CBS 42 is a proud sponsor of the 7th Annual “Night of Big Stars” — the biggest fundraising event of the year for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Our very on Jack Royer emceed the event at The Club on Red Mountain.
“I’m proud to say that CBS 42 is a firm partner and a believer in the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters, and my colleague Art Franklin and I get to profile Littles each week and introduce them to the millions of people in the metro area in North Central Alabama,” CBS 42 Anchor Jack Royer told the audience from the stage.
A Night of Big Stars brought people together with food, drink and performances. The proceeds benefit the stars of the show and the programs that bring Bigs and Littles together.
“She has no choice! She’s here forever. This is my real sister,” said recent high school graduate Quaneisha Jordon about her Big Sister Emily Herring.
She said Herring has had a major impact on her life over the past two years. They hang out, have fun, and she said she’s happy to have someone she can trust.
“I talk to her about everything. Literally. It’s like, the things I tell her, I couldn’t tell my parents or my friends. But I can tell her anything,” said Jordan.
“It’s been one of the most special things in my life. She’s such a huge part of my life. We love to spend time together. We love going on adventures together and it’s fun to see someone who works hard and has overcome so many barriers and so many challenges to get where she is today,” said Herring.
William White, the Honorary Co-Chair of the event said the relationships built through the program last a lifetime.
“I am a big. I started getting involved in the program almost 13 years ago and have continued that relationship with my Little. We’re still good friends. He’s actually become my personal trainer,” said White.
He said being a big brother changed his life in ways that he didn’t expect, and he encourages anyone who is interested to get involved.
“You think you’re giving your time to someone else but it actually at the end of the day, it ends up giving you, paying you back more than you’ll ever know. So I would just encourage people who care about kids to give back their time and mentor a child that needs it,” said White.
Herring said the same.
“She is such a blessing in my life. I think that anyone who has the opportunity to become a mentor should become a mentor because it really has impacted my life in huge ways as well,” Herring said.
STUDIO
THE EVENT INCLUDED A LIVE AUCTION, A SILENT AUCTION AS WELL AS GENERAL FUNDRAISING THAT HISTORICALLY HAS RAISED MORE THAN A QUARTER OF A MILLION DOLLARS FOR THE ORGANIZATION. WE AT CBS 42 ARE ESPECIALLY PROUD TO BE A PART OF THAT.
