West Tisbury: On Friday, June 14th, a sold-out crowd of over 220 supporters gathered at the Field Gallery in West Tisbury for the 12th Annual Blooming Bids for Kids event to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters. The fundraiser, a garden themed cocktail party, is the agency’s single largest event held on Martha’s Vineyard and supports the agency’s mission to support island youth with a mentor.
In addition to a live and silent auction, a portion of the evening celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Big Brother Big Sisters on the Cape & Islands with an overview of what Blooming Bids has helped the agency to achieve locally. This evening’s mission spotlight featured the 8-year mentoring relationship between Big Sister Angela Prout and her Little Sister, Julia Caldwell. Angela, a member of the BBBS Leadership Council, took to the stage to share her journey as a Big and the impact the program has had on her Little, Julia.
“For twelve years, the island community has come together to support our mission through Blooming Bids for Kids,” 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 2025 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 Nicole Cronin at 781-850-5829.
