In January, three Little Brothers joined Buffalo Sabres Captain Craig Rivet to create a 30 second Public Service Announcement targeted at recruiting more Big Brothers. The day started at HSBC arena with the boys on the production set practicing their lines. Our Littles were excited to get started but a bit nervous upon first seeing all the lights and cameras. However, after a few practice runs with the director, when the camera started rolling our Little Brothers were pros! It only took each a few takes to get the perfect shot! When Craig Rivet arrived, the boys were delighted to meet the hockey star. Craig teased the boys that he was nervous about doing as well as they did with their lines. After a few takes and lots of laughs, the commercial was finished. However, our stars were not done yet. The Little Brothers and Craig posed for several photos to be used in a billboard that will compliment the TV commercial. Following autographs and time talking with Craig, the day was a wrap! Our staff and Little stars headed off to lunch to talk about the day and how much fun was had. All the boys agreed it was a day they will never forget!

A special thanks to Buffalo Advertising for donating the time and talent to write, direct and edit our spot and to Erica Eichelkraut Photography for capturing the memories and photos for our billboard. Lastly, a BIG thank you to the Buffalo Sabres Captain Craig Rivet for his continued support of our program and for taking time away from his busy day to make this all possible. Keep your eyes open over the next few weeks for our billboard and to view our commercial on local television stations and at HSBC arena during Buffalo Sabres games!

The Buffalo Bills invited 10 of our Littles to their Annual Toyota Rookie Club Holiday Party at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Jim Kelly Club was transformed into a winter wonderland complete with displays, Christmas trees and even a toy train for the children to ride! Prior to the party, each child was asked to provide a wish list addressed to Santa. The Buffalo Bills staff, along with family members of the Bills team, shopped for these items in the weeks leading up to the party. That night, several Buffalo Bills players and the Buffalo Jills acted as Santa’s helpers and handed out the gifts to each of the children. The kids also enjoyed an incredible dinner along with personal time with each of the Bills, Jills and Santa. A BIG thank you to the Buffalo Bills for providing this wonderful opportunity!

Over 20 Littles from our West Side Site-Based Mentoring Initiative located at the Belle Center enjoyed a visit from the Holiday Elves that included presents for each child from Santa! Former Big Sister Erin Cook is the Director of the Holiday Elves, a group of caring individuals who collect toys each holiday season for local kids in need and present them in a fun holiday party atmosphere. The kids also enjoyed making holiday ornaments, singing jingle bells and of course, playing with their new toys. A special thanks to Erin and all of the Holiday Elves for making the holiday season event brighter for the kids in our program.

A special thank you to the Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Sabres players, Thomas Vanek and Toni Lydman for generously donating a luxury suite for several games this season. Our Bigs & Littles have truly enjoyed the themselves. In addition to the tickets, Vanek and Lydman also included delicious refreshments for us to enjoy! For almost all of the kids, it was their first experience as a spectator at a professional sporting event! What memories! Thanks again so very much!

A large number of matches took advantage of a wonderful Saturday afternoon of fun during our Harvest Festival at Broadway Hope. Bigs & Littles enjoyed sack races, hikes, roasting marshmallows and face painting. This terrific afternoon was made possible through the generosity of Broadway Hope, Tree of Life Church and The Chapel at CrossPointe.

In June, 200 guests including Bigs & Littles, board members, friends of the program and BBBS staff attended our annual Welcome Summer Picnic. Guests enjoyed carnival games, crafts, sack races, tug of war and a delicious barbecue dinner from Mr. G’s Catering. For several matches, this was their first official outing with Big Brothers Big Sisters. What a great way to make memories! Thank you to the Amherst Youth Board for use of the Harlem Road Community Center, Wendy’s Restaurants for generously providing the beverages and Perry’s Ice Cream for the donation of delicious ice cream treats. Lastly, a BIG thanks to the volunteers from the Chapel at Crosspoint LifeLinks group for volunteering to staff the carnival games, crafts and for helping out wherever they were needed!

A very special trip made dreams come true for four lucky girls involved in our program. For the 8th year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County was selected for a one-day, all expense paid trip to Walt Disney World. Air Canada’s Dreams Take Flight Program, whose mission is to provide the “trip of a lifetime” for youth from social service agencies and hospitals across Canada, generously provides the trips through funds raised by Air Canada employees.

For Little Sisters Moesha, Tia, NyAsia and Keishauna and BBBS staff member Erin Moss, the trip began with a send-off from the Big Brothers Big Sisters office. The girls were excited that several local news stations attended the send-off to interview them about the next day’s trip. A little shy at first, it was not long before the girls were happy to share their thoughts about the exciting trip they were about to take.

After many waves and good-byes, the girls enjoyed a limousine ride to Toronto where they stayed overnight. Early the next morning, a huge party that included Disney characters, food, music, balloons and surprises welcomed the group to the airport hanger. BBBS staff member Erin Moss shared that all of the girls were so excited and had tears of joy in their eyes. For biological sisters, NyAsia and Keishauna the trip held even more happiness because they were able to share this wonderful memory together!

At Magic Kingdom each of the girls received admission to the park, spending money and amenities compliments of Air Canada’s Dreams Take Flight! Whether it was ice cream, visiting Mickey or riding Space Mountain two times in a row, it was made possible by the Air Canada/Dreams Take Flight volunteers that accompanied our kids and staff! Following the fireworks display at Disney World that very same evening, the exhausted girls re-boarded the plane and returned to Toronto for the limousine ride home to Buffalo.

A special thanks to Dreams Take Flight and Air Canada for this wonderful experience and to Zoladz Limousine for providing the transportation to and from Toronto.

First Niagara recently awarded $25,000.00 to Big Brothers Big Sisters to support our Site-Based Mentoring Program at Enterprise Charter School. The donation was made as part of First Niagara’s Mentoring Matters initiative. Through this initiative, First Niagara has made a financial commitment to organizations that offer guidance to children in helping them reach their full potential, as well as, encouraging First Niagara employees to donate their time and talent to these organizations.

“We created the Mentoring Matters program as a realistic and viable way to address the community need and to support the inspiring achievements by organizations actively involved with mentoring,” said First Niagara Western New York Regional President Daniel E. Cantara. He added, “According to national studies, about three million children are currently enrolled in mentoring programs, yet 15 million are in need of it. It has been proven that children that areengaged in mentoring activities during their youth are more likely to be successful as they become adults.”
The funds donated by First Niagara will help to support the wonderful mentoring relationships that are being developed, like the one between Big Sister Tracy and her Little Sister Shaynia.
 
Big Sister Tracy and Little Sister Shaynia have been meeting at Enterprise Charter School for about one year. At first glance, one would wonder where the connection would be made between Big Sister Tracy and Little Sister Shaynia. Their common ground was found in art.  
 
Big Sister Tracy is an art student at a local college. Little Sister Shaynia really likes to draw and create different designs. Together, they can be found doodling on the chalkboards, creating their own personal designs and then blending their designs into one combined creation.  Through these designs they exude their feelings and moods of the day.
 
Recently, Big Sister Tracy brought in her entire art kit. Not only Little Sister Shaynia, but also everyone in the program, was interested in what Tracy had brought in. Big Sister Tracy showed pictures of famous works of art and then explained which art kit items were used to make them.  With the help of her beaming Little Sister Shaynia, she then passed out clay for each of the kids in the program to create whatever they felt like making. The children made footballs, stars with rainbows, flowers, and music notes. This activity was a chance to describe themselves or what they really liked through art. For Little Sister Shaynia and Big Sister Tracy, it was a chance to strengthen their friendship by sharing what they love doing together!

A special thank you to First Niagara’s Mentoring Matters initiative for making this mentoring relationship and so many others at Enterprise Charter school possible through their generous support. To learn more about First Niagara’s Mentoring Matters initiative visit:

www.fnfg.com/about_us/mentoring_matters.asp

A group of twenty-four Littles enjoyed a terrific carnival as part of the Alternative Spring Break program coordinated by UB’s Center for Student Leadership & Community Engagement.

Alternative Spring Break provides University at Buffalo students with an opportunity to make a difference over their spring break. During this week long initiative, students take part in a number of volunteer, social, and educational opportunities to help make the Buffalo community a safer and better place.

The university students planned a wonderful evening of creative and interactive carnival games and activities for the kids on campus. Lindsey Jakiel, a graduate student in the Higher Education Administration program, shared the following in a blog on the Student Leadership and Community Service website, “Everyone had a great time! The littles, their bigs and all the ASBers. It was a very lighthearted atmosphere. Lindsy (sophmore, Accounting & Finance) and I were at the face painting table and there were 2 little girls in particular that loved the face painting. We painted designs on their faces, hands, and arms. After I ran out of places to paint on one of the girls, Lechee (pronounced La-shay) asked if she could paint on me. I tried to convince her that she could just do it on my arm, but of course, she wanted to paint on my face as well. I ended up with some very creative versions of a heart and a butterfly. It was great fun though and I enjoyed talking with the children.”

Our sincere thanks to all of the University at Buffalo Alternative Spring Break students that made this a memorable evening for our kids!

Photographs for this article were provided by Onsight Photography.
www.onsightstudio.net

A group of Bigs & Littles recently enjoyed a Buffalo Bandit’s Lacrosse game through the generosity of Buffalo Sabres Toni Lydman and Thomas Vanek, who donated their suite to the agency.  For many of the Littles and mentors, this was their first opportunity to see a Buffalo Bandits game.  For one Little Brother, this was his first time to HSBC arena.  He spent most of the night with bright wondering eyes and in awe of all that was around him. 

A special thank you to Buffalo Sabres Toni Lydman and Thomas Vanek for their generous donation.  They truly helped to create some wonderful “first-time” memories for our Bigs & Littles. 

Thanks to the generosity of Buffalo Sabres Toni Lydman and Thomas Vanek, our Community-Based Big & Little matches and children involved in our Group Mentoring and Mentor Advocate programs have experienced several games this season in style!  Toni & Thomas have not only donated their 18-person luxury suite for several games, but they’ve also included complimentary food & beverages!

Little Brother Alex loves the Buffalo Sabres so much that he requested on his match checklist a Big Brother that was a Sabres fan! We were happy when we found Big Brother Matt who had hoped to find a Little Brother that liked hockey.  Little Brother Alex, who tries to watch every game, had never attended a game at HSBC Arena.  You can imagine his excitement when he and Big Brother Matt received tickets to attend a game in Toni Lydman and Thomas Vanek’s suite. 

Big Brother Matt had been to Sabres games in the past but never in a suite.  He and his Little Brother Alex were excited to experience this first together.  The night of the game this Big & Little both had smiles ear to ear. They sat in the first row of the suite discussing every detail of the game and cheering loudly.  The only thing that moved these two from their seats was food in the suite!  At the end of the night, Alex exclaimed to his Big Brother on the way out of the suite, “I don’t want tonight to be over!” Stopping to point to the suite door, Alex then said, “Maybe we could live in here and never miss a game!”

Again, a special thank you to Toni Lydman and Thomas Vanek for providing this incredibly generous and memorable opportunity. We also extend our appreciation to the Buffalo Sabres staff and suite attendants who have helped make each game a wonderful experience!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County was recently awarded a grant from Pizza Hut, operated by Hospitality West, through its’ Raising Dough For Kids’ Foundation. The grant will be used to provide activities and admission costs for the Group Mentoring Program.

Raising Dough For Kids’ has awarded a grant to the Group Mentoring Program for several years. One of the many activities provided through the grant is the admission cost for our groups to visit Niagara Climbing Center in Wheatfield. After a recent trip, one of our Group Mentors shared the impact it had on the boys that attended. He wrote, “The boys were not particularly excited about the outing, and pleaded with me to play basketball instead. Somehow I was able to convince them all to give the climbing center a chance, and soon we were suiting up in our climbing harnesses. I noticed the boys were all looking skeptically up the rock walls. Once the boys demonstrated to the staff member that they could safely climb and operate the ropes, we were let loose to explore the facility on our own. Mario, in his exuberance, chose one of the most difficult walls the facility had to offer. Each of the boys attempted the wall, and one by one, the ropes caught them as they fell. The group, although discouraged, collectively chose an easier wall, and gave it their best shot. At first the boys ribbed each other for their failures on the wall. However, jokes quickly turned into encouragement as the boys soon realized success was much more feasible with the help of your peers. Instead of sarcastic comments from the ground, the climber began receiving helpful advice. The group began working together to plan a route up the wall before actually climbing. After spending over two hours at the climbing center, my once skeptical Little Brothers didn’t want the outing to end.”

Activities, like the climbing center, teach the Group Mentoring youth a number of skills they can draw from to deal with other obstacles they may face. Without the continued support of Pizza Hut and Raising Dough for Kids’, opportunities like this would not be possible. Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to thank Pizza Hut for their continued support and dedication to our mission.

Hospitality West, who operates several Pizza Hut restaurants in Western New York, formed Raising Dough for Kids in 2002 to raise money for WNY children charities. This year’s grants were raised through two fundraising events that took place in local Pizza Hut restaurants in 2008.

Youth involved in our Group Mentoring and Mentor Advocate Programs sponsored a successful community blood drive with Upstate New York Transplant Services (UNYTS) at the Gloria J. Parks Community Center on February 24th.

The idea for the blood drive was sparked in December when the boys involved in GMP and the Mentor Advocate Program visited UNYTS for a Donate Life: Talk It Up! presentation.  The goal of this program is to share with youth information about the lifesaving benefits of donation; to motivate students to initiate a family discussion about organ and tissue donation; and to answer questions and counter common misconceptions about donation.  Moved by what they heard, our group of boys decided they wanted to help.

In early February, the group again visited UNYTS to meet with their community relations staff to discuss promotional techniques and ideas to make their upcoming blood drive a success.  Using what they learned, the boys helped to recruit donors by placing posters throughout the community and telling their friends and family members about their special project. On the day of the drive, their efforts continued as they worked hard to bring donors into the center.  The drive was a success and the boys should be proud of their efforts that will make a difference in Western New York!

Bigs & Littles in our West Side Initiative had their creativity challenged when they were asked to create structures out of marshmallows and spaghetti.  These unique building materials require a lot of patience, communication, creativity and teamwork to create something of scale.  This activity was a great chance for the matches to work together and use skills that will also help in building their friendships!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County recently received a grant through the Kelly for Kids Foundation. Founded by former Buffalo Bills Quarterback Jim Kelly, the foundation helps to improve the quality of life for disabled and disadvantaged children in Western New York.  The grant will support the BBBS Group Mentoring Program that meets the needs of youth that could benefit from not only the attention and friendship of an adult role model, but also the social interaction provided through small group activities. During the grant presentation at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Mr. Kelly talked of the importance a special friend can have in a child’s life, and credits part of his success to having a person he could turn to when he was young.  Big Brothers Big Sisters extends its gratitude to Jim Kelly and the Kelly for Kids Foundation for their generosity.

January is National Mentoring Month, a project spearheaded by the Harvard Mentoring Project of the Harvard School of Public Health, MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership and the Corporation for National and Community Service.  Big Brothers Big Sisters is a national partner.  The 2009 theme is “Expand Your Universe: Mentor a Child.”  The purpose of this special month is to encourage mentoring in America.  January 22nd has been designated “Thank Your Mentor Day”.  On this special day individuals are encouraged to find a way to personally thank the mentor/s in their own life.
 
How can you celebrate? The good news is there are many ways to support what Big Brothers Big Sisters achieves.  In addition to those who get involved as a Big Brother or Big Sister mentor, we also need corporate partners, event volunteers, professional advisors, private donors, board members and others willing to do what they can to provide support.  It is a community movement of many diverse people who make it possible to provide support to the caring, generous volunteers whose friendships with at-risk children yield those remarkable results.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County looks forward to a successful campaign during January and to placing more mentors with youth.  Please consider getting involved by participating in one or more of the Mentoring Month activities below.  Big Brothers Big Sisters will provide the resources and assistance to implement the activity.

• Invite BBBS to host an information table at your business, company or church.

• Arrange a 10-minute information session with a BBBS staff person at your church or workplace to learn more about BBBS mentoring opportunities.

• Place BBBS posters or a BBBS professional stand banner in your building.

• Email your friends, family, employees about BBBS volunteer opportunities. BBBS will provide a template for your email.

• Organize a “dress down” or “donate a dollar” day to raise money for our mentoring programs.

• Be creative! Let us know how you can help!

If you are interested in helping us make a difference for local youth by celebrating National Mentoring Month, please contact Alicia Bartsch, Director of Community Relations at 873-5833 ext. 25 or abartsch@beafriend.org

Thank you in advance. Happy Mentoring Month.

Using the MoneySKILL program, Big Brother mentor Will Murphy, center, teaches Corey, right, and Tom about personal finance. Read full story

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America honored Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County with its’ Gold Standard Award for achievement at the Big Brothers Big Sisters National Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. The agency is one of 24 agencies selected from a nationwide network of over 400 to receive this prestigious award. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County, as a Gold Standard Award winner, is in the top 6% of Big Brothers Big Sisters programs across the country.

The Gold Standard award recognizes Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies that have demonstrated pace setting performance throughout the year. Agencies that have shown a 10% increase in the number of children served in mentoring relationships and meet a quality standard are considered to be top performing. In 2007, BBBS of Erie County showed an increase of 14% in the number of children served, compared to a nationwide average of 7%.

“On behalf of our entire network, I am pleased to honor Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County for its exemplary performance,” said Judy Vredenburgh, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. “The Gold Standard Award is given to our very highest achievers for their sustained impact in helping children reach their potential. I am proud to acknowledge their successes and grateful for their breakthrough leadership in service to their communities and to the country.”

“In 2007 our agency served approximately 650 of our community’s most vulnerable children. Thanks to the outstanding support of volunteer Big Brothers & Big Sisters, members of the Board, agency staff, the WNY community, foundations and business community, we continue to be a strong organization.” said Robert F. Moss, founder and CEO of the thirty-seven year old local organization.

The stories of Site-Based Mentoring Bigs & Littles from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County's partnership with the University at Buffalo are told in a recent edition of UB Today.

Read Full Story

On Tuesday June 10th over 150 Big & Little Brothers and Sisters, agency staff and the Board of Directors celebrated the start of the warm weather season at the BBBS Welcome Summer Picnic. Guests enjoyed a cookout catered by Mr. G’s Catering along with carnival games, crafts and summer picnic favorites like tug of war and sack races. Thank you to the Amherst Youth Board and Harlem Road Community Center for the use of their wonderful playground and building for our picnic. Lastly, a BIG thank you to the volunteers from the LifeLinks group at the Chapel at CrossPoint who volunteered their time to run the carnival games and activities.

During National Volunteer Week in May, approximately 200 Bigs, Board Members and community partners joined us at our Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner sponsored by Holiday Inn and Hart Hotels. WGRZ Channel 2 Anchor Scott Levin served as our Master of Ceremonies and helped to present several awards.

Big Sister Naomi Cottrell was recognized for 10 Years of Friendship with her now adult Little Sister Ruth. They both shared heartwarming and touching stories of their friendship over the years. Big Sister Malissa Schneider was recognized for 5 Years of Friendship with Little Brother Adam. Five of our Bigs were recognized as “Bigs of the Year.” This award is given to Bigs that demonstrate outstanding dedication to their Little Brother or Sister. Site-Based “Big of the Year” awards were given to Nicholas Forcucci, a student at Bishop Timon, and Kaity Francisco, a sophomore at D’Youville College. Community-Based “Big of the Year” awards were presented to University at Buffalo professor Dr. Corinne Coen, local business owner Eric Posa and third year medical student at the University at Buffalo, Deirdre Colgan. Each Big of the Year shared touching remarks about their relationship and how it has not only impacted the life of their Little, but has also made a positive impact in their life. Lastly, this year’s “Friends of Youth Award” was given to the University at Buffalo Office of Student Affairs. Under the leadership of UB’s VP of Student Affairs, Dennis Black, this partnership has helped to recruit over 150 students and staff as mentors in our programs, provided transportation for UB Site-Based mentors and made available an on-campus office for our program!

Following the awards and dinner, our volunteers enjoyed the zany, fun-filled games of quizmaster Dennis George and his original Dennis George Variety Show. A special thanks to our dinner sponsor Holiday Inn and Hart Hotels, our print sponsor for the evening, Gallagher Printing and WGRZ Channel 2 Anchor Scott Levin. Last but not least, thank you to all of our Big Brothers and Sisters, Board Members and community supporters who share their time and talent to make our mission and vision a reality!

Eight children and two case managers involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County were selected for a one-day, all expense paid trip to Walt Disney World. Air Canada’s Dreams Take Flight Program, whose mission is to provide the “trip of a lifetime” for youth from social service agencies and hospitals across Canada, generously provide the trips through funds raised by Air Canada employees. This is the 7th year that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County has been selected as the only program in the United States to send youth.

The trip began on Tuesday, May 13th with a limousine ride to Toronto. The youth & staff stayed overnight and early morning on May 14th, boarded a flight for a day at Walt Disney World. Each child received admission to the park, spending money and amenities compliments of Air Canada’s Dreams Take Flight! Whether it was ice cream, visiting Mickey or riding Space Mountain two times in a row, it was made possible by the Air Canada/Dreams Take Flight volunteers that accompanied our kids and staff! Following the fireworks display at Disney World that very same evening, the youth re-boarded the plane and returned to Toronto for the limousine ride home to Buffalo.

A special thanks to Dreams Take Flight and Air Canada for this wonderful experience and to Zoladz Limousine for providing the transportation to and from Toronto.