SAVE THE DATE: Local government representatives, business officials and others will duel for tips at the Seventh Annual Celebrity Bartending event for Big Day at the Lake on Thursday June 9 at Alton’s Kitchen & Cocktails.  All tips go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte (BBBS).

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. Celebrities on deck during the three hour extravaganza include Mecklenburg County Commissioners Jim Puckett (Rep.) vs. Pat Cotham (Dem.) in a good natured race to collect the most for BBBS; Cornelius Mayor Pro Tem Woody Washam and his wife Sharon; community leaders Tricia and Brian Sisson; Mary Lee and John McCabe (presenting sponsors); Shannon McIntosh, an American auto racing driver who competes in the ARCA Racing Series; and WCNC’s long time weather forecaster John Wendell.

Everyone is encouraged to attend and tip for a good cause. Big Day at the Lake puts at-risk youngsters from Big Brothers Big Sisters and their BIGS out on Lake Norman and Mountain Island Lake for a day of fun each year. This year’s event will be held on Saturday July 23.

Big Day at the Lake has three goals: Provide a day of fun for at-risk children who would not otherwise experience Lake Norman or Mountain Island Lake, recruit “Bigs” and raise money for a worthy non-profit that focuses exclusively on children.

This year’s fund raising goal is $80,000. Thanks to local businesses and individuals, Big Day at the Lake is responsible for raising well over $500,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters during the past 11 years. Big Brothers Big Sisters serves some 250 children in North Mecklenburg.

Presenting Sponsors for Big Day at the Lake this year are PayPal and Champion Tire.

Big Day at the Lake is on Facebook, or visit www.bigdayatthelake.com.