Be a Big Brother
Male Mentors Wanted! Though Big Brothers & Sisters is always looking for volunteers from all walks of life, right now there is a greater need for men.
Thinking about volunteering as a Big Brother, but wondering what you have to offer a child? A LOT!
Your time and attention is worth more to a Little than you realize. Being a Big is about spending quality one-on-one time with a child, enjoying all sorts of activities together. Sometimes it’s as easy as taking your Little along with you to something you were going to do anyway – like lunch. You’ve got to eat, right?
Some other fun activities include:
The activities don’t have to cost a lot. It’s not about spending money; it’s about spending time. Just a few hours a couple times a month. You’ll get to be a kid again and he’ll get to be your friend. It’s a win-win for both of you.
Big Brothers are regular people just like you. Role models come in all shapes and sizes. They are bus drivers, fireman, teachers, lawyers, shop owners, executives, fathers. Some have college degrees while some don’t even have a high school diploma. You can do this. You just have to want to make a positive impact on the life of a child.
Littles come to the BB&S program for all kinds of reasons. Maybe they come from single parent homes or have two working parents, maybe they are falling into bad patterns at school, maybe they are the only boy in a house with three sisters. What they all share in common is the need for friendship with a caring adult. Each child needs a positive role model to impact his life, and that role model can be you.
Big Brother volunteers must be at least 18 years old and able to make a 12 hour/month commitment for one year.
Bowl for Kids' Sake a Success!
The annual Bowl for Kids' Sake fundraiser was held on March 6th at AMF Twin Star Lanes. With sponsorships and donations raised by bowlers, over $8400 was raised for our one-to-one mentoring program!
140 bowlers participated and received free bowling and shoes, free pizza from Guy's Pizza in Kent, free pop from Giant Eagle in Ravenna, a commemorative t-shirt and a chance to win door prizes. Bob Severns of www.ProPartyDJ.com provided entertainment.
Six people raised at least $100 and received a $10 itunes card. This included T.J. Scarl from Crestwood High School, Nick Staargaard from Aurora High School, John Mac Aleese (of Mogadore), Big Sister Maureen Sweeney (of Kent) and John Barnes and Terri Clough, both from Family & Community Services.
Three local school districts competed in the school challenge. Aurora won the challenge again when teams from the high school brought in $1485. Other schools participating in the challenge were Crestwood High School and Crestwood Middle School and Rootstown Middle School.
Additional teams represented Bohecker College, Buckeye Community Health and The Water Street Tavern in Kent.
Many of our Little Brothers and Little Sisters were able to bowl for free due to the generosity of sponsors. Their Bigs then raised at least $40 each and joined in the fun.
Terri Clough and John Barnes, both from Family & Community Services, had a competition to see who could raise the most money. Terri was victorious!
All money raised through this event is used in our local one-to-one mentoring program. If you would like to donate to Big Brothers & Sisters, please call 330.296.6655 or click "Donate" at the top of this page.
Paul Huchok is voted Advisory Board Member of the Year in 2009
Paul Huchok was chosen by his fellow Board Members to receive the Dan Poling Board Member of the Year award for 2009.
Paul joined the Board in 1994. In 1996 he was elected Treasurer and has served in that office since, except in 1998 and 1999 when he was elected President. In addition to serving on the Board, Paul has volunteered to transport unmatched children to events, work at informational tables for volunteer recruitment and has participated with both time and money in each fundraising event held by the program. When BB&S merged with Family & Community Services in July 2008, Paul was asked to be our liason to the F&CS board.
Everyone at BB&S appreciates everything Paul has done and continues to do for the program and the chidlren we serve.