Make Waves. Change Lives.
First Annual Big Waves Gala & Silent Auction
Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Omni Interlocken Hotel
Join us for an unforgettable evening of inspiration, connection, and purpose as we celebrate how one act of kindness can create a ripple—and how those ripples can grow into waves of lasting change.
Hurry! Registration, sponsorships, and donations close on September 12, 2026.
Who Should Attend?
Big Waves supporters. Colorado community members, business leaders, and water polo families. Anyone who is a gun-safety advocate, a volunteer, or who wants to help make a difference and make the world a little safer place for us all.
What You’ll Experience
Big Waves’ first annual gala fundraiser features
An elegant dinner at the Omni Interlocken Hotel
A silent auction
Inspiring stories from our community
Opportunities to support Big Waves’ mission of gun safety and furthering water polo in Colorado.
Connecting with community members who share your values and hope for the future.
Why Attend the Big Waves Gala?
Every dollar raised helps Big Waves save lives, support young people, and create ripples of positivity through gun-safety education, safe-storage resources, youth water polo, and collegiate scholarships.
Whether you attend as a guest, sponsor the evening or donate an auction item, you become part of of the Big Waves community where we believe one small ripple can grow into a BIG powerful wave of change.
Opportunities to Support the Big Waves Gala & Silent Auction
Make a Big Splash as a Gala Sponsor
Your partnership supports Big Waves Programs and gives you a way to stand behind an organization committed to building safer communities and hope for the future by supporting youth mental health and promoting water polo in Colorado.
| Sponsorship | Investment | Gala Admission Included |
|---|---|---|
| Presenting Sponsor | $10,000 | 20 guests |
| Smile Sponsor | $7,500 | 10 guests |
| Impact Sponsor | $5,000 | 8 guests |
| Table Sponsor | $1,200 | 8 guests |
| Ripple Sponsor | $750 | 2 guests |
Donation Opportunities
Make a Financial Gift
If you can’t attend or sponsor the Gala, consider making a donation. Every little bit counts and helps us turn ripples into Big Waves.
Donate a Silent Auction Item
Donate to our silent auction or fill a silent auction basket. You can pick from our Amazon Wishlists, or we can do the shopping for you if you make a donation. There’s something for every budget. Check it out.
Attend the Gala
Registering to attend the Big Waves Gala is a direct way to support the mission while learning more about our community and the mission behind Big Waves.
Let’s Make Waves Together
One evening out means safer homes and opportunities for water polo players in Colorado. The Vaughn Bigelow Jr. scholarship gives water polo players in Colorado a leg up in the next part of their journey.
Big Waves was founded by Meghan and Vaughn Bigelow in memory of their son Vaughn Bigelow Jr., affectionately known as Bubba. Vaughn was 13 when his life was taken during an act of gun violence in 2018.
Vaughn loved water polo, competition, and friendship, and had a big, energetic smile. Big Waves honors Bubba and his spirit through two connected missions:
Promote gun sensibility and safety through gun training programs and safe gun storage
Create a ripple of positivity by enriching young lives through water polo and the Vaughn Bigelow Jr. scholarship and supporting youth mental health.
Join us at the first annual Big Waves Gala and help turn compassion into action. Together, we can save lives, inspire hope, and create ripples of positivity