Community gathers to raise hands, money to support Big Brothers Big Sisters programs at ‘Big Breakfast’

Written By Bryce Shreve

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 12, 2025) – More than 250 business leaders, local officials, and community supporters gathered Wednesday morning for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana’s second-annual Big Breakfast event—an inspiring fundraising celebration of youth mentorship and the life-changing relationships that help young people achieve their full potential.

Hosted at The Jefferson in downtown Jeffersonville, Indiana, the sold-out event brought together advocates and champions for local youth, all united around the belief that every child has incredible potential. Guests enjoyed a complementary breakfast, moving stories from mentors and mentees, and an uplifting message about the impact of community support for Big Brothers Big Sisters programs across Kentuckiana.

Big Breakfast guests were asked to raise their hand in support of mentorship — either through making a gift or signing up to become a Big. The event is on track to surpass Big Brothers Big Sisters’ fundraising goal, with tens of thousands of funds raised to support youth mentoring programs and recruit new mentors in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. During the program, CEO Gary Friedman shared statistics related to the positive impact mentoring has on young people, and they importance of “joy.”

“Everyone in this room has someone who’s helped them, someone they consider a mentor,” Friedman said. “That matters. Mentoring matters. And when we talk about JOY, it’s ‘Just. One. Year.’ A one-year commitment is all it takes and all we ask of you to make a difference in the lives of the youth we serve.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana surveys all youth and families served to measure tangible outcomes. Among all youth served last fiscal year:

  • 100% avoided involvement with the juvenile justice system.

  • 98% graduated high school on time.

  • 87% reported stable or improved mental health.

Attendees also heard from Eli and Nemo, a mentor and mentee pair (“match”) who shared their personal story of growth, connection, and the difference that mentorship has made in their lives. Eli said he joined the program looking to make a tangible impact on his community, and he’s done just that being matched with Nemo for nearly 2 years. Speaking on stage, Nemo shared a few touching words about the positive impact his Big has made in his life.

“Eli has helped motivate me to get through hard times,” Nemo said. “He helps me stay positive, I don’t know where I’d be without Eli. I’ve learned to just keep trying, even when it’s all over.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana served 724 youth last fiscal year across Kentucky and Southern Indiana, an increase of 16% compared to the year before. With increased community support and visibility, the agency continues to expand its reach to meet the community where they are, ensuring that every child who needs a mentor has one.

For more information about how to become a Big or support youth mentoring programs, click the buttons below.

Donate
Become a Big

Thank you to all of the sponsors who made the Big Breakfast possible:

Breakfast Champions:

  • United Healthcare

  • Kaiser Home Support Services

Sunrise Sponsors

  • Cherry Bekaert

  • Denton Floyd Real Estate

  • Kentucky Association of Health Plans

  • Messer Construction

  • Mills Supply

  • Republic Bank

Early Bird Advocates

  • Centra Credit Union

  • Churchill Downs

  • The Glenview Trust Company

  • Greater Clark County Schools

  • High10 Digital Media

  • Lucas Oil

  • Prosser Career Education Center

  • Samtec

Bryce Shreve
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