For more than 40 years, the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington has matched Bigs with Littles for mentorship, friendship and fun. That’s not long after their parent organization, the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, formed, although they’d been putting in the work in New York City since 1904.
To fund this vital local work, Big Brothers Big Sisters hosts an annual BIG Auction. This year’s event takes place on October 2, 2026, at the Great Wolf Lodge and everyone is welcome, while tickets last. But things sell out every year so don’t delay getting your spot.
Over the summer months, organizers are asking for donations of goods and services. These will be sold through the evening’s auction with monies raised supporting kids in 22 sites across 12 cities and five counties.
Kindhearted Bigs Help Littles Realize their Full Potential Thanks to Big Brothers Big Sisters
At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington, volunteer Bigs are matched with Littles aged five through 18. These mentor- and friendship opportunities build relationships, resourcefulness, resiliency and potential in young lives. The Southwest Washington chapter serves children and families in Thurston, Mason, Pacific, Lewis and Grays Harbor counties.
Blake Knoblauch is director of development for the local clubs. He says the annual BIG Auction is a highpoint of everyone’s year. For 2026, the theme is “An Evening at the Cinema: Making a Reel Difference” and Knoblauch loves that guests arrive in full costume, ready to mingle, party and fundraise for the kids.
At the BIG Auction there will be activities, food, drink, photo props and stories from both kids and mentors as well as the annual auction. It’s during the intervening summer months, he explains, that they work to collect amazing donations for the sale as well as look for event sponsors at a variety of levels.
Give BIG or Give LITTLE, Big Brothers Big Sisters Welcomes Support and Sponsorship
Knoblauch explains that sponsorship opportunities are available through September 18, while they last. Sponsors receive plenty of recognition as well as an array of other exciting bonuses. These can include VIP Swag Bags, specialty cocktails, ads in the event program, emcee recognition during the show and even an exclusive Big Brothers Big Sisters tote bag.
“Being part of the BIG Auction is a good way to showcase your business and a great way to give back and mentor kids,” says Knoblauch.
Businesses and individuals are also encouraged to donate items for the auction portion of the evening. Both donations and sponsorship partners will receive a nonprofit donation receipt for their taxes and the grateful thanks of kids far and wide.
Over the years, says Knoblauch, some of the most popular — and thus highest moneymaking — auction items have been experiences, curated gift baskets or gift certificates for activities like dining, activities and attractions. Highlights included trips to Florida or Tuscany, airline tickets and packages for Seahawks or Kraken home games.
Helping Kids Has Never Been Easier Thanks to the Big Brothers Big Sisters
To learn more about making a donation or sponsoring a portion of the event, contact Blake Knoblauch at knoblauch@swwabigs.org. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube for updates and heartwarming participant interviews.
To support the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington program year-round, you can donate online or volunteer your time. If you know a local kiddo who might benefit from some one-on-one mentorship, it’s easy to enroll a child. You can even become a big yourself and become what they’ve deemed a Defender of Potential in their life.
It’s been shown that Littles gain tremendous advantage from the program. They are 46% less likely to begin using drugs, 52% less likely to skip school, 20% more likely to enroll in college and earn 15% over their lifetime.
You’ve heard the expression that time is money. But as a mentor, it’s also success, education and long-term wellbeing. And that’s making a reel difference worth celebrating.
