Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, the premier youth-mentoring organization, successfully raised $1.3 million with support from over 400 philanthropic, business and community leaders attending its largest annual fundraiser Saturday. The event, themed the “Art of the Match Gala: The Remix” was presented by the Wynwood Walls Foundation and welcomed guests for networking, dinner, a live performance by Wyclef Jean featuring BBBS Little Sister Likem, dancing, auctions and impactful match stories at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

The signature event helps cover the costs to match Bigs (adult mentors) with Littles (youth mentees). Evening highlights included: performances by Groove Republik; the program emceed by Najahe Sherman of CBS Miami News; and record-breaking statistics shared by host and BBBS Miami President & CEO, Gale Nelson.  Additionally, longtime supporters Melly Sanchez (former BBBS Miami employee) and former Big Brother Robert Sanchez (Chairman & CEO, Ryder System Inc.) were recognized by Nelson with a “BIG Impact Award” celebrating their service to the organization. Robert Sanchez was also surprised when his former Little Brother Caleb was brought to the stage for an emotional reunion.

Presentations by Littles, Caleb, Likem and Lashon provided guests with personal insights of their experiences and successes that reflect the impact of the much-needed youth mentoring program.  All three Littles, who are now working, adult professionals, spoke from the heart when they acknowledged their Bigs for helping them on their life journeys.

“At our annual gala, we were honored to have Jessica Golman Srebnicik and Scott Srebnick from the Wynwood Walls Foundation rejoin us as presenters and Melissa Medina of eMerge Americas return as honorary co-chair. With the theme ‘The Art of the Match Gala: The Remix’, we aim to uplift our mission to greater heights together and reveal our shared big achievements. The event was a huge success with amazing food, an unforgettable performance by none other than Wyclef Jean accompanied by one of our very own Littles,” said Gale Nelson, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami.

Supporters included: Innovate Sponsors: Power Financial Credit Union and Monat. Ignite Sponsors: Alto, Bilzin Sumberg, Bonnie Crabtree, DM Wealth Management, Jamie Elias, Macy’s, Related Philanthropic Foundation, Rick Rosen Ryder System Inc.,Truist and Wirth Munroe.  BBBS Miami Co-Chairs, Tina van der Ven and Allan Prindle. Public Relations Sponsor: NewStar Media. Advertising Sponsor: South Florida Business Journal. Along with First Horizon, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Provocativo, Papa’s Pilar Rum, Tequila 512, RNDC and The Miami Herald.