Big Brothers Big Sisters of the GLB Region Launches New Campaign
Agency plans to make 1,000 matches and raise $100,000
November 26, 2012
By: MyBayCity Staff
BBBS hopes to raise a total of $100,000 to support the agency's mission.
MIDLAND, MI- November 16, 2012- Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region is in need of additional volunteers as well as donors. Today they announce the launch of a new campaign, - "Starts With One", with a goal of creating 1,000 matches between local children and adult volunteers, and raising a total of $100,000 to support the agency's mission.
Prior to June of 2012, two separate Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies, Big Brothers Big Sisters in the Heart of Michigan and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Saginaw Bay Area, served Midland and Isabella Counties and Saginaw and Bay Counties respectively. Recognizing the benefits of sharing resources, the two organizations teamed up to create what is now known as Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region. The newly expanded organization now serves Midland, Bay, Saginaw and Isabella Counties.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region works to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Due to the creation of one larger, stronger organization, the agency now has the capability to serve more children than ever before, but needs additional volunteers and donors to make it happen.
Susan Putnam, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region says, "This campaign seeks to heighten the awareness of the need for volunteers to reach out to help a child who could use a positive role model in their life. We want people in our community to ask themselves the question: 'Could I be the one' Could I be the one that steps forward to volunteer or donate to support the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters?"
Big Brothers Big Sisters uses a one-to-one mentoring program model that demonstrates consistently successful results across the nation. Studies have shown that children involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters are 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs, 27% less likely to begin using alcohol and 52% less likely to skip school. In addition, alumni of the program are 75% more likely than their peers to receive a four-year college degree, and are more likely to volunteer in their community. Making matches that so positively influence children's lives takes the dedication of volunteers in our community and approximately $1,000 per match to ensure that the match is safe and successful.
To contribute to raising funds for the cause, individuals, foundations and organizations can make donations to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region. In addition, individuals 16 years of age or older, married couples or couples with children can volunteer for one of the many programs Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region offers to serve local children. To learn more visit www.bbbsgreatlakesbay.org or call Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region at (989) 631-5360.
Learn more about the campaign and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region at www.BBBSGreatLakesBay.org.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. For nearly 60 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region has been bringing a little magic into the everyday lives of children by matching them with adult volunteers in fun and rewarding relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region serves youth in Midland, Saginaw, Bay and Isabella Counties.