The BIG Gala 2026

On Friday, March 20, 2026, nearly 300 guests came together to support our program and cheer on the BIG futures of Bay Area youth. For the first time, the night featured a youth emcee, Jahvion, onstage! Guests heard from Galen Maness, Big Brother and Board Member, who shared about how his relationship with Max has inspired him to find more volunteer mentors in the local community. The audience also watched an exciting recap of Little Reporters interviewing players like Bryce Young, Fred Warner, and Mac Jones during Super Bowl LX as well as a video message from youth on our waitlist. We recognized this year’s Honored Matches with awards and heard from Littles Courtney and Sterling directly about how their relationships with Bigs Gina and Matt have given them confidence and strength to go through life’s challenges. Together, we raised nearly $630,000 to meet the growing demand for our mentoring services – all provided at no cost to the children and families enrolled in our programs.

Our Honored Matches of the Year

Courtney and Gina were Matched during the pandemic, and Zoom hangouts making beignets became in-person talks over crafts and meals. Their shared creativity soon turned into a tradition of making matching outfits for events. Gina has been a consistent, honest presence in Courtney’s life, giving her advice on parallel parking, relationships, and career paths. She has seen Courtney through the death of her father and her high school graduation. Now, Courtney’s balancing work with community college as she plans her future.

A few months after Sterling was Matched with Matt, he was diagnosed with leukemia. Matt stuck with Sterling through his surgery and treatment, providing a space to still be a kid and have fun. Sterling credits Matt with teaching him how to show up for the people who matter. Years later, Matt had to undergo brain surgery, and Sterling was able to talk through the hospital and anesthesia experience with him. Nine years later, Sterling’s in high school dreaming of a big future where he gives back to his community.