On Friday, October 25, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Sacramento celebrated 55 years of service in the Greater Sacramento community. The 55th Anniversary Celebration, presented by Hughey Phillips LLP, welcomed over 400 supporters, partners and friends to the Elks Tower Event Center in downtown Sacramento to celebrate our profound impact in the Sacramento region.

The evening started with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and a live band – Music City Legends – serenading the room. Former Big Brothers Big Sisters Board President and longtime advocate Monica Woods, of ABC 10, guided our guests, as emcee, through the evening and Kelly Brothers, of Genovese Burford & Brothers, lead our live auction.

From left-to-right, top-to-bottom: Monica Woods; Kelly Brothers; Reese Scherber, BBBS CEO; and Sean Filippini, BBBS Board Chairman.

Reese, Scherber, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Sacramento Area, welcomed guests and paid tribute to Hughey Phillips LLP as our presenting sponsor, honorees, past board members in attendance, and the current Board of Directors. Former Big Brother of the Year and current Board Chairman, Sean Filippini of Downey Brand LLP, shared insight on recent success with the agency and goals for 2020.

Keynote and Impact Stories

One of our long-standing and most inspirational matches, Little Brother, Imari and Big Brother, James took to the stage to reveal how the organization has aided in their match development, sharing some heartfelt details about their relationship and how it’s grown over the years. Imari also revealed to guests how his Big Brother, James was with him when he learned of his mother’s passing. James’ presence and support proved invaluable as Imari grieved his mother’s loss.

From left-to-right, from top-to-bottom: Little Brother, Imari and Big Brother, James; Keynote speaker, Sabin Lomac; Melissa (mother of Alivia) and Little Sister, Alivia.

Our keynote speaker, Sabin Lomac, Co-Founder of Maine Cousins Lobster food trucks, took to the stage and shared his story of overcoming adversity as a troubled child to now operating over 20 Cousins Maine Lobster food trucks nationwide – crediting Big Brothers Big Sisters as the organization that changed the trajectory of his life and career. Towards the end of the program Little Sister, Alivia and Big Sister, Jennifer also took to the podium and shared their experiences being matched. Alivia made it very clear this was her first time doing any public speaking, and she loved it!

Honoree Tributes

We would be remiss if the evening didn’t pay homage to Larrie and Diane Grenz and Pacific Coast Building Products, Inc. Larrie and Diane Grenz have been involved with our agency for over 50 years and have helped to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to advance our mission. Larrie was Chairman of the Board of Directors from 1971 to 1972 and from 1977 to 1978. Both Larrie and Diane have worked tirelessly over the years in support of BBBS and have helped the organization bloom beautifully, so it was fitting to recognize their extraordinary commitment for our 55th Anniversary Celebration.

Over the years, Pacific Coast Building Products, Inc., has proven themselves to be one of our most committed of supporters and our local agency wouldn’t be celebrating 55 years of service without their involvement! It was our pleasure to honor the leadership of David Lucchetti, Pacific Coast Building Products CEO, and their phenomenal employees unwavering commitment to BBBS!

From left-to-right, top-to-bottom: Larrie and Diane Grenz; David Luchetti; John Whitfield, BBBS Board Member; Scott Myers; Stephanie Madsen, BBBS Board Member; Reese Scherber, BBBS CEO; Todd Aquilina; Phil Cunningham; Charles Trainor; and Robert Rivinius.

Sharing Our Video

During the dinner portion of the evening, our guests were treated with a first look at our new “BBBS Impact Commitment” video! A warm thank you to KJ2 Productions for capturing how we inspire hope for our youth in the Greater Sacramento region!

Collective Impact

Thanks to generous supporters, sponsors and friends, the 55th Anniversary Celebration raised nearly $247,000! Our critical mission would not be possible without the help of our generous community.

The funds raised help ignite the potential of our youth, including  the 150 Little’s waiting to be matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister!

Additional Thanks

The 55th Anniversary Celebration was made possible only with the support of our community. A warm thank you to our sponsors Hughey Phillips LLP; Wells Fargo Bank; KJ2 Productions; Quest Technology Management; Downey Brand LLP ; SAFE Credit Union; US Bank; Western Health Advantage; and Allstate Insurance.

View the BBBS 55th Annual Celebration photo gallery.