Sunday, October 30, 2011
At the agency’s signature event, donors get together to have fun for a cause.
For more than 27 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has gathered support for the agency through its signature fundraiser, Bowl for Kids’ Sake. Bowl for Kids' Sake has raised more than $5 million in the course of its 27-year history, making it the largest and most successful bowling fundraiser in the state of Missouri. One hundred percent of the funds raised remain in the Eastern Missouri region and are used to help Big Brothers Big Sisters surround children with trusting and enduring relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters has always valued those who support the agency through their generous donations. BBBS supports a relationship model known as 4:1+1sm. This model engages the four most significant adults in a Little’s life—parent, teacher, …
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Since 1923, United Way has been a steady partner of Big Brothers Big Sisters, helping to ensure funding for the agency for more than 70 years.
Since 1923, United Way has been a steady partner of Big Brothers Big Sisters, helping to ensure funding for the agency for more than 70 years. And now it is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri’s turn to give back, as agency staff members participate in fund raising events to help the United Way reach the $71 million goal for this year’s annual campaign. With its network of nearly 200 agencies, the United Way invests $1 million in the community every week to child-care agencies, emergency shelters, food pantries and more. At Big Brothers Big Sisters, this funding enables the agency to Be There for a child who needs a caring adult in their life. Big Brothers Big Sisters promises to Be There for its Littles, and that is exactly what …
Sunday, October 9, 2011
One of the many roles that “Bigs” play in “Littles’” lives is to help guide them in making good decisions like staying in school, avoiding drugs or crime and getting good grades.
Until last summer, 17-year-old Thomas had to be the man around the house to his five siblings while also attending classes at the Construction Careers Center and trying to figure out how he would ever get into college. “I’m the oldest of six kids and it’s hard,” Thomas said. “My mom works all the time, and I’ve got to be like their parent.” But in June 2010, he met Mark Winschel, a project manager for S.M. Wilson & Co. and a volunteer mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri. Winschel was paired with Thomas, and they’ve been building a close friendship ever since. They meet at the CCC once a month and then get together outside of school for outings such as lunch, a Rams game, golfing—and a big one for Thomas—his first …
Sunday, October 2, 2011
People from all over St. Louis gather to show their appreciation for Bruce Fleming and his accomplishments.
At the celebration of Bruce Fleming’s 15-year anniversary with Big Brothers Big Sisters, St. Louis City officials Harry Kennedy and Maurice Falls, on behalf of Aldermanic President Lewis Reed, presented Fleming with a special proclamation to honor his service to at the agency. Current and former BBBS staff, family and friends also joined Fleming at his anniversary celebration to show their admiration and respect for all that he has given to the agency. “Bruce is the soul of Big Brothers Big Sisters, and everyone here tonight is here for Bruce,” said Becky James-Hatter, president and CEO. Fleming first teamed up with Big Brothers Big Sisters by participating in the annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser. After recruiting multiple teams his …
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Rhonda Brandon and Mark Cusumano join the BBBS Board of Directors.
- VOLUNTEERS IN THE NEWS
- Kathy Martin
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Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri (BBBSEMO) announces the appointment of two new members to its board of directors. “We are honored and excited to have such creative, thoughtful and committed leaders on the Big Brothers Big Sisters Board of Directors," said Becky James–Hatter, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri. “We are thrilled about our newest members, whose experience, vision and business sense will add additional insights as we continue to further our mission to build trusting and enduring relationships that encourage and support young people.” Rhonda Brandon, vice president of human resources operations for BJC HealthCare, is responsible for ensuring key human resources business practices, strategies and …
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Couples for Kids and Fifty and Better programs offer new ways to give the gift of friendship.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri is introducing two new ways to become involved in the life of a child. The Couples for Kids and Fifty and Better programs work to create valuable partnerships with those who might not otherwise imagine themselves fitting into the traditional mentoring model. Couples for Kids encourages married couples to enrich their lives by spending time together while giving a child the gift of friendship. The program pairs couples with a child in a unique friendship that can help to broaden the life of a child and provide much needed guidance and support. Couples bring added value in their ability to demonstrate a caring, stable marriage firsthand. This model also provides built-in flexibility by allowing …
Sunday, July 31, 2011
A special initiative demonstrates improvements in attendance, behavior and classroom success when children have a mentor.
With temperatures soaring, it is hard to believe that summer is almost winding to an end. But at Big Brothers Big Sisters, we’re gearing up for back-to-school season. In just over three weeks, it will be time for our Littles to set their alarms, pack up their backpacks and head to school. Back to school has always been a big focus at Big Brothers Big Sisters. Each year, our annual school supply fair helps make sure our Littles are equipped with the tools they need for success in the classroom. In addition, we encourage our Bigs to make reminder calls the night before school starts to ensure that Littles arrive on time for their first day. But our job doesn’t end there. These efforts are a great kick start to the school year, but it is …
Sunday, July 24, 2011
There are many reasons I volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters. But mostly, I do it just to have fun.
Two weeks ago, over pizza, I asked a simple question, but it was one I hadn’t asked in years. "Do you want to spend the night at my house soon? Would that be cool?" My 11-year-old Little Sister could hardly contain her excitement. Deja's face lit up with a smile, and she clapped her hands. "Yes!" she exclaimed mid-bite. It was all she could talk about as we finished dinner and drove back to her house. Can we swim, she asked. Can we go to the movies? Can we go out to eat? Can we watch a movie at home? Can we play? She was bursting with ideas—so many that I actually had to cut her short and explain that she was only spending one night. We wouldn't be able to do everything on her list. Saturday, Deja and I had a good old-fashioned sleepover …
