As a supporter and donor of Athens County Big Brothers Big Sisters for the last several years, I've seen up close and personal the challenging environment many children call home growing up in Southeastern Ohio. Most come from low-income households, often without both parents present, experiencing severe poverty, and sometimes traumatic childhood experiences, it’s easy to see how many can be labeled “at risk”. Several studies have shown that children growing up in poverty are far more likely to engage in risky behaviors as pre-teens/teenagers and as a result, struggle in school and in their private lives.

Fortunately, in grad school, I was also blessed to see the fantastic work Big Brothers Big Sisters does, which not only mitigates those risk factors, but gives kids the confidence, stability, and positive role models to reach their potential. The mentorships and programming offered by BBBS can take “at risk” kids and provide them with the developmental assets to place them “at promise”. The benefit to the community cannot be overstated enough, whether in the decreased arrests and teen pregnancies, or increased graduation and employment. Or the fact that many little brothers and sisters go on to become big brothers and sisters in the future, creating a self-sustaining cycle of mentorship by and for those who know the unique struggles facing kids and families in the community.

However, BBBS needs our help continuing their mission to serve kids in the Athens and surrounding areas! Funding has been continually cut from Big Brothers Big Sisters programs across the state, with Athens County being hit especially hard in the last several years. So I’ve been recruited this year to join my friends, and help fundraise in the Annual Bowl for Kid’s Sake Event, in support of the organization I’ve had the privilege of seeing benefit the Athens area for almost five years now.

Will you please help me reach my fundraising goal with a tax deductible gift that will directly benefit children all over Southeastern Ohio? All gifts go toward matching ‘Littles’ with the most suitable ‘Bigs’, and other programming, such as free healthy activities throughout the year (camping, ice skating, athletic events) and holiday gifts.

*Note: I will gladly match the total amount raised OR donate my highest bowling score on the day of the event, whichever is higher. So please give as much as you can-my bowling skills will not likely help the kids very much!

Thank you in advance for your support and wish us luck!

-Scott