As many of you know, Big Brothers Big Sisters has become a very important part of my life in the last two years. Right now, I am personally working to raise support for our programs through our annual Bowl for Kids' Sake event. This is my chance to share with all of you what I am doing and for you to become a part of it!

I know it sounds cheesy, but I really do believe that if you want to change the way things are tomorrow, you have to start with our youth today. I am fortunate enough to hear stories about how local "Bigs" are helping change lives every day. I want to share one of my favorite stories with you, the story of our CEO Rex Dudley and his amazing relationship with his Little Brother Angus:

Angus lives at home with his mom and older sister—his Dad left the family when Angus was very young.  Angus’s mom strives to provide her kids with all that they need, but a fixed income leaves little left over for things like computers and sneakers.  Like any mother, she wants what is best for her kids, including a positive male role model for her son as he transitions from childhood to young adulthood.

Rex has been matched with his Little Brother Angus for 10 months now. Over the course of their friendship Angus’s self esteem and personal image have increased and become healthier. Angus has never had a positive male role model outside of school that showed a personal interest in his accomplishments or that he could turn to for advice. Rex and Angus spend a lot of time talking about his long term goals and Rex is proud to share that Angus is now achieving a 4.0 grade point average. Rex also had the opportunity to teach Angus how to have an active lifestyle. They’ve gone running, mountain bike riding, attended football games, gone camping (Angus had never been) and taken swimming lessons. They’ve also done volunteer work together, creating an ever reciprocating cycle of community service. These experiences are creating a strong foundation of Angus’s confidence in himself. 

The changes in Angus are apparent to everyone.  “I try to be everything to my kids, but I just can’t,” says Angus’s mother.  “Having Rex as a Big Brother gives Angus the positive male influence that he needs.”

That is what our program is all about! These Simple acts of mentoring yield powerful results. Our data shows that more than 97% of our Little's avoid contact with juvenile authorities. In fact, independent studies have confirmed that, in contrast to their non-mentored peers, Little Brothers and Little Sisters:

• Decreased their use of violence - 30% were less likely to hit someone.
• Improved relationships with peers, adults and parent(s) - 37% became more trusting of their parent or guardian, and 35% got along better with their peers.
• Resisted substance abuse - 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs.
• Improved school attendance - 52% were less likely to skip school. 

I have invested two years working to help Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Washington reach its dream of transforming our communities through successful mentoring relationships for all children who need and want them, contributing to brighter futures, better schools and stronger communities for generations to come. Now, I am asking for your support. If you want to give $5 or $500, every dollar counts! This event is all about how small contribution can add up to make a BIG impact on our communities. 

On behalf of our staff, board, volunteers and most importantly the children that we serve, thank you for your support. You're making a BIG difference!