BIG & LITTLE News from BBBS Mercer
Winter 08 Newsletter
Happy New Year from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County!
From the Executive Director Dear Friends:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County is a vital, growing organization. I'm proud to report that thanks to our volunteers, donors, and our wonderful staff and Board, this non-profit agency is enjoying the most successful period in its history. Here’s proof: Between 2005 and 2006 we more than doubled the number of matches we made between “Littles” with “Bigs” to a total of 252. In 2007 we grew another 50% by adding another 128 matches for a total of 380, and we set goals to grow to 500 matches for 2008. We’ve started after-school programs to serve even more children and have gotten students from area high schools and colleges involved in mentoring and fund-raising. And our fund-raising efforts have surpassed all previous records.
Sign FOR KIDS SAKE 2008
We especially need more Big Brothers. It takes as little as 4 hours a month to mentor a Little. But however you choose to get involved, the good you do – and feel – will far outweigh what you contribute. On behalf of the staff and Board of Directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters, I send our very best wishes to you and your families for a happy and healthy New Year. Bless you for caring.
Susan M. Dunning Executive Director
P.S. For more information please call us at 609-656-1000 or go to our web site: www.bbbsmercer.org.
www.bbbsmercer.org
ow!
Visit www.bbbsmercer.org or Call 609-656-1000
The annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake community fundraising event will take place on Saturday, March 29, 2008 from 10 am until 4 pm at Colonial Lanes in Lawrenceville, NJ. Everyone, young and old, novice and expert, is invited to participate in this fun event that raises awareness and money to support the local mentoring programs run by Big Brothers Big Sisters. You don’t even have to bowl to be part of Bowl for Kids’ Sake. Every year our community-minded supporters solicit pledges from friends and family and then join us on the day of the event to bowl and enjoy the festivities. Non-bowlers get involved by sponsoring bowlers. Area businesses show their support by sponsoring lanes and organizing teams of bowlers. This year Big Brothers Big Sisters has a special website where you can sign up for bowling or make a donation. Anyone interested in bowling, organizing a team of bowlers, sponsoring a bowler, or finding out more about Big Brothers Big Sisters can log on to our website www.bbbsmercer.org and follow the link to BFKS 2008 or call us at 609.656.1000.
Without Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County the children we serve would find the world a much less happy and caring place. While their parents struggle to make ends meet, they'd look for ways to fill their time on the street, and have only the people they see there as examples. But with our Bigs mentoring them they’re far less likely to get involved in drugs, street gangs, and teen pregnancy. They’re much more likely to stay in school. And they feel much better about themselves. They are gaining confidence, purpose, and a better start in life. Won’t you join us in putting the smiles on their faces?
up n
Remember,
you don’t need to have a lot of talent,
just a lot of heart,
to “Bowl for Kids’ Sake!”
A Parent’s Perspective Even under the most difficult circumstances a child can blossom if someone lends an ear and a helping hand. Here is one mother’s story of how a Big Sister made a difference in her child’s life while the family was struggling.
“
I’m glad that Lynne W has been introduced into our lives as a Big Sister to my daughter Chelsea. She is thoughtful, caring and concerned.
Lynne has a good spirit, is always in a good mood, and has brightened my daughter’s life. She gives Chelsea lots of encouragement and always gives her ideas about what they will be doing at their next get-together. The amazing thing is that they enjoy doing the same sorts of things and are very much alike. Their love of cats is just one of the things that they have in common. Recently Lynne got a new kitten; she asked Chelsea to help her name it: “Jessie” was the chosen name. Chelsea photographed Lynne’s cats, developed the photos herself, and gave them to Lynne as a gift for her office. The sorts of things that they do together are arts and crafts, drawing, movies, and visits to Lynne’s office and to her home where Chelsea has met Lynne’s employees, her family and her friends. She has become a valued member of Lynne’s family. Story continued on Page 2...
Page 1
609-656-1000
Halloween Party
On October 23rd the cafeteria of Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville was filled with some pretty scary creatures, but it was all part of the fun when the school once again hosted the BBBS Annual Halloween Party. Students and faculty treated our Bigs and Littles to a fun-filled evening of crafts and games. The costumed students assisted in the activities and helped serve pizza and hoagies. Dance music was provided courtesy of T-Bone Music and each Little went home with a bag of treats. BBBS gatherings, like the Halloween Party, offer the chance for Bigs and Littles to meet one another. “It’s always rewarding to spend time with my Little and see him enjoy the company of other kids in our program,” commented Board member and Big Sister, Ruby Hofmann. “And it’s an extremely valuable opportunity to share ideas and experiences with other Bigs.” Staff members from BBBS were on hand to help with the fun and socialize with the Bigs and Littles. “This is a great opportunity to interact with our Bigs and Littles in a relaxed environment and see how much the friendships have blossomed,” observed Case Manager, Prema Ramroop. Our thanks to Notre Dame Service Clubs Moderator, Judy Salcewicz, and the Notre Dame students for helping us turn “little moments” into “big magic.”
A Parent’s Perspective
(cont’d from page 1)
On the academic side, Lynne is now encouraging Chelsea to study for the Student Secondary Admission Board so that she will do well on the test and hopefully be accepted into a private school. Despite our family’s difficult experiences, Chelsea has maintained an A average in school. For a short time in early 2007, Chelsea, my two other children, and I were homeless. We were living then in HomeFront’s Family Preservation Center trying to pull our lives together. Luckily for us, Big Brothers Big Sisters had a relationship with HomeFront and was finding mentors for the children living in the shelter. We are a very fortunate family that Big Brothers Big Sisters matched Chelsea with Lynne who has been an important part of our new, secure and happy family life. As a matter of fact, Lynne is now helping me to find a paying job. I have watched Chelsea become more positive and upbeat now that Lynne has become her Big Sister. Chelsea is happy in the knowledge that Lynne sees her not out of obligation, but out of pleasure.
”
Thanks to Lynne for all she has done for Chelsea and for our entire family.
Autumn Culinaire 2007
A Good Time and a Great Success
- Wendy W
A crowd of over 300 people dined, danced, and supported Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County at its first annual Autumn Culinaire fundraiser, held at Lawrenceville’s Greenacres Country Club on October 18. “This was a wonderful evening, and we’re grateful to everyone for their support,” said Susan Dunning, BBBS executive director. “Thanks to the amazing work of the event committee, we had a near capacity turnout, and the event was highly successful both financially and socially.” Guests sampled appetizers, main dishes, and desserts from more than fourteen of the region’s most celebrated restaurants at serving tables around a ballroom. More than 100 fine wines and beers from all over the world were available for tasting as well. A live band and a DJ combined to provide non-stop music for listening and dancing. In a separate room dozens of prizes, including spa sessions, restaurant meals, artwork, and rare wines attracted Silent Auction bids throughout the evening. Attendees also learned more about the agency’s work through a video on the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Photos of Mercer County kids with their Bigs brought the program to life. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Greg Olsen Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year awards. Greg Olsen and Krista Olsen Dibsie were in attendance to present the 2007 awards to David Carbone and Andrea Daitz. By the end of the night the Culinaire had raised more than $23,000 to support the Mercer County Big Brothers Big Sisters program.
David Carbone (L) and Andrea Daitz (R) being presented the Big Brother/Big Sister of the Year award by Greg Olsen and Krista Olsen Dibsie.
“The Culinaire was not just the social highlight of our year. It also provides a significant financial boost to our programs,” said Dunning. “Next year we hope it will be even bigger and better.”
www.bbbsmercer.org
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2007
Foundation & Corporate
SUPPORT
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County acknowledges the support of over 20 foundations, community organizations, and corporations for its 2007 mentoring programs. Their generosity makes our work possible, and we are deeply grateful. Contributions from the following donors have been received for 2007...
Foundations
The Trenton Funders Collaborative The Olsen Foundation Princeton Area Community Foundation Mary Owen Borden Foundation The Bunbury Company Linus R. Gilbert Foundation George A. Ohl Jr Foundation David Mathey Foundation Rue Foundation Harold Wetterberg Foundation
Corporations
Bristol Myers Squibb Tyco International NRG Energy Credit Suisse Sovereign Bank Wachovia Bank Church & Dwight Verizon PSE&G Janssen L.L.P Yardville National Bank Merrill Lynch Schoor De Palma RWJ Hospital New Jersey Manufacturers Firmenich Inc Novo Nordisk International Flavor and Fragrances
In addition, we would like to acknowledge and thank the many corporations and individuals who generously support Bowl For Kids Sake, our car raffle and Autumn Culinaire. These events raise more than $100,000 in revenues annually and help us fund operations and mentoring programs. A Big thanks for your continued support from all of us at BBBS Mercer!
609-656-1000
BBBS Helping Hands
Holiday Party
Bear Creek Residents Shower Program with Gifts Residents of Bear Creek Assisted Living in West Windsor celebrated this year’s National Assisted Living Week (September 9-15) theme of “Legacies of Love” with a make-believe wedding, complete with bridal shower. But the shower gifts all went to Big Brothers Big Sisters after-school programs in Mercer County. Bear Creek had planned to hold a ceremony marrying Miss Bear Creek and Mr. Bear Creek as the culmination of a week of honoring the weddings of all the residents. But since the “bride” didn’t need any gifts for herself, Ann Bryan, Director of Sales and Marketing, called BBBS of Mercer County to see if the agency could benefit from any donations. “This was such a thoughtful gesture,” said Sue Dunning, Executive Director of BBBS Mercer County. “When Ann contacted me I told her we could use reading and play material for the children in our after-school programs. The Bear Creek community really pitched in.” So instead of toasters and tea sets, residents and team members were asked to bring things for the kids to the shower. They collected a variety of children’s coloring books; games; and books. A few toys made it into the collection too! “Obviously our residents got a lot of pleasure out of finding gifts for the BBBS children,” said Ann Bryan. “And they enjoyed a lovely bridal shower, too, especially when it came to reminiscing about their own weddings and honeymoons. It was a great occasion all around!”
From the Heart of a Child
Following a dinner of pizza, sandwiches, snacks and cookies, Santa arrived with Ho Ho Ho’s and bells ringing! The children cheered with delight and quickly lined up to tell Santa what was on their lists as the elves found special gifts for each child. Music was provided courtesy of T-Bone Music as the Littles and the Notre Dame Elves danced the night away. Once again, a BIG thanks to Mrs. Judy Salcewicz and Notre Dame High School students, for hosting such a special night. The school cafeteria was wall to wall smiles.
Sharing a BIG Story
Nothing makes you feel better than the unaffected friendship of a happy child. Here’s how one Mercer County Little Sister expressed her feelings to her Big Sister. What more reward do you need to volunteer?
Dear Lisa,
Our Annual Holiday Party was held December 19, 2007 at Notre Dame High School. More than 160 Bigs and Littles attended. Littles were greeted by Notre Dame Elves who entertained them with holiday crafts, games and face painting.
Leon and His Little Brothers
Leon W. is sharing time with his third Little Brother and first came to the program twenty years ago. He was raised in Trenton, NJ, is a graduate of Trenton High School and earned a BA in Sociology at Drew University. Leon has worked as a social worker and is currently monitoring social programs in three counties for the State of New Jersey. He and his wife have no children of their own but their home is and has been home and respite to many children; nieces and nephews, foster children, and Little Brothers. And in 2006, Leon joined the Board of Directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Mercer County.
9/20/2007
Me and my family appreciate that you are in my family. You are not my big sister from a program but you are my big sister from the heart. If I never had joined the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program I would not have met you. You coming in to my life was and still is the best thing that ever happened to me. Me and my family really thank you for everything. Love,
Nicole
BBBS: Did you have in your background a non-family member who was important to your development, like a Big Brother or Big Sister? Leon: I was fortunate to have been raised in a two parent houseFox Rothschild and Trenton Thunder hold but I think of my upbringing as the work of the “village.” With Give Wait-Listed Kids a Memorable Night my parents’ busy lives, I was lucky to have the interest of coaches, Attorneys and staff from Fox Rothschild LLP’s Princeton office teamed up teachers, scout masters, and other people who cared about my with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County and the Trenton Thunder hewing to the straight and narrow. There were so many whose baseball team to give 20 children from challenged backgrounds a night to lessons I still remember. We had a very supportive neighborhood. remember. BBBS: Who introduced you to BBBS? The children, who are on a waiting list to be matched with a Big Brother or Leon: I read an editorial in Essence, a magazine for black women. Sister, got a tour of the ball club’s Waterfront Park, met the players, and then Each issue had an editorial on matters for males in the black enjoyed the game along with a dinner of ballpark treats. community and that particular one was by a guy from BBBS talking The event was part of Fox’s “100 Charitable Acts Initiative,” in celebration about the large number of urban boys without fathers and the of the firm’s 100th anniversary. It was especially appropriate because the scarcity of African-American Big Brothers. So I made a call and firm has been associated with the youth agency since its founding in 1907. began the process of qualifying.
Success Stories
“Giving back to the community is an important part of our corporate culture, and this was a perfect opportunity to build on that tradition,” said James F. X. Rudy, managing partner of the Princeton office. “We look forward to continuing to support the very important mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters in the years to come.”
www.bbbsmercer.org
BBBS: Why did you think mentoring a young person was something you’d like to do? Leon: Well, I was single back then and had both the interest and the time. My work taught me that the need was, as it is now, very real.
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Story continued on Back Cover...
609-656-1000
BBBS of Mercer County Staff
Susan Dunning - Executive Director Jacqueline Brendel - Director of Developm’t Kim Cody - Director of Programs Prema Ramroop - Case Manager Tara Belford - Case Manager Jasmyne Bivins - Case Manager Nancy Cox - Case Manager/Recruiter Beth Lawrence-Gill - Case Manager Denise Ratti - Customer Relations Elia Robertson - Intern (Notre Dame HS) Heather McGowan - Student Recruiter, TCNJ Danielle Phillips - Student Recruiter, Rider
Board of Directors
Sharing a BIG Story (cont’d from page 3) BBBS: How did you arrive at your first “match?” After I’d qualified, I was allowed to review four profiles of boys and ended up choosing the one who seemed to have the least opportunity to interact with adults like me. Usually a mother or grandmother is encouraging the child and after I met Stan’s mother (he was my first “Little”), I made it a point to talk with her each week. It helped me to understand his needs and issues, how he felt about anything I might have told him, how in general we were doing. Several years into that match, his younger brother began to accompany us on outings, and when Stan aged out, after five years or so, his younger brother became my second “Little.” A few weeks back I was invited to their sister’s wedding and was able to catch up with the mom and her two sons, now young fathers themselves. It encouraged me that they both are taking a strong interest in the proper development of their own children. My current Little, Shaquille, came to me as a six year old and we’ve been together for almost seven years. BBBS: What sort of experiences have you shared with your Little Brothers, from the most routine to the most unusual? I can’t think of anything unusual. We try to get together for a couple of hours each week. We mostly do errands, go to the mall or grocery shopping, even laundry, whatever comes up as necessary. It’s just having time together. But we do go to the movies occasionally, to a baseball game or a high school football game. I took Shaquille to Drew with me for an alumni event and earlier this year we won tickets at a BBBS event for a Giants-Ravens football game in Baltimore. And I remember when I got great tickets for a New Jersey Nets game and took Stan and his brother. Michael Jordan was playing and we were in the third row behind the Net’s bench, on top of everything. How many times do you get to see Michael play up close, in person? The boys were old enough to go to the concessions alone and their trips back and forth became their focus of the evening. But we had a good time.
Cliff Cramer - President Debbie Runyon - Vice President Ruby Hofmann - Secretary Carl E. Lockett - Treasurer Faustina Balthazar Edward L. Benson Jr. Sara E. K. Cooper Christopher Florio Thomas J. Irwin Beatrice Jones Stephen N. Klein Lindsay Martin Shawn M. Neufeld John A. Puzio Marsha Stoltmann Lynne Wildenboer Leon Williams Jim Yadlon
BBBS: What gives you the greatest satisfaction/pleasure about your relationship with your young person? Well, the relationship itself. When I know I am having a positive impact, that the child knows the importance of respecting adults; family, teachers, older people, even when those adults may be wrong, when I see the child knows how to navigate those sorts of things, you know, has learned personal discipline, then I am very pleased. By the way, Shaquille and I are taking up golf. Now golf requires composure and concentration, real discipline. It will be a challenge for both of us. BBBS: How do you think your three Little Brothers would answer that question? I don’t know, but I guess they’d say they like having someone else to do things with and I think they like the one-on-one attention when we are together.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County 535 East Franklin Ave. Trenton, NJ 08610
BIG BROTHERS NEEDED
Volunteer Now
There’s a boy waiting for you to be his Big Brother. He really wants someone he can talk to, ask questions of, spend a little time with, and look up to. Because of our rapid, successful growth, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County now has a two-year waiting list of boys who need mentors. Volunteer for one of the most challenging and rewarding things you’ll ever do: being a Big Brother to a child. Contact us at 609-656-1000 or visit our website at www.bbbsmercer.org.
2008
Calendar of Events
March 28
“Little Moments, Big Magic”
Rider Rumba 6PM-12AM Check bbbsmercer.org Rider University
for more details.
March 29
Bowl for Kids Sake 10AM-4PM Colonial Lanes
Summer 08
SUMMER PICNIC Details Coming Soon!
September Car Raffle Drawing Details Coming Soon!
October 16
Autumn Culinaire 08 6PM-9:30PM Greenacres CC