News Release

FORT WAYNE — Big Brothers Big Sisters recently hosted its 51st annual Gourmet Dinner.

The Gourmet Dinner is a hallmark event that brought together nearly 1,000 community members in support of youth mentorship. The event, held at the Grand Wayne Center, featured Purdue men’s basketball coach Matt Painter as the keynote speaker.

The evening was made possible by the support of presenting sponsors McCampbell Enterprises, Indiana Physical Therapy and Pro Resources Staffing Services.

Highlighting the night was the presentation of the 2024 Don Wolf Award to Stan Ziherl, whose contributions to philanthropy and community service have left a mark on the lives of many in northeast Indiana.

Attendees were introduced to a graduated Big Brother and Little Brother duo, Patrick and Tyson. Their story of growth, friendship and mutual support exemplified the mission of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

The event was not only a celebration but also a fundraiser, raising close to $500,000. The money will go toward supporting the organization’s mission to create and nurture life-changing mentorship relationships for young people in the community.

The event recruited eight new volunteers and secured two presentations for the organization. The invocation was delivered by a current Little Brother who has taken the step of becoming a Big Brother at his college campus.

Josette Rider, chief executive officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters, unveiled the beginnings of an alumni program, marking a new chapter in the organization’s history. The initiative promises to strengthen the bonds formed through the program and provide ongoing support to past participants.

For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit the website at bbbsnei.org or contact Shelley Schwab at  [email protected] or (260) 456-1600.