Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada to Host 25th Anniversary Big Chefs Big Gala

Celebrating 25 Years of Impact in Northern Nevada

RENO, Nev. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada (BBBSNN) will host its 2026 Big Chefs Big Gala, celebrating 25 Years of Impact, on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Summit Pavilion at the Grand Sierra Resort, thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, Mike Richardson with Gold Star Mortgage. The milestone event will bring together community leaders, local businesses, and supporters for an immersive evening dedicated to honoring and advancing youth mentorship across Northern Nevada. 

Saturday, September 26, 2026 

4:30 PM VIP Access | 5:00 PM General Access | 7 PM Dinner 

Summit Pavilion, Grand Sierra Resort 

This year marks a monumental milestone for BBBSNN, a 25th Anniversary celebration recognizing a quarter-century of building resilience and empowering the futures of youth across the region. Building on the record-breaking energy of the 2025 Big Chefs Big Gala, this anniversary event honors the lasting impact of mentorship: the steady hand, the listening ear, and the unwavering belief that unlocks our youth’s full potential. 

“For 25 years, our community has shown up to support young people in meaningful and lasting ways,” said Derek Beauvais, Chief Executive Officer of BBBSNN. “This Gala is a celebration of every relationship, every story, and every future that has been shaped through mentorship. It also reminds us of the work ahead as we continue to expand our impact.” 

The evening will feature an elevated experience, including a community culinary journey showcasing Northern Nevada’s top chefs and mixologists (View list of vendors here), powerful storytelling from Bigs and Littles whose lives have been transformed through mentorship, and high-impact fundraising opportunities through a live auction and paddle raise. A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Osborne Community Hero Award to Colin Smith and Mark Estee, whose dedication to our mission has had a profound impact on many. The celebration will continue with an after-party featuring live music and dancing, bringing the community together to honor two and a half decades of defending potential. This event is 21+. Find more details on what to wear, where to stay, how to arrive in style, and past photos here.   

Events like the annual Big Chefs Big Gala provide critical funding that directly fuels BBBSNN’s one-to-one mentoring programs across Washoe, Carson City, and Lyon County. These investments ensure the continued growth of programs like Site-Based Mentoring, High School Bigs, Community-Based Mentoring, and Big Futures. Businesses and community members are invited to participate by purchasing tickets, becoming a sponsor, or contributing auction items to support the Gala’s fundraising efforts. 

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 Big Chefs Big Gala are available at big.bbbsnn.org/gala. 

For more information, follow us on LinkedIn or visit bbbsnn.org. 

Event Contact: Jordan Stiteler, Events Director, [email protected]

Media Contact: Ashley Muckway, Marketing Director, [email protected]