Local nonprofit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina will be launching their most expansive recruitment drive to date on August 30th.
It begins with a kick-off at Hi-Wire’s Brewing’s Big Top location in Biltmore Village. The event is family-friendly and open to the public.
Currently, throughout the agency’s ten-county service area, there are over 100 children waiting to be matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister, and due to a constant shortage of mentors, these kids often wait a year before they are finally matched. During the 100-day period starting August 30 and running up to December 8, BBBS’ goal is to provide each of these children with a long-term friend and role model by recruiting at least 100 volunteer mentors as ‘Bigs.’
Qualifying mentors will be professionally matched with a child who shares their interests and personalities to ensure an enduring relationship that will both offer ‘Littles’ the support they need, and reward Bigs with the experience of being an integral part of that young person’s growth and success.
National research has shown that, when compared to their non-mentored peers, Littles show improved performance in school, increased self-confidence and reduced risky behaviors.
“Every time we make a match, we are changing the life of one more young person for the better,” says Big Brother Big Sister of WNC Executive Director Robin Myer, “This fall, if we recruit 100 mentors, then we will empower 100 more young people to thrive in school and in life—and together we’ll be making a broad-based positive impact on our community as a whole.”
The official 100 Mentors in 100 Days kick-off party, sponsored by Hi-Wire Brewing and Foothills Local Meats, is slated for Wednesday, August 30, 6PM-7PM at Hi-Wire’s Big Top location at 2 Huntsman Place, in Biltmore Village.
The party will feature charcuterie boards from Foothills Local Meats and the option to purchase Hi-Wire’s assortment of brews. BBBS will be screening their brand new “Be One Of The 100” recruitment video and unveiling their new 100 Mentors in 100 Days recruitment webpage, and current Big Brothers and Big Sisters will speak about their experiences mentoring. Staff, board members and current volunteers will be available to connect and answer questions.
“Lots of people don’t think they have the time to be a Big,” says Assistant Director Jamye Davis, “but we have opportunities that will work for a variety of schedules and lifestyles,” she explains. “Our volunteers include college students, full-time employees, parents and retirees—they’re busy people who develop strong connections with their Littles and find the experience deeply meaningful and fun. Our Bigs often report that they feel like they benefit as much from the experience as their Littles do, and that through their match they’re able to build bridges within their community.”