The Big Brothers Big Sisters program has allowed numerous people to find their match and guide them to a healthy and beneficial relationship. Haleigh Solochier and Jennifer Collins are happily and proudly celebrating their 11 year relationship of being Big and Little. The two girls were able to connect through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte when they were just 6 and 22 years old. Both Haleigh and Jennifer both explain their relationship to have grown into more of friendship, then a Big/Little bond. They have experienced it all together; boyfriends, breakups, weddings and divorces were all events in which the program has led them to have each other. They both express the emotions that have come along with being mentor and mentee for one another, but most importantly they are so thankful that the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization has allowed them to support, guide and help each other grow. The organization has definitely benefited these two girls in the past and will continue to be the reason behind their relationship.
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Big Brothers Big Sisters makes a difference for kids and adults alike
Zach Hokett and Bryce Hammond were arranged as Big and Little when Bryce was just nine years old. Before their relationship blossomed into what it is today, Bryce’s mother wanted her son to find someone as a role model while he was growing up, meanwhile Zach was interested in getting involved with his community and give back to children. As Big Brothers Big Sisters was able to pair up these two gentlemen, they both had no idea what was in store for them. For two years now, Hokett and Bryce were able to complete their emptiness by becoming the ideal big and little for the program. Both big and little would engage in several activities weekly together, such as attending Seahawks games or going to the bowling alley, going hiking but mostly just chatting away about their own lives. The program has allowed both boys to not only fulfill what they hoped to receive from one another, but also given them an opportunity to give back to the community as their bonding experiences continued. The relationship between Zach and Bryce is exactly what the Big Brothers Big Sisters program hopes to accomplish.
Mentoring Matters: Big Brothers Big Sisters Take on Leadership Lessons
CBS Miami catches the the relationship formed between mentor and mentee, Andre Boyd and Andy Siclate. Both mentor and mentee express the influence that their relationship formed by Big Brothers Big sisters had on their lives. Boyd and Siclate both explain how leadership was really significant in their relationship by stating, “…leadership is not always about you being the top guy. You can be a leader by making someone around you better..”. This statement was said to be powerful and a valuable lesson within the two mentor and mentee. This article discuss the positive impact that both men had on one another by eventually helping others besides themselves. They discuss the growth and improvements that one another has made and both explain how the Big Brothers Big Sister program has benefited their lives in numerous ways eventually working for one another and sharing similarities throughout their whole lives. The article itself discusses how you can really see through the stories that they both share throughout the interview that Andy and Andre have had a strong connection from day one. They both express gratefulness to the program for letting them find one another.
Wilson Baseball Team Doing its Part for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lehigh Valley
On Monday April 10th the Wilson Warriors will host Palisades in a Colonial League game to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley. The Warriors have been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters before, five current members of the team are participating in the after-school mentoring program at Wilson Elementary School. The Warriors also had 10 players volunteer at Bowl for Kids Sake, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley's largest fundraiser, last month. At the game there will be concessions and raffles, all of the money will made from them will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters. As well as donating money the Warriors will recognize little brothers and little sisters before the game.
"I wanted to get my guys involved with a community objective and help make them a complete student-athlete on and off the field, and get them involved with something to help out," Hinkle said (Head Coach).
Northwestern Michigan College Hosts Superhero Race for Local Big Brothers Big Sisters
The students who attend Northwestern Michigan College will be running in superhero attire on April 15th. A business communication class taught by Kristy McDonald was put in charge to organize this year's superhero-themed race. “It’s just a way to really honor all heroes in our community,” said McDonald. McDonald’s class so far has raised more than $30,000 for the local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters, already surpassing the $26,000 raised last year. This year’s grand total will be revealed at an after-party for the race on Northwestern Michigan College’s main campus.
Bryant Football Players Give Back Through Big Brothers Big Sisters
Three members of the Bryant football team are involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Each of them spends one hour a week with kids throughout the state that come from low-income families or are at-risk kids. They spend the hour playing games, helping their 'Littles' with homework, talking with them and being positive role models. "It means the world to me," junior offensive lineman Jeff Cohen said. "It has changed my life as much as theirs. There is no better feeling than having a positive impact on a child's life." Every spring, the kids are invited on campus the morning of the spring football game for a day of fun. Graduating seniors, coaches and alumni run the kids through a range of drills that include tackling dummies and field goal kicking. "The Bryant football players have made a huge impact," said site-based program manager Jennifer White. "The group of gentlemen who mentor with us from the football team are all very dedicated and show up with a positive attitude ready to have fun. They are flexible, which is impressive given their schedule, and will fill in with other students if their Little is not there."
Milwaukee Matches of the Year
The 2016-1017 “Matches of the Year” were awarded to Little Sister Vejea and Big Sister Claudia as well as Little Brother Edson and Big Brother Paul. Vejea and Claudia have been matched since 2010 and have seen great progress in Vejeas confidence, positivity, and ambition. Their relationship is very optimistic and encouraging. Claudia has shown Vejea the delights of Milwaukee, the road to higher education and self-discovery, and so much more. Edson and Paul became a match in 2012. Since that time, Edson has grown in his academics and become more talkative and social. Paul’s motivation has helped Edson reach his goals in school and in everyday life. They meet weekly for both fun and educational activities. These two “Matches of the Year” demonstrate ideal relationships through Big Brothers Big Sisters. We want to shout out and recognize the great success we have in our program. Our whole goal is to help children in our community grow in a positive way both socially and academically, and it is amazing to see that happening.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Drive to Success
Since a majority of our kids come from low-income and single-parent households, this may make it difficult to find the means and time to come in for an interview to become involved with our program. However, it is of great reward and makes all of the difference for those who can and do make it in for interviews. Of the children who participate in our program, 98% are promoted to the next grade on time and 99% avoid the juvenile justice system. Ubers new service, Uber Central, allows businesses of all sorts to request, pay for, and track rides for customers to and from their offices. This platform is very useful for non-profits and other organizations that may want to coordinate rides for its members. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta is very appreciative for this partnership. Our program has been successfully impacting and transforming the lives of children in our community for 57 years and we hope to continue this. We serve approximately 2,500 children from 12 metro Atlanta counties on an annual basis, and hopefully with our new partnership, we are able to serve even more.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City Raises Big Bucks
The 10th annual Most Wanted Auction raised a record-breaking $358,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City. The event at the Madrid Theatre on December 5, 2015 featured 33 area professionals who put together amazing auction packages to sell to the highest bidders. The honorees are dedicated to make a difference in their community, their profession, and the lives of all people around them. These participants put together the packages, brought in sponsorships, raised money online, and gathered silent auction items.
The auction hosted about 700 guests who bid on packages such as a trip to the Grammy’s, a VIP Gala at the White House, a trip to Ireland, and much more. Just the year before, the event raised $187,000. This year, they aimed to top that and greatly succeeded. This event has significantly grown over the past decade to become a massive fundraiser that impressively supports Big Brothers Big Sisters and the amazing work they do.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City is thrilled with the success of this auction and looks forward for more success to come. A lot of thanks go to the honorees, the guests, and KC Magazine for their continued support of this outstanding event. The event is responsible for many more life-changing friendships that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City looks to create. This years Most Wanted Auction was a great success and a record-breaker; it is amazing to see people put their money towards something that enhances and promotes the well being in the surrounding community. Our mission at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City is aimed to create and support meaningful and lasting friendships for children and create a positive change within our community through the power of one-to-one mentoring. 
BBBS of Metropolitan Chicago CEO Change
11 years later, CEO Arthur Mollenhauer is retiring from his position with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago. As sad as the community is that one of their fabulous leaders is stepping down, Senior Vice President Jeremy Foster will be taking over. This transition will go as smoothly as possible with the thoughts of our children in mind. Fortunately for BBBS, Mollenhaur says he still plans on being one of the largest donors the organization will have. He says “I’m not going away...It’s [just] a different role for me.” BBBS is happy to still have him stay connected with our team; we weren't ready to let him leave us quite yet! We are looking forward to Foster taking on an even larger role with BBBS after his 10 years he has already spent with us; this position is well deserved. BBBS will keep the community updated on this transition via our blog on our website.
Pictured: Arthur Mollenhauer
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