by: Mark Berman, Rotary Club of Davis
On the evening of Saturday, February 28, 2026, community members gathered at the El Macero Country Club for the 25th Annual Big Night, hosted by the Rotary Club of Davis. As the sun set over the venue, guests arrived to an atmosphere of celebration and purpose, marking a milestone year for one of the region’s most anticipated charitable events. The annual gala was established to raise critical funds for three local organizations serving vulnerable children and families: Yolo Crisis Nursery, Yolo County Children’s Alliance, Cameron’s Place (Yolo County Children’s Advocacy) and Empower Yolo,. Each organization plays a vital role in supporting children affected by abuse, neglect, and foster care placement, providing safe environments, advocacy, and essential services during times of crisis.
Over the past 25 years, Big Night has generated significant community support and funding for these efforts. Yet organizers underscored a sobering reality: on average, more than five children in Yolo County experience abuse each day. That statistic continues to drive the Rotary Club’s commitment to collaboration and action on behalf of children in need. This year’s Fund-a-Need initiative focused on Empower Yolo’s Child Abuse Prevention Program, which delivers early, trauma-informed care and community-based prevention services designed to interrupt cycles of violence. Through education, advocacy, and direct support for children and families across Yolo County, the program seeks to address the root causes of abuse and strengthen long-term family stability. As attendees dined, bid in auctions, and pledged their support, the evening served not only as a celebration of a 25-year tradition, but as a renewed call to action, affirming the community’s shared responsibility to protect its most vulnerable members.
As supporters arrived at the El Macero Country Club, they were welcomed with a festive reception that set the tone for the evening. Guests paused at a photo booth to capture commemorative snapshots before enjoying an array of hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Passed appetizers included fried cauliflower and stuffed mushrooms, complemented by signature cocktails crafted for the event. Throughout the reception, attendees mingled across the ballroom floor, reconnecting with longtime friends and making new acquaintances while browsing an extensive silent auction. The curated selection featured a range of sought-after items and experiences, drawing steady interest and spirited bidding as the room filled with conversation and anticipation. Some of the Silent Auction items included health and skin care, wine that was created by UC Davis students as well as coffee, beautiful scarves, artwork, a packet of carwashes, a child’s bike with training wheels and helmet and the list goes on.
As the evening progressed, guests were invited into the main dining hall for a formal dinner service. The meal opened with a fresh salad course, followed by a choice of entrées: French chicken breast served with asparagus and mashed potatoes; vegetable curry over rice; filet mignon; or three-cheese ravioli. Dessert concluded the dining experience with cheesecake topped with fresh berries and fruit sauce. Even as guests savored the final course, attention began to shift toward the evening’s next highlight. The Master of Ceremonies also known as the MC, Dave Schieber did a great job of pumping up the guests he talked about the Wintun Nation and what the mission of the evening we were working for. Auction paddles in hand, attendees prepared for the live auction, Dave did a special introduction adding a well known song to the introduction, Sirius by the Allen Parson’s Project. This got our guests excited as auctioneer Bob Bowen came up to the podium. Bob is a very well known Davisite living in Davis since 1968. Featuring eight exclusive experiences, the live auction offered opportunities spanning the globe from retreats in Lake Tahoe to an international getaway in Bali, Indonesia which captured the room’s full attention and inspiring enthusiastic participation. Motivated by the shared mission of supporting children in need, attendees engaged in spirited bidding throughout the evening, driving the total funds raised to exceed $65,000 for the beneficiary agencies. As the final bids were placed and the auctioneer’s gavel fell, the evening gradually drew to a close. Guests departed the venue carrying auction winnings, centerpiece bouquets from their tables, and the lingering warmth of a meal and mission shared—leaving with not only full stomachs, but a renewed sense of purpose.
The 25th Annual Big Night gala concluded as event organizers emphasized that the evening’s impact would not have been possible without the generosity of its sponsors. Diamond-level sponsors included the Parker Family Foundation; Donna and Eric Prebys; and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation Community Fund. Platinum-level sponsors were Monley Cronin, Inc.; Marjorie and Bruce Hartsough; Mohini Jain; Mary Louise Powell; The Dowling Family; and Presidio Companies.
Members of the Rotary Club of Davis describe the organization as a network of dedicated individuals united by a shared commitment to service and fellowship. Through fundraising efforts such as Big Night, Rotarians continue to demonstrate their investment in the well-being of the broader community. Those interested in learning more about membership opportunities and community initiatives are encouraged to visit the Rotary Club of Davis website www.rotaryclubofdavis.com for additional information.
