“Our community has stepped forward in significant ways to ensure that all children are put on a path to success,” shares Linda Henecke, President and CEO. “Nearly 400 guests attended to learn about the needs children face in the community. The community members provided valuable donations, resulting in $145,806 in current pledges and an 8 year event total exceeding $1 million of support for youth mentoring!”

KCRG’s Adam Carros acted as emcee for this event and introduced Charles Pierson, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Charles honored the local agency’s success and celebrated $1,000,000 in Big Magic donations. Inspirational messages were heard from President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids & East Central Iowa, Linda Henecke, and Current Little Sisters Jessica. Nearly 400 community members joined in celebration of the impact on 1,000 youth in our community who have experienced relationships that are changing their lives for the better, forever.

This event was sponsored by Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, TrueNorth Companies and United Fire Group. If you are interested in learning more about the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters, please contact: 319-377-8993.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids and East Central Iowa, BeABigCR.org, provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Most children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters are being raised in single-parent and low-income families or households where a parent is incarcerated. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”). Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks to facilitate the success of children living in our community by providing support to help children grow as individuals and by encouraging educational and extra-curricular activities.

All community members are invited to attend this one-hour inspirational event to learn more about the mentoring program that is currently serving over 700 children in our community. Charles Pierson, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America will honor the local agency’s success and celebrate $1,000,000 in Big Magic donations. Hear inspirational messages from President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids & East Central Iowa, Linda Henecke, and Current Little Sister Jessica. Join in celebration of the impact on 1,000 youth in our community who have experienced relationships that are changing their lives for the better, forever.

The breakfast is free to all in attendance however, seating is limited. This event is sponsored by Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, TrueNorth Companies and United Fire. If you are interested in attending, RSVP to Big Brothers Big Sisters: 319-377- 8993 or email trinaj@beabigcr.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids and East Central Iowa, BeABigCR.org, provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Most children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters are being raised in single-parent and low-income families or households where a parent is incarcerated. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”). Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks to facilitate the success of children living in our community by providing support to help children grow as individuals and by encouraging educational and extra-curricular activities.

This year’s Bowl For Kids’ Sake results set an all-time record with a total of $379,103 raised by over 2,700 bowlers. This total exceeded the stretch goal of $375,000 and the previous record set in 2012 of $355,034.

Big Brother Big Sister’s Fund Development and Marketing Director, Kathy Beardsworth stated, “Building strong community partnerships is a large part of what drives our agency’s success, and this year’s Bowl For Kids’ Sake event highlights those relationships. Record-breaking results like this ensure that we can continue to provide quality one-to-one mentoring services to youth in our community. Thank you, to all who participate, donate or otherwise support Big Brothers Big Sisters. Together, we’re putting youth on a path to success!”

A total of 7 new companies participated in the event this year, raising $12,015. Volunteers (Bigs) and the youth they are matched with (Littles) raised $13,573. Besides being the biggest fundraiser of the year for Big Brother Big Sisters, Bowl for Kids’ Sake shows the profound effect that the agency has on the lives of youth in the Cedar Rapids community.

“Because I was a little, and Big Brothers Big Sisters helped me out, I love it and its fun,” said a recent program graduate.

Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to extend gratitude towards the sponsors including: Crescent-Janko Foundation, The Intermec Foundation, Cargill, Lil’ Drug Store, LimoLink, Linn County Anesthesiologists, PC, Quaker, RuffaloCODY and Schimberg Company. We would also like to thank the bowlers, donors, coordinators and everyone else for helping us put youth on a path to success through Bowl For Kids’ Sake 2013.

All money raised through Bowl For Kids’ Sake will go directly towards supporting youth in the Cedar Rapids community. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids and East Central Iowa, BeABigCR.org, provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Most children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters are being raised in single parent and low-income families or households where a parent is incarcerated. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”). Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks to facilitate the success of children living in our community by providing support to help children grow as individuals and by encouraging educational and extra-curricular activities. For additional information on the results of Bowl For Kids’ Sake, or how you could become involved next year contact Kathy Beardsworth via email at kathyb@beabigcr.org, or call (319) 377-8993.

Photo Caption: Big Brothers Big Sisters staff, with President & CEO Linda Henecke, reveal the record breaking results for Bowl For Kids’ Sake 2013.

Mentorship is exemplified by local Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer, Debbie Fuller, who was recently nominated as a recipient for the Excellence in Mentoring Award in the State of Iowa. Since being matched with her Little in 2009, Debbie has played an active role in her mentee, Steffene’s, education by maintaining regular communication with Steffene’s teacher and Educare tutor, and frequently helps her complete homework assignments.

Debbie feels it is critical to show a child that there are many opportunities in life and hopes to teach Steffene life skills that she might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn. Debbie will be recognized as one of the five recipients of the 2013 Excellence in Mentoring Award. She and other mentors will be honored by Governor Terry Branstad during a ceremony in conjunction with Mentoring Day on the Hill in Des Moines on “Thank Your Mentor Day,” January 17th. To learn more about local mentoring opportunities, visit www.BeABigCR.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids and East Central Iowa provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Most children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters are being raised in single-parent and low-income families or households where a parent is incarcerated. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”). Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks to facilitate the success of children living in our community by providing support to help children grow as individuals and by encouraging educational and extra-curricular activities.

Participating executives arrived bright and early, ready to compete with their peers, bowling just three frames. All in fun, the King Pin award went to Tracy Sankot (Pearson) with the top score! While a few executives watched from the sideline, several were in it to win it! We saw several strikes to start the morning and Mike Trachta (Mercy Medical Center) placed 2nd while Randy Ramlo (United Fire) and Kevin Myers (Rockwell Collins Materials and Supply) tied for 3rd. Veteran bowler, John Rodriguez (Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust) tied with Michael Ehler (Intermec). Close behind was Tom Metelmann (Quaker Oats) and Ted Townsend (St. Luke’s Hospital). Kevin Jasper (hibu) did a great job here but an even greater job engaging many new employees for February’s event! We were all quite impressed when Robin Todd (Transamerica-Diversified) declined to use Cedar Rapids Bowling Center’s shoes and ball – she had her own and, prepped like a pro, made others take notice. Several bowlers ducked out before we recorded their final scores but we were happy to have them there to support Big Brothers Big Sisters, including, Steve Myers (Transamerica), Tom Haley (US Bank), Al Ruffalo (RuffaloCODY), Stephanie Neighbor (Farmers State Bank) and Bob Helgens (Hybrid Transit Systems). Everyone had a great time and reminded us that it’s really not about bowling – it’s about having fun to help youth succeed! We’re looking forward to a record turnout this year at Bowl For Kids’ Sake 2013 which gets underway February 5th – February 28th. Call (319)-377-8993 to get involved!

{Photo Caption: Fourteen Leaders From Area Companies and Organizations Prepare to Bowl in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Executive Bowl. For more information, please contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at (319) 377-8993.}

Leaders from over 100 local companies will participate in the Bowl For Kids’ Sake Executive bowl in support of local youth mentoring on Wednesday, January 9 at 7:30 am. Companies and organizations will hold kick-off events, chili cook-offs and other contests to recruit bowers and support Big Brother Big Sisters.

The Executive Bowl is an opportunity for companies to show their support for Big Brothers Big Sisters and help raise awareness within the individual company and throughout the community. This event will take place at the Cedar Rapids Bowling Center located at 265 Blairs Ferry Rd NE.
Bowl For Kid’s Sake is Big Brothers Big Sisters largest annual fundraising event. This year the goal is to raise $375,000.

Participants scheduled to-date for the Executive Bowl are:
Steve Meyers, Executive VP AEGON-Diversified Investment Advisors
Robin Todd, Director of Systems Support AEGON-Transamerica
John Rodriguez, Senior VP Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust
Mike Trachta, Executive VP & COO Mercy Medical Center
Bruce King, Senior VP Rockwell Collins(OPS)
Mario Zuchovicki Rockwell Collins (OPS)
Al Ruffalo, CEO Ruffalo Cody
Ted Townsend, President & CEO St. Luke’s Hospital
Tom Haley, Manager of Private Client Group US Bank

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids and East Central Iowa, BeABigCR.org, provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Most children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters are being raised in single-parent and low-income families or households where a parent is incarcerated. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”). Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks to facilitate the success of children living in our community by providing support to help children grow as individuals and by encouraging educational and extra-curricular activities.

“Meet Me In St. Louis” is a rare treasure in musical theatre, and is based on the heartwarming movie. Join the Smith family at the 1904 World’s Fair, and see how their love and respect for each other is tempered with the genuine humor that can only be generated by such a special family. Memorable musical numbers include The Boy Next Door, A Raving Beauty, The Trolley Song, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Whenever I’m with You and A Day in New York.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids and East Central Iowa, BeABigCR.org, provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Most children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters are being raised in single-parent and low-income volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”). Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks to facilitate the success of children living in our community by providing support to help children grow as individuals and by encouraging educational and extra-curricular activities.

If you would like to attend “Forty Under 40” at the Coralville Marriott, please follow this link to reserve your seat or a table of 10: http://www.corridorbusiness.com/events/. Please place your reservation by Tuesday, Oct. 16.

If you are interested in learning more about the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters, please contact: 319-377-8993.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids and East Central Iowa, BeABigCR.org, provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Most children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters are being raised in single-parent and low-income families or households where a parent is incarcerated. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”). Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks to facilitate the success of children living in our community by providing support to help children grow as individuals and by encouraging educational and extra-curricular activities.

Coach Kirk Ferentz, University of Iowa; Paul Rhoads, Iowa State University; and Mark Farley, University of Northern Iowa, kicked off the Coaches’ Challenge on August 1, 2012. Any new mentor who signs up between August 1 and November 30, 2012 will count toward the “score” of the respective state. By joining the challenge, fans can not only show their Iowa pride, but you can commit to improve the life of a child right in our community.

During the 2011 Coaches’ Challenge, the three states broke all previous records by recruiting 9,896 new mentors, including 3,345 in Iowa. The 2012 target is 10,104 new mentors and 4,000 in Iowa to make an even 20,000 new mentors in just two years.

More than 100 kids, like 6-year old Dennis, are waiting for a caring adult mentor at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids and East Central Iowa today. Dennis enjoys sports, football, and playing outdoors. He’s looking for an active Big Brother who wants to spend just four hours a month hanging out. Think about lessons you’ve learned from coaches growing up. It’s about learning to reach goals, work toward victory and build leadership, sportsmanship and character. And that’s what it would mean to mentor a child such as Dennis.

Sign up today to take the Coaches Mentoring Challenge and make a difference in a child’s life through mentoring. Contact Big Brothers Big Sisters, www.beabigcr.org or 319-377-8993.
Big Brothers Big Sisters, provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Most children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters are in single-parent and low-income families or households where a parent is incarcerated. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”). Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks to facilitate the success of children living in our community by encouraging education and school attendance through providing focus in three competency areas: Connectedness, Attendance, Resources, Extra Curricular (C.A.R.E). Big Brothers Big Sisters has already seen that the Character Building Project is a springboard for greater success for the children served. The Character Building Project is an initiative of Big Brothers Big Sisters to help children grow as individuals through education and exposure to a variety of competency areas.

Photo Caption: Mentor scoreboard after the first month of the 2012 challenge.

When: Fri. August 10th from 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Where: Cedar Rapids Bowling Center, 265 Blairs Ferry Rd NE
Pre-registration is required.
Register online at www.bigforaday2012.eventbrite.com or call 319-377-8993

For a few hours, a couple times a month, you can give a child the invaluable gift of your friendship. By simply changing their perspective of what the world can offer, you can literally start changing their life. Sometimes it’s as simple as playing video games, attending a sporting event or just hanging out together.

If you are interested in learning more about the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters, please contact: 319-377-8993.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids and East Central Iowa, BeABigCR.org, provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Most children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters are in single-parent and low-income families or households where a parent is incarcerated. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”). Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks to facilitate the success of children living in our community by encouraging education and school attendance through providing focus in three competency areas: Connectedness, Attendance, Resources, Extra Curricular (C.A.R.E). Big Brothers Big Sisters has already seen that the Character Building Project is a springboard for greater success for the children served. The Character Building Project is an initiative of Big Brothers Big Sisters to help children grow as individuals through education and exposure to a variety of competency areas.

From L to R: Linda Henecke- President & CEO, George Raes- American Legion of Iowa Foundation, Heidi Reynolds- Development Intern. For more information, please contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at (319) 377-8993.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids and East Central Iowa, BeABigCR.org, provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.  Most children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters are in single-parent and low-income families or households where a parent is incarcerated.  As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”).  Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks to facilitate the success of children living in our community  by encouraging education and school attendance through providing focus in three competency areas: Caring, Self-Confidence, Social Competence.  Big Brothers Big Sisters has already seen that the Character Building Project is a springboard for greater success for the children served.  The Character Building Project is an initiative of Big Brothers Big Sisters to help children grow as individuals through education and exposure to a variety of competency areas.