Big Buddy’s Big Night Out: A Night of Friendship and Impact
We rolled out the blue carpet for Big Buddy’s first-ever fundraising gala dinner! The atmosphere was electric. Everyone was dressed to the nines and ready to put their best foot forward in support of our Big and Little Buddies.
Take a look at the event in our photo galleries.
Attendees were treated to delicious food and wine from Montana, while Kerre Woodham was a wonderful (and very funny) host. The Auckland Performing Arts Academy graced the stage with beautiful singing, while a heart-to-heart chat with Big Buddy Lawrence and Little Buddy Tangaroa and his mum Louise showed first-hand the influence these relationships have. To finish, Sir Graeme Henry and Travis Field, Big Buddy’s Chairman, talked about the importance of supporting young men in their journey to becoming responsible, empowered individuals.
Another huge highlight of the evening were the auctions, where unique experiences and one-of-a-kind prizes found new homes – with Shane Cortese skilfully leading the live auction of our high-value items.
A staggering $130,000 was raised, which will enable us to match an extra 52 boys who don’t have a father in their life with a good guy, a Big Buddy. These funds will develop new connections, new friendships, and most importantly, new possibilities.
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering generosity of the attendees, sponsors, and supporters. To all those who contributed, a heartfelt thank you is in order, for without you these transformative connections wouldn’t be possible. Your support will carve paths for young boys to thrive, to grow, and to realise their potential as they journey toward manhood.
A special acknowledgement is extended to our generous sponsors: Montana Group, Bayleys, Go Car Finance, Altered Capital, Plumbing World, and Benefitz. Your commitment and contributions are the building blocks of change.
As we wrap up the Big Night Out, we look forward to what lies ahead. The whole team at Big Buddy is full of gratitude, and we can’t wait to show up again for our next, exciting gala dinner. We hope you can make it too.
SAVE THE DATE: The Big Night Out will be back next year on 15 August 2024.
