Andy Bessette To Serve As Chairman Of Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters' "Start Something Big" Gala on November 15

Andy Bessette, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of The Travelers Companies, Inc., has agreed to serve as Chairman of the 2013 edition of "Start Something Big", the major Gala held each year by Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters - Connecticut's premier youth mentoring organization. The event will be held at the historic Hartford Golf Club in West Hartford on Friday, November 15 at 6:30 p.m.

"Andy Bessette has been an outstanding civic leader who is personally involved in Travelers' initiatives to improve academic and career success for children in need," said Andy Fleischmann, Nutmeg's President and CEO. "In addition, Travelers has been a strong supporter of Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters for many years, so the fit between Andy and our signature Gala is great."

Attendees at the "Start Something Big" Gala will enjoy world-class food and beverages, an eclectic mix of event-goers, and an evening packed with fun and surprises. These include a cocktail hour and silent auction stocked with tempting items, and an exciting live auction presided over by WFSB-TV's celebrity meteorologist, Scot Haney - who for the past nine years has been named "Best News Personality in Connecticut" in a Hartford Advocate reader's poll. At Nutmeg's gala he has been a consistently funny, inspiring emcee. Every part of the evening supports a tremendously worthwhile cause: matching deserving area children with inspirational adult mentors.

In addition to Chairman Andy Bessette and Master of Ceremonies Scot Haney, a highlight of the evening will be remarks made by Big Sister Michelle Nahas and her seven-year-old Little Brother, Angel. Michelle and Angel will share their story, and the positive impact it's had on them, their friends and families, and their communities.

"We are so grateful to our friends and supporters who sponsor and attend the Gala," said Andy Fleischmann. "This year, their generosity will help us take dozens of children off our wait lists and match them with inspiring mentors - mentors who encourage them to follow their dreams, fulfill their potential and realize their highest aspirations."

For sponsorship or ticket information on the Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters Nov. 15 "Start Something Big" Gala, e-mail Katie Breslin at: kbreslin@bbbsnutmeg.org. Or, call her toll-free at: 1-800-237-5437, ext. 141. Additional information about the Gala and Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters programs can be found at: www.nutmegbigbrothersbigsisters.org.

Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters is an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the longest established youth mentoring organization in the world - established in 1904.