Big Day at the Lake launches 22nd year with lofty goal

By Dave Yochum

Big Day at the Lake XXII is already underway with an ambitious fundraising goal: $125,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Carolinas. As of late January, $86,000 has been raised.

Since its founding, the event has brought people together from all walks of life. Many of the children have never had the opportunity to enjoy Lake Norman except through Big Day at the Lake, making the experience especially meaningful.

Big Day at the Lake is more than a fundraiser. The ad hoc, citizen-driven organization has three goals:

— Provide a full day of fun on Lake Norman for at-risk children involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters, which offers fully vetted mentors.

— Recruit “Bigs,” or mentors, for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

— Raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters, a well-run, nationally recognized nonprofit organization.

Cornelius Mayor Denis Bilodeau is a 20-year veteran of Big Day at the Lake and serves as its finance chair. Over 22 years, the event has raised nearly $2 million for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“Big Day at the Lake has been the perfect way for my family to contribute to an effective and well-run organization that makes a difference for many children in need,” Bilodeau said.

Day at the Lake

The morning boating and tubing portion of Big Day at the Lake is made possible by dozens of boat hosts who open their homes, marinas or clubs to Big Brothers Big Sisters children, accompanied by their built-in chaperones —their Big Sisters or Big Brothers.

At lunchtime, everyone gathers at the Duke Energy Explorium for a large picnic staffed by 75 volunteers.

Boating was canceled in 2025 due to toxic algae in the lake, but the traditional picnic at the Duke Energy Explorium continued as planned.

This year’s event is scheduled for July 18.

Donations, which are tax-deductible, may be mailed to:

Big Day at the Lake

c/o Denis Bilodeau

14930 Reese Finley Lane

Cornelius, NC 28031

Learn more at BigDayAtTheLake.com.

Thanks to our sponsors

Big Day at the Lake sponsors will be recognized in thank-you advertisements in Cornelius Today.

Presenting sponsors this year include Ericka and Bill Cain, Champion Tire & Wheel, Freedom Boat Club, and Norma and Rod Short.

Admiral sponsors include Cashion’s, Bridget and Don Rainey, Robin and Jack Salzman, and South Creek Construction.

Captain sponsors include North Main Financial Group.

Duke Energy has provided picnic grounds and site support at no charge for 21 years.