Nick and Vaughan Meyer are listed among the honourees at the Big Night Out Gala hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles, the organisation announced this week. The marquee fundraiser is scheduled for Nov. 19 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles.
Honours highlight mentorship and philanthropy
The Meyers have been singled out as recipients of the Walt Disney Philanthropists of the Year award, while Blair Kohan of United Talent Agency is to receive the Sherry Lansing Award. The gala recognises “distinguished leaders whose dedication to mentorship, equity and opportunity reflects the heart of BBBSLA’s mission,” organisers said.
The Walt Disney Philanthropists of the Year distinction was established in 2005 and is notable as the only award outside the studio that was named for and created by the Disney family. The prize honours individuals who have shown significant impact in education, social justice, youth empowerment and humanitarian causes.
Background on honourees
Blair Kohan is described as a long-serving partner, board member and talent agent at UTA. According to the announcement, Kohan represents many A-list actors, writers and directors across film and television and has been an active mentor both at the agency and in her volunteer work with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles. The statement notes that Kohan previously volunteered as a Big Sister and helped guide her mentee, Lizette, through enrolment in medical school.
“It is an incredible honor to receive the Sherry Lansing Award from Big Brothers Big Sisters, an organization that holds a very special place in my heart. I was a Big Sister myself, and that experience gave me a firsthand understanding of the transformative power of mentorship,” Kohan said in a statement. “Sherry has been an important mentor to me, and I am proud to continue supporting the work she has championed through Big Brothers Big Sisters, especially at a time when young people need it more than ever.”
Nick Meyer is identified in the announcement as a veteran studio executive, film producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist. His career highlights include senior roles such as president of film at Hasbro, eOne and Sierra/Affinity, president of Paramount Vantage and president of international for other companies. The release did not provide further biographical detail on Vaughan Meyer beyond the couple’s recognition as philanthropic honourees.
Event details and significance
Big Night Out is the principal fundraising event for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles. The organisation’s gala typically raises funds to support mentoring programs for youth across the Los Angeles region. The selection of awardees underscores the charity’s focus on mentorship and youth opportunity, a theme organisers emphasised when announcing the honourees.
- Event: Big Night Out Gala
- Date: Nov. 19
- Location: Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles
For readers in Vaughan, the story connects to the city by name through Vaughan Meyer and touches on broader themes of mentorship and philanthropy that resonate across communities, including local volunteer-led mentorship efforts and fundraising galas. While the honours and event are Los Angeles-based, the awards reflect an ongoing emphasis within the entertainment industry on using professional influence to support youth programs.
| Honour | Recipient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Walt Disney Philanthropists of the Year | Nick and Vaughan Meyer | Established 2005; named by the Disney family |
| Sherry Lansing Award | Blair Kohan | Named for studio executive Sherry Lansing; recognises mentorship work |
The BBBSLA announcement provides a snapshot of the intersection between entertainment industry leadership and philanthropic engagement. For communities like Vaughan, the prominence of mentorship as a criterion for recognition serves as a reminder of the local value of volunteer mentors and the role such programmes play in supporting young people’s educational and professional pathways.
