Thankfully, just like the vast majority of the people I am sending this solicitation to, my children and family members are doing very well. Working for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), I am reminded everyday how fortunate my loved ones and I are and, how much my other kids really need help.  

Even with a good education and job, plenty to eat and a spouse who is an amazing partner in helping care for and financially support our children - I am often overwhelmed as a mother. Any time I am temporarily a single mom because Chad is on a business trip, I become even more connected to why the work of BBBS is so important to children and families who need extra support more than ever. The number of low-income families we serve has recently grown to nearly 80% while single parents or other non-traditional families remain at more than 90% of our demographic.

Your investment is well spent with BBBS because we are a 100 year old national organization that maximizes resources through community volunteers and, has proven long and short-term outcomes based on researched developmental assets for youth. I would love to share these with in more detail with anyone interested and can also attest to how much time and money it takes to ensure on-going child safety for our Little Brothers and Sister.

 

I want to highlight that out of more than 400 BBBS agencies in the U.S., we have the second highest outcomes for quality and offer innovative programming for children of prisoners, wellness, and college access so our kids truly can reach their full potential. In just 3 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities has worked one-on-one to help 78 youth apply for and receive 162 scholarships for college! Our Education & Enrichment college access initiative can also boast a 97% retention rate in college persistence (which is incredible for first-generation students like ours who face barriers to entering or finishing college that I can’t imagine). This program is working because it is attached to a long-standing mentoring relationship.

 

I am very lucky that the time I spend away from my precious Gavin & Jordan is to help children and families whose realities and challenges I can’t begin to comprehend. Thank you for visiting my fundraising page for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities and I hope you consider donating to this very worthy tax-deductible cause that I am deeply passionate about!

Our Bowl for Kids’ Sake event is the equivalent of participating in a walk or run for charity. I can never give as much to these events that my friends participate in as I would like but, I usually try to give some small support because I know firsthand how tough nonprofit fundraising is and, how critical charities are to our communities and country. My goal is still possible if a lot of people give modest amounts. Two of my earliest donors are unemployeed and still gave something which is so inspiring. I sincerely thank those who have already given their generous support. 

 

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts. However, email me for details about donating via check if that is your preference. A million thanks for your support and love. PLEASE forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

 

Love,

Claire