Big Top 2025 Shatters Fundraising Records
Glenwood’s 21st annual Big Top event, hosted by its Junior Board, wrapped up on Friday, February 21, 2025, with record-breaking fundraising of more than $400,000. The achievement makes this year’s celebration the most successful Big Top event in Glenwood’s history, with all proceeds directly benefiting the organization’s programs and services for children with autism and other behavioral health needs.
Held at The Fennec, one of Birmingham’s premier event venues, the evening drew a big crowd. The atmosphere was filled with energy and excitement as attendees enjoyed a wide array of activities including live music from the Negotiators, with guests dancing the night away.
The silent disco hosted by DJ Mark AD, a standout hit from previous years, returned by popular demand, allowing guests to dance to their favorite tunes through wireless headphones in an immersive experience. The casino games added an exciting touch, offering guests a chance to test their luck while supporting this meaningful cause. The silent auction showcased an impressive selection of items, including vacation packages, luxury goods, and exclusive experiences, all of which generated competitive participation and contributed significantly to the evening’s fundraising success. Attendees were also treated to delicious menu selections, ranging from gourmet appetizers to decadent desserts, complemented by specialty Tito’s cocktails.
The night’s circus-themed entertainment brought the Big Top name to life, featuring performances by skilled fire breathers, a sword swallowing performer and aerialists who mesmerized the crowd throughout the night. The circus atmosphere transported guests to a world of wonder, perfectly aligning with the event’s theme and purpose.
The incredible success of Big Top 2025 was made possible through the generosity of sponsors, whose contributions played a pivotal role. Key sponsors included The Mallie and Glenn Ireland Foundation, Heidelberg Materials, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Regions, Altium Packaging, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama’s The Caring Foundation, CS Beatty Construction, DeShazo Foundation, Drummond Company Inc., Emily and Carter Burwell, Fontaine Specialized, Inline Lighting & Electrical, The Welch Group, Sanders Capital Partners, Robins & Morton, and Vulcan Materials.
“Supporting individuals and families impacted by autism in the Birmingham area is vital because a staggering 1 in 36 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to estimates from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network,” said Christy Castleberry, Glenwood President and CEO. “Big Top helps Glenwood serve this community by funding critical programming such as comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis, individualized intervention and therapy, specialized schooling, and residential options tailored for children with autism and other developmental disabilities.”
Glenwood extends its deepest gratitude to all sponsors, attendees, and community supporters whose generosity made Big Top 2025 a record-breaking success. The funds raised will have a lasting impact, ensuring that Glenwood continues its mission to enable individuals to live life to their fullest potential.