Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta Holds Annual Big Appreciation Night Celebration

ATLANTA —This annual event, held this year at Monday Night Brewing, is a celebration of the incredible volunteers dedicated to mentoring the youth of Metro Atlanta. This year marked a significant milestone as BBBSMA celebrated 65 years of changing lives through mentorship.

BBBSMA’s Board Chair, Jennifer Burns, opened the night by honoring the amazing Bigs who have made a profound impact on the lives of over 2,000 children across 11 counties in Metro Atlanta and the Columbus, GA region this past year.

The message was clear: the success of BBBSMA is a direct result of the time, dedication, and heart invested by its volunteers.

175 guests were treated to a delightful evening at the brewery, filled with complimentary food, sweet treats, and a fabulous raffle, all while the spirit of gratitude permeated the room.

The highlight of the ceremony, hosted by Tony Poon & Haley Casola of the Young Leaders Council (YLC), was the award ceremony that recognized outstanding individuals for their dedication to our mission. Awards included the Rookie of the Year, Defender of Potential, Big Challenge Champion, and more. Each award was given to volunteers who exemplified commitment and made significant impacts in the community—

Jazzmine Quarles was honored as Rookie of the Year, while Natalie Mundy and Marcus London received the Defender of Potential Award. Braddon Calloway was celebrated as Big Challenge Champion, and Ray McGuffie received the Big Impact Award. The exceptional contributions of Ms. Cephia Blassingame, named Big Advocate School Personnel of the Year, and the Level Up Match of the Year award given to Marja Hill and Jontavia Smalls further showcased the depth of talent and dedication to supporting Metro Atlanta’s youth.

Special recognition was also given to Rakyah Stubblefield-Burkes and Aaliyah Bryant as Big Sister and Little Sister of the Year, as well as LaVell Johnson and Dae’Miro Hansard as Big Brother and Little Brother of the Year. Each award recipient took the stage to share their experiences, emphasizing the transformative power of mentorship.

One of the evening's most touching moments came from Malcolm Galwey, a Level-Up Lead Mentor who shared his journey from being a Little to becoming a Big. His compelling story served as a reminder of the lasting impact that mentorship can have on both the mentor and the mentee. The event concluded with special remarks from Kwame Johnson, President and CEO of BBBSMA, who joined virtually to express his gratitude and share the ongoing mission of the organization.

Big Appreciation Night was a beautiful celebration of community, mentorship, and the unwavering commitment to empowering youth. The event not only recognized the hard work of countless individuals but also reinforced the vital role that BBBSMA plays in shaping brighter futures for kids in Metro Atlanta. Here's to another year of inspiring and empowering one match at a time!

A Special Thank You to our event partners and all the generous in-kind donations that contributed to making this celebration truly exceptional:

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Georgia Aquarium

Escapology (Escape Room)

Serena Pastifico

9 Mile Station/The Roof at Ponce City

Drama Inc. (Acting Studio)

Coffee Man.

Faced Facial Studio.

Fred Astaire Dance Studios - Atlanta Midtown

City Winery

Dynamic El Dorado

Out Front Theatre Company