HELENA — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Helena and Great Falls (BBBS) will be holding their annual Wine Crush event Saturday May 16, but this year it will be from the comfort of your own home.
For COVID-19 public safety, the organization will hold an online auction and virtual event.
Tickets include a hors d'oeuvres platter for two from some of Helena chefs, two wine glasses, and wine & beer pairing suggestions that can be picked up or delivered.
The online auction will run May 10-16, with daily Facebook livestreams at 6 p.m. On Saturday, May 16 they will livestream a virtual gala, hosted by MTN meteorologist Curtis Grevenitz.
BBBS President and CEO Jesse Mahugh says it’s no secret times have been hard, and youth mentoring services like Big Brothers Big Sisters are needed more than ever.
“We are doing everything we can, we’re being adaptive,” said Mahugh. “We have a strong community and we’re going to get through this together and make sure that important programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters survive and really thrive throughout this challenge.”
Mahugh steps into the role after previous president and CEO Coleen Brady passed away this January.
“Coleen was one of my mentors and one of my heroes,” said Mahugh. “I am so fortunate to have known her and learn from her. There’s no way I'll be able to fill her shoes, but it’s a real honor and a privilege for me to step into this position after her.”
Mahugh comes to the Helena area from Flathead County where he was the executive director of their Big Brothers Big Sisters. While there, he oversaw the organization double their budget and staff.
Mahugh added they’re always in need of more Bigs to mentor and make a real difference in a child’s life.
“It’s never easy being a kid,” said Mahugh. “There’s always new challenges and obstacles they face, and just to have an additional positive adult that in a child's life is huge. When they have that support they're more likely to engage in academics, avoid risky behaviors and more likely to be involved in extracurricular activities. All it takes is a Big showing up.”
