Big Brothers Big Sisters 11th Annual Blooming Bids for Kids Raises over $109,000 Event attendance broke all previous records for agency’s on-island mentoring program

On Friday, June 16^th, with a sold-out crowd of over 220 supporters at the Field Gallery in West Tisbury, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod & the Islands celebrated 11 years of Blooming Bids for Kids. The fundraiser, a garden themed cocktail party, is the agency’s single largest event held on Martha’s Vineyard and supports the nearly 40 youth served by BBBS on island.

In addition to a live and silent auction, a portion of the evening celebrated the 9-year mentoring relationship between Big Sister Kristen Gosselin and her Little Sister, Eliana Cacchiotti. Kristen, the agency’s 2023 Big Sister of the Year, took to the stage to share the 9-year journey, crediting her Little and her Little’s family for trusting her to be a Big.

“Our mission can only thrive with the trust, recognition and support of the community,” said JR Mell, regional director at BBBS. “I am beyond grateful for the Blooming Bids for Kids Committee, co-chaired by Stanley Startzell & Marcia Smith, the Island community, gardeners, and landscapers, as well as the generous sponsors and donors—too numerous to list. The funds raised from this event ensure that every child referred to us will have an additional, trusted adult in their corner.”

Mell noted that planning for Blooming Bids 2024 will begin this fall and encourages anyone seeking more information about the event, or interest in joining the committee, to visit the website https://emassbigs.org/events/blooming-bids/ or call Tori Costa at 978-828-9707.