Big Brothers Big Sisters hold Bigs’ Night Out

Published 10:00 pm Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Front row center, Host and Big Sister Lynne Parsons gets a thank you hug from Big Brother Alan Maurer. Back: Big Brother and host Ernie Giannini, Big Brother Michael Veatch, Big Sister Lin Savage, Big Sister Marilyn Prudhomme, guest Lee Cantey, Big Brother Alex Rike, and Big Sister Lorna Festa. Not pictured: Big Brother Dan Dworkin, Big Sister Robin Edgar and husband Dave, Big Brother Bob Hutchison, Big Sister Paula Mullenax, guests Becky McCall and John Savage, volunteers John and Shawn Matthew, and BBBS staff Latisha Miller and Karen Dacey.

Big Brothers Big Sisters recently held their annual Bigs’ Night Out, an event that celebrates their wonderful volunteers. Big Couple Ernie Giannini and Lynne Parsons hosted the casual gathering at their lovely Morning Glory Farm lakeside pavilion. Volunteers, guests and staff spent time relaxing, chatting, enjoying refreshments, and sharing stories about match experiences with the Littles. Rounding out the evening was entertainment by Worth Llewellan on fiddle and Doug Dacey, vocals and guitar.

 Volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters provides the opportunity to share time and valuable wisdom and experience with a child. These BBBS mentors have stepped up to make a positive difference in the lives of children in our schools and communities. Other children on the waiting list are eager to have a new Big Brother or Big Sister, and more volunteers are needed to fill that role.

 Each volunteer attends a training which emphasizes safety, youth development, the mentor’s role, and other important topics. Once a volunteer is matched, a staff person provides ongoing support and training to the mentors on important information including safety, relationship development, and academic and social skills development.

 Outings with Bigs and Littles range from visits to the library, a museum, play or concert, attending sports events, going on walks or hikes, baking cookies, riding bikes, making arts and crafts, gardening, volunteering at the animal shelter, or following other interests together focused on fun, social and educational activities. Through a generous grant from donors with the Polk County Community Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters may assist Bigs with outing expenses and help Littles with funds for enrichment experiences such as summer camp, music lessons, or sports involvement.

 Alternate volunteer opportunities also exist. The Big Brothers Big Sisters local council currently has openings for new members who would like to help steer the organization. Peripheral committee members are welcome to assist with a fundraising event or children’s activity during the year.

 For those who would rather share money than time, donations are always welcome. All contributions go towards the local Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs for area children. Local funding is critical to provide background checks and training for potential volunteers, intake and resources for children and families, and consistent professional support for each match. Other donation options include an Endowment Fund for BBBS at the Polk County Community Foundation and charitable bequests.

For more information about how you can help, please contact BBBS at 828-859-9230, polk@bbbswnc.org, or visit www.bbbswnc.org. Thank you for caring about our kids!

– Submitted by Karen Dacey