Brushstrokes of Impact: A paint-and-sip evening at Eden Park

29 Jul 2025

Brushstrokes of Impact is a one-of-a-kind paint-and-sip fundraising event, hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland (BBBS), set in the iconic All Blacks changing rooms at Eden Park. On Thursday 14 August 2025, guests will enjoy an evening of creativity, connection and purpose, guided by celebrated artist Andrew J Steel and hosted by BBBS ambassador Matilda Green.

“This event aims to support tamariki who are bright, resilient and full of potential – they’ve just had a harder start than most or need additional support.” says Program Manager Dayna Taramai. “With the right mentor – someone who shows up and believes in them – they can thrive.”

All proceeds from the event go directly toward supporting BBBS Auckland’s mentoring programme, which matches at-risk tamariki with caring adult mentors. Through positive and trusted relationships, BBBS help young people build confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging. They walk alongside them and support them to navigate life's challenges. Their guests night of art and fun helps create life-changing mentoring and wrap-around support for local children.

“We’re grateful to Resene for their support of our 'Brushstrokes of Impact Paint and Sip Event,” says Fundraising and Partnerships Coordinator Courtney Reynolds-Smith. “Their contribution helps us provide more tamariki with mentoring and shows a real commitment to looking after the wellbeing of tamariki in our community. Together, we’re painting a brighter future for our young people.”

The name Brushstrokes of Impact reflects the heart of the event – a creative evening where every brushstroke contributes to something greater. Just as art is built one stroke at a time, BBBS creates life-changing impact one mentoring relationship at a time. This event is more than a night of painting – it's a chance to help match more tamariki with a supportive mentor. Every ticket sold and every dollar raised helps bring mentoring to more children.

Based on the tuakana–teina model of mentorship, BBBS pairs young people (teina) with trusted adult mentors (tuakana) who provide consistency, guidance and genuine friendship. Research shows that youth with a mentor are more likely to succeed at school, avoid risky behaviour and have stronger social-emotional skills. Through regular, one-on-one time with a caring adult, teina begin to see their strengths, set goals for their future and build the resilience needed to navigate life’s challenges. The BBBS programme creates a ripple effect by supporting not just individual tamariki, but strengthening whānau and communities by growing the next generation of confident, connected and capable young people.

Event details:

When: Thursday 14 August 2025, 7:00pm to 9:30pm (Doors open at 6:30pm)

Where: All Blacks Changing Rooms, Eden Park, Kingsland

For more information, visit https://bigbrothersbigsistersauckland.org.nz/ and to get your tickets, click here!

Published: 29 Jul 2025