Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles to Honor Former Board President at Annual “The Big Event” Gala
Los Angeles, CA — Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles (JBBBSLA) will honor Sanford “Sandy” Sigal with the prestigious Sydney J. Rosenberg Lifetime Achievement Award at its annual gala, The Big Event, taking place on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Stephen Wise Temple in Los Angeles. The evening will begin at 6pm.
The Sydney J. Rosenberg Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose enduring leadership, philanthropy, and commitment have significantly advanced the mission of JBBBSLA. As the award’s 24th honoree since 1993, Sigal considers the recognition a deeply personal and full-circle moment.
Raised by a devoted single mother, Sigal was a precocious and energetic child whose curiosity and activities often outpaced his years. Seeking guidance and positive structure for her son, she turned to the Jewish Federation, who recommended Camp Max Straus (now named Camp Bob Waldorf), JBBBSLA’s summer camp serving youth of all denominations from low-income and at-risk households. That recommendation and experience would help set him on his path today.
“When I was 7 years old and my mom needed a place for her young son to be nurtured in a positive environment, with positive role models, Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters found me a home in Camp Max Straus,” Sigal shared. “What I experienced in my two years there changed my life. The sense of community, the power of connection among kids from so many different backgrounds, and my first mentors were their amazing counselors. That opportunity saved my life and still guides me today.”
Founded in 1915, Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles assists youth in achieving their full potential through innovative and impactful programs including Youth Mentorship, Camp Bob Waldorf, and College Access + Success. Each year, JBBBSLA serves more than 1,200 youth from diverse backgrounds, races, religions, and socio-economic circumstances across Los Angeles.
Sigal has made JBBBSLA a cornerstone of his philanthropic mission for decades. He has continued to be involved in fundraising and leadership positions to ensure the organization has the resources so every kid has the same opportunity he did. Most recently, he concluded a three-year term as President of the Board, a role that many consider a crowning achievement in a lifetime of service to the very organization that helped shape him. “To be involved with the organization that changed my life over 50 years ago and help lead it today is the honor of a lifetime,” Sigal said of his time as JBBBSLA’s president.
Reflecting on his lifelong connection to JBBBSLA, Sigal has said, “Good people and good works. The Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles is responsible for both. Over 50,000 youth in our community have had similarly life-changing opportunities because of JBBBSLA, an organization I am proud to serve and give back to.”
In today’s climate, where young people face increasing social, emotional, and economic challenges, JBBBSLA’s programs remain critical. Funds raised at The Big Event support:
- Youth Mentorship, serving LA’s Jewish youth
- Camp Bob Waldorf, providing overnight camp and retreats for youth from low-income households
- College Access + Success, offering professional college counseling and scholarships to former mentees and campers
This year’s celebration will feature cuisine from some of Los Angeles’ most celebrated restaurants, including BOA Steakhouse and Katana (IDG Restaurants), Boneyard Bistro, Sweetfin, Ronan, Tacos 1986, Mazal, McConnell’s Ice Cream, Top Tier Treats, and Marjan Cakes and Desserts. For event information and to purchase tickets to attend the event, please visit https://be2026.givesmart.com.
Through his leadership, generosity, and unwavering dedication to community, Sandy Sigal exemplifies the spirit of Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles, ensuring that future generations of youth have access to the same life-changing opportunities that once shaped his own journey. Sandy Sigal is the founder, President and Chief Executive of NewMark Merrill Companies, one of the largest shopping center owners and developers in California, Colorado, and Illinois, and serves on the Boards of Stephan S. Wise Temple, the Jewish Community Foundation, the Real Estate Professionals Organization (RPO), and on two local YPO (Young Presidents Organization) Chapters. He is also a proud mentor of several mentees sharing the experience he first learned at Camp.
For more information about Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles, to donate, or to learn how to get involved, please visit www.jbbbsla.org.