that built this organization and celebrating the partners who continue to carry it forward.”
She spotlighted the current crisis facing boys, who are more likely to struggle in school, experience mental health challenges, and engage in risky behavior while being less likely to have a consistent male role model.
“There is no better investment in our community than mentorship. The return is undeniable in terms of economic mobility and futures filled with opportunity,” Keane added. “When we step in early to surround a young person with consistent guidance and belief, we change the trajectory of families, neighborhoods and generations to come.”
Next on the agenda was a personal story presented by Little Brother Ray Popovich (Big Brother Dale Camera). He shared his journey of growing up without a positive male role model, overcoming unimaginable adversity to become a Navy veteran, Congressional staffer and now preparing to graduate from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He also echoed Keanes remarks concerning a crisis facing boys and young men in terms of connection, direction and opportunity.
“Thankfully, mentorship works,” Popovich said. “Dales belief in me changed my life. Big Brothers Big Sisters has proven again and again that one caring relationship can change the course of a boys future.”
A special highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Joel K. Rubinstein Award, recognizing individuals who have provided support over the years, ensuring the tradition of youth mentorship continues to make a measurable impact. This years recipient was the Stars & Stripes Childrens Foundation, the first organization to be recognized with the honor. The organization supports and partners with non-profits that are dedicated to helping young people reach their full potential. Partners receive financial assistance as well as increased public awareness about their cause and mission during the Foundations cornerstone event, the Stars & Stripes weekend, held annually in June. It has provided over $25 million to date, in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters.
The evenings spirited live auction included several exciting items including a David August wardrobe package, Los Angeles Lakers seats, VIP access for a Los Angeles Kings game, artist passes and hotel accommodations for the Coachella music festival, private jet service to Las Vegas and VIP experience at the NBA semi-finals, private jet service and Napa Valley getaway, and Club seats at an LA Rams game.
In addition, a Fund a Need segment was held at tiers of $100,000, $50,000, $25,000, $10,000, $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000. Succession Capital provided dollar-for-dollar matching at the $100,000 level.
There is currently a waiting list of nearly 100 BBBS OC/IE Littles eager to be matched with a mentor (Big), and the organization is actively seeking volunteers. Learn more at https://www.ocbigs.org/volunteer and https://www.iebigs.org/volunteer.
