07-06-2026
NEWS:
BBBSNN to Honor Chefs Mark Estee and Colin Smith with the 2026 Osborne Community Hero Award
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada (BBBSNN) is thrilled to announce the co-recipients of the 2026 Osborne Community Hero Award. Legendary local culinary visionaries Chef Mark Estee, Managing Partner of Local Food Group, and Chef Colin Smith, Owner-Chef of The Roundabout Group. These extraordinary individuals will be honored at the 2026 Big Chefs Big Gala on September 26, 2026.
As founding pillars of our Big Chefs Big Gala, both Mark and Colin have been instrumental in fueling BBBSNN’s mission. By volunteering their extraordinary talents, rallying the local food community, and committing time, mentorship, and resources to our organization, they have created ever-greater impact. An impact that has helped ignite the power and promise of youth in Northern Nevada.
Cultivating Community and Mentorship
Both chefs embody the true spirit of Defenders of Potential by bringing the same passion to youth advocacy that they do to their award-winning kitchens.
Chef Mark Estee has spent over 20 years shaping Northern Nevada’s dining culture. He has prioritized a workplace philosophy rooted in learning, caring, and respect. A James Beard Award nominee and champion for regional sustainability, Mark pioneered the closed-loop Brewery Beef program linking local ranchers to his restaurant empire. Altogether, his larger-than-life enthusiasm continues to inspire young culinary minds and community advocates alike.
Chef Colin Smith brings more than 40 years of professional kitchen mastery and hospitality leadership to the table. Today, Smith serves as founder and CEO of The Roundabout Group, which includes Roundabout Catering, Franco Baking Company, Tannenbaum Events Center, The Virgil and The Meadows at Fernley. Colin has dedicated his career to exceptional technique and deep civic service. A fierce advocate for youth development, he is the immediate past board chair of the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows and has consistently invested in the next generation by mentoring students through the ProStart Culinary Program.
“Food is something that brings us all together: top chefs, Littles, Bigs, and our community supporters. We are proud to have created something of quality that represents mentoring and will be referenced and used by many thanks to Mark and Collin. Their contributions over the past 15 years through the gala (and more to come) have helped us serve thousands of youth in Northern Nevada.”
Rachel Yelley, BBBSNN Board Member
The Osborne Community Hero Award
Established in 2021, the Osborne Community Hero Award honors extraordinary commitment to defending the potential of youth in northern Nevada. This prestigious award is reserved for leaders in our community who made transformational gifts of time and talent to our matches.
We look forward to celebrating Mark, Colin, and their incredible impact at the Big Chefs Big Gala on September 26, 2026.
Get your tickets to the 2026 Big Chefs Big Gala here.