In September 2025, over 350 supporters gathered at the Hyatt Regency to Build Big Bridges and to celebrate the impact of mentoring! Together, these donors, sponsors, friends, and community leaders were inspired to give over $625,000—$100,000 over our goal—to support one-to-one mentoring programs right here in Portland and Southwest Washington. These funds will allow us to create more matches to uplift and defend the potential of every child who needs someone to listen, support, and be a friend.
From everyone at Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest, thank you for making this event successful and for helping us continue to build BIG bridges!
If you couldn’t make it to the Gala but still want to donate, it’s not too late! Click the button below to make a gift.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is proud to honor Bob Speltz with this year’s Big Futures Award. Bob Speltz is the Senior Director of Community and Public Relations for The Standard and is involved with several local non-profit organizations.
After tragic circumstances as a young child, Bob and his two brothers enrolled in Big Brothers Big Sisters. All three boys were grateful for the mentoring, friendship, and support these role models provided during an extreme family hardship and grief.
Join Bob at the Building Big Bridges Gala to hear his story of how mentors made an incredible difference in the lives of himself and his family.