Big Brothers Big Sisters marks 50 years with fundraiser

Big Sister of the Year Sandra Catrone and Shanya, her little sister, perform at the Big Brothers Big Sisters annual gala. / COURTESY RUTH CLEGG
Big Sister of the Year Sandra Catrone and Shanya, her little sister, perform at the Big Brothers Big Sisters annual gala. / COURTESY RUTH CLEGG

NEWPORT – At its ninth annual gala, held at the Hyatt Regency in Newport on June 4, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State raised a record $123,000 to support its mentorship of area youth.

Katje Afonseca, BBBSOS executive director, said: “Each mentoring relationship we have within our organization requires an extensive background screening for participating adults, along with ongoing professional support from skilled BBBSOS case workers who provide training and free activities for our mentoring pairs. These necessities cost mone, and it is wonderful for us to have a fundraiser like our annual gala to support these expenses.”

Kelly Sullivan, of WPRI channel 12, was the emcee for the evening, auctioneer Jack Martone helped raise more than $37,000 in a live auction and Fund-A-Match program, MetLife Auto & Home served as the event’s Diamond-level sponsor, and Nancy Paolino and the Black Tie Band performed while guests danced.

More than 250 guests attended the celebration, which also marked the organization’s 50th anniversary. In celebration of this milestone BBBSOS honored all past Champions of Mentoring and Legacy Award Honorees, including Hilina Ajakaiye, Dr. Nancy Carriuolo, Marty Fine, Valerie Tutson, Joyce Stevos and the organization’s founding mother, Dr. Dorothy Pieniadz.

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Big Sister of the Year Sandra Cotrone and her little sister Shanya performed a song and dance as part of the night’s entertainment.

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