On March 7th, 2025, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona hosted an unforgettable evening to mark a remarkable milestone – our 70th Anniversary. The event, Big Night Out: Platinum Party, took place at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, and it was a celebration of seven decades of mentorship, growth, and community impact.
The evening radiated elegance and glamour as close to 500 guests gathered in platinum-themed attire to celebrate the success of our mentoring programs. The Platinum Party was a perfect blend of celebration and reflection on how far we’ve come, and it set the stage for even more success in the years to come.
The night kicked off with a cocktail reception hosted by Fry’s Food Stores and Pharos Foundation. Attendees were greeted by a violinist, and had a chance to take photos with a custom ice sculpture and platinum step and repeat. Guests mingled and enjoyed complimentary cocktails, tray-passed hors d’oeuvres, and charcuterie tables. Mystery boxes filled with exciting items from local restaurants, businesses, and sports teams were available for purchase, adding an extra layer of excitement to the evening.
Once inside the ballroom, the atmosphere truly came alive with the dancers from Fred Astaire decked in platinum, who danced on stage while guests took their seats. Big Sisters Tara and Jessica and Little Sisters Emily and Lily kicked off the program by introducing the amazing work of BBBSAZ over the past 70 years. Event chairs Dr. Suzy Stein, Fernando Perez, and Jenny Holsman Tetreault welcomed everyone with heartfelt stories of mentorship and the transformative difference it makes in our community.
Emcee Paul Horton energized the room and encouraged everyone to step up and become a Big. Guests were also treated to powerful stories from Bigs and Littles, who shared how their relationships have transformed their lives for the better. After dinner, BBBSAZ President and CEO Luis Vega addressed the crowd, sharing the latest updates on BBBSAZ’s initiatives and reinforcing the importance of mentorship in shaping the future of our youth. The highlight of the evening came when Auctiontainer Letitia Frye took the stage, inspiring generous donations to ensure the continuation of BBBSAZ’s vital work.
As the program wrapped up, the celebration continued at the After Party, hosted by 4Ever Young Anti-Aging Solutions. With live music provided by the Instant Classics, guests danced the night away, and many joined the band for live karaoke. The after-party was the perfect conclusion to a spectacular evening.
Big Night Out: Platinum Party was a tremendous success, raising over $330,000 to support BBBSAZ’s mentoring programs. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our community partners, sponsors, attendees, and everyone who helped make this event possible. The overwhelming support we received is a testament to the incredible power of mentorship and the shared vision of a brighter future for our youth.
Here’s to another 70 years of making a difference, one match at a time!
