Since 1904, the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization has worked to give kids nationwide a caring role model. On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the Southwest Washington chapter will host their annual Big Brunch at Saint Martin’s University. This is a fun, free, delicious chance to learn about their impact, how to volunteer or ways of becoming a valued community partner.
Come Celebrate Bigs, Brunch and Mentorship Breakthroughs on March 18, 2026
From national leadership to local branches like the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington, their vision is simple and empowering: helping all youth achieve their full potential. Blake Knoblauch, director of development for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington, explains that March’s informative meal is one of the organization’s two annual fundraisers.
Our local chapter represents families in Thurston, Mason, Pacific, Lewis and Grays Harbor counties. They have 22 sites in 12 cities pairing Bigs, the adult mentors, with Littles, kids aged 5 through 18.
“Our Big Brunch is a way for the people to come together to learn about our impacts,” says Knoblauch. “You’ll hear stories from both Bigs and Littles and see how it’s shaped them into who they are today.”
Brunch runs from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18. It will be held in the Norman Worthington Conference Center at Saint Martin’s University. There is plenty of free parking at the adjacent Marcus Pavilion, rain or shine.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Honors 100+ Years of Helping Kids Nationwide
It’s free to attend the Big Brunch but donations are always welcome and an online RSVP is required so the Bon Appétit Catering staff can make sure a place is set for everyone.
Bon Appétit offers university meal service as well as catering for everything from business lunches to full-scale weddings. Their chefs partner with local suppliers as part of the Farm to Fork program, which guarantees a percentage of ingredients will be sourced within 150 miles of their kitchens. Clients can suggest a menu or choose from seasonal options and dietary restrictions are never a problem.
For the Big Brunch, guests can sign up for single tickets or a table of eight. Bring your friends, family, co-workers, club members or potential Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteers to learn more about helping local kids.
Sponsorship opportunities are also still available. Ask about sponsorship or other corporate giving online or by calling 360.943.0409 in Thurston, Mason, Lewis and Grays Harbor counties. In Pacific County, call 360.783.1091.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington Believes in Giving Back, One Kid at a Time
Knoblauch hopes folks will come “celebrate our impact on the community, share in our highs and lows, and hear some inspiring stories” at the Big Brunch.
Can’t make it to the Big Brunch? There are plenty of other ways to help. You can donate through the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington website or attend the Big Auction on October 2, 2026. These festive evenings are more than just fundraisers. They’re exciting, themed experiences benefitting a great cause.
In 2025, the Big Auction was a 1920s murder mystery full of Jazz Age glitz and glamor. With Prohibition-style cocktails and decadent bites from local favorites, there was also a thrilling live auction and immersive roaring 20s who-done-it. Attendees donned flapper dresses, fedoras, pearls and pinstripes for a good time.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is always looking for volunteers, new Bigs or other help along the way. Know a kiddo who might benefit from mentorship? Read through their Frequently Asked Questions then get started enrolling a child.
Mentoring sessions are often community based, where activities take place at museums, parks, sporting events and other activities. Or they can be site based in a school or community center. Site sessions are great for playing games, crafting or just hanging out and vibing together.
There are special programs for military mentorship or through the My STEAM Learning Lab. For high school students, career mentoring pairs Bigs and (not so) Littles in a chosen career field. Students job shadow and complete project-based learning towards future internship and scholarship opportunities.
You can follow Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube. Their Alumni stories honor the impacts on both adults and kids alike, many of whom stay in touch for decades after being paired up.
Then grab tickets to the Big Brunch and learn how you can join their mission to improve lives for generations to come. Because with the Big Brothers Big Sisters, all it takes is time and the willingness to make a new friend.
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