THE BIG CELEBRATION
TO BE ANNOUNCED 2025
A BENEFIT FOR THE CHILDREN OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
The Big Celebration is an extraordinary evening featuring a plated dinner, silent auction, fashion show, the Charles D. Smith Award, and a grand prize giveaway!
This event helps to raise awareness of Big Brothers Big Sisters programs, recruit volunteers to mentor children, and provide funding to expand the existing programs—all for Kosciusko County!
We have BIG Plans to make a BIG Impact in the lives of our children and the communities we live in, BUT WE CANNOT DO IT ALONE! WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please consider joining us to DEFEND POTENTIAL TODAY!
While there is no fee to attend, we hope you are inspired to make a monetary gift of $75 or more. Your participation will ensure bigger and brighter futures for children living in Kosciusko County.
THE CHARLES D. SMITH AWARD
Esther’s commitment to Big Brothers Big Sisters began nearly a decade ago when her visionary investment helped launch the Big Celebration, giving BBBS the foundation needed to expand programs and plant roots in Kosciusko County. Her support catalyzed transformative growth and opportunity, paving the way for countless mentorships that continue to empower local youth.
Beyond her contributions to Big Brothers Big Sisters, Esther’s life was a testament to her dedication to improving the quality of life for residents in Kosciusko County. Born and raised in Warsaw, she served her community as an educator for 39 years, teaching math and inspiring generations of students within the Warsaw school system. Her commitment to education was further honored through the Robert and Esther Pfleiderer Scholarship, which has awarded over $2 million to graduates of Warsaw Community High School, encouraging and enabling young adults to pursue higher education and their aspirations.
In addition to her career in education, Esther’s civic involvement was profound. She established the Esther Pfleiderer Charitable Trust to support charitable organizations across Kosciusko County, directly benefiting initiatives that enhance the community’s well-being. Her service extended to leadership roles with the Salvation Army, Warsaw Community Public Library, Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Kosciusko County Historical Society, and the ministries of First Presbyterian Church. Esther’s tireless dedication earned her the honor of being named Warsaw’s Woman of the Year in 1982.
Esther’s impact continues to touch lives across generations—from early literacy programs like Kosciusko Literacy Services’ Baby’s First Book program, which equips new parents with resources for their children’s learning, to countless other initiatives that uplift and unite the community. Her legacy serves as an enduring reminder of the power of service, education, and compassionate leadership.
It is with great honor that Big Brothers Big Sisters celebrates her legacy with the Charles D. Smith Award. Past recipients include Tom Roy (2016), Ernie Wiggins (2017), The K21 Health Foundation (2018), Maple Leaf Farms & the Tucker Family (2019), Terry & Sherri Milton (2021), Albert "Art" Gakstatter (2022), and Bill & Vicki Morton (2023).