Edward Gardner beamed from greetings 'til goodnights on Monday at the Waldorf-Astoria, with good reason: At dinner (consisting of chicken pot pie), he sat next to the Giants quarterback and Super Bowl champion Eli Manning, whom he had the privilege of introducing to his three grandchildren, Kyle, Peter, and Max (whom are also big fans of Mr. Manning). And he got to do all this at a benefit for Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City, an organization he has been a part of for more than 40 years. He started as a Big Brother and is currently chairman emeritus.

Then again, the 29th annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City "Sidewalks of New York" benefit was full of highs.

The event, drawing more than 1,000 guests, raised $2 million (up from last year's $1.85 million).

Pairs of mentors and mentees took the stage to share the lessons they have learned from one another and show the genuineness of their friendships.

The executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City, Allan Luks, rose for a victory lap. After 18 years in the position, he will pass it to a recently retired family court judge, Michael Corriero, on July 1. Among Mr. Luks's achievements are mentoring programs situated in the workplace and programs tailored to disabled youth and youth affected by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. He also founded a training center at Fordham University that helps disseminate the 104-year-old organization's mentoring expertise to other nonprofits.

Mr. Manning brought several kinds of highs: a Super Bowl high, the high of someone about to get married (to college love Abby McGrew), and the high of someone who knows the power of mentoring.

Mr. Manning spoke of the mentoring his brother Cooper has given him all his life and, in particular, earlier in the evening.

"First off, he said, 'You should have shaved,'" Mr. Manning recounted. "Second, he asked, 'Are you going to speak?' When I said 'Yes,' he said, 'I'm with a lot of friends and clients tonight, so don't embarrass me.'

"When you have someone that looks after you, your actions mean something," Mr. Manning said.

In that one sentence, Mr. Manning summed up the good work of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Meeting two hours every other week, the "Bigs" (mentors) have helped the "Littles" (mentees) improve school performance and attendance, increase self-esteem, and increase trust in teachers, among other benefits.

To those who heard the remarks, spoken with warmth and candor, it was clear that Mr. Manning's actions will mean something — both on and off the field.

"Eli exhibited what I wanted my grandchildren to hear," Mr. Gardner said.

agordon@nysun.com

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