December 2018

Hello Friends,

Which four-letter word causes you to cringe when you hear someone say it? Or when it slips out of your mouth? For me, it is the word BUSY. It has become a status symbol to be BUSY. It has become a very common answer to the questions  “How are you?”  and “What have you been up to?” Many times the question-asker answers their own question with  “I’m sure you’ve been BUSY.”  When did being BUSY become a state of being? When did BUSY become a status symbol? Is this something we want to be remembered for? “ We are really going to miss Jackie, she sure was BUSY. ” I think not.
At Big Brothers Big Sisters it is the most common reason that deters someone from becoming a life-changing mentor to one of our kids. We hear it all the time. “That is something that I’m going to do when I’m not so BUSY.” Our kids can’t wait. Our Bigs would encourage people who are interested in being a mentor to make the time, because YOUR life will benefit greatly from this relationship. Our volunteers tell us that they get so much more back than what they give.

We listened to Big Couple Eric and Lee Hurd, and Caleb, their Little of almost six years, speak about their relationship at our recent Board Social. The impact they have had on each other’s lives is authentic, deep, and incredibly impactful. Eric stated  “If it’s important to you, you’ll find the time.”

Thank you for choosing to stand with Big Brothers Big Sisters by investing your time and resources- our mission is too important not to!

Jackie Johnson
Executive Director
ONE DONATION.
ONE LITTLE’S POTENTIAL.

It’s that simple. We know that matching children with caring, engaged mentors changes lives. When you donate, you strengthen our agency so we can support matches like Little Brother Nick and Big Brother Kelly. Kelly became a Big through our Bigs in Blue program and is a St. Cloud Police Sergeant. Throughout their 5-year match, Kelly has been a constant in Nick’s life and Nick has grown in confidence and improved his social skills. Big Brother Kelly has introduced Nick to many new activities, including taking Nick on his first-ever camping trip, which has turned into an annual tradition. Nick says, “Kelly is kind to me and he is there for me when I need him. He has taught me to be respectful and always makes me work harder.”

But matches like Nick and Kelly’s are only possible with donations like yours. Will you stand with us as Defenders of Potential?

Donate today or become a MatchMaker with a $10 monthly gift , automatically charged to your credit card. It’s an easy way to make a BIG difference!
ARE YOU 70 1/2 AND HAVE AN IRA?
Or know someone who does?

Did you know you can make gifts of up to $100,000 directly from your IRA to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota without paying federal income tax on the withdrawal? This option provides tax savings to you even if you do not itemize deductions! Here are the specifics:

  • You must be 70 1/2 or older at the time the gift is made
  • The funds must be transferred directly to BBBSCM. It is important not to withdraw the funds before making the gift
  • Gifts cannot be used to fund a gift annuity or charitable remainder trust
  • Each donor may give up to $100,000 total per year
  • Gifts can be used to satisfy your required minimum distribution
  • You can exclude the distribution from income on your federal tax return. If you do, you will not receive a charitable income tax deduction
  • To qualify for tax-free treatment, you cannot receive goods, services or a personal benefit (such as tickets for events) in return for the IRA charitable distribution.

Contact Advancement Director, Brenda Jacobson, MA, CFRE at 320-258-4514 or Brenda@BigDefenders.org to let us know how the gift should be used or if you have questions about giving from an IRA.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota does not provide legal or tax advice. Donors should consult their own professional tax advisor before making a gift.
Have you ever thought about
becoming a Big?
We have 138 Littles waiting for YOU!
As we prepare for our 50th Anniversary- we want to reconnect with former Littles and Bigs! RECONNECT NOW!
Beth Marquette, Program Coordinator

Meet Cassy Teff & Dominic, the two have been matched since February of 2017! Cassy and Dominic meet weekly at school and often spend their time together being active in the field house or working on Dominic’s school work. Cassy is a great role model, always providing encouragement to Dominic! 
As a result of their time together, Dominic has shared that he feels better about his grades, relationships at home, and his self-confidence!

What a great duo!
Big Brother Tony Lotzer got married in October and his Little Brother Mathias was an usher in his wedding. As if that isn't cool enough, Tony's wife, Jenna is also a Big (in the Twin Cities) and her Little Sister, Leila was also an usher in the wedding. Together, Mathias and the Leila handed out programs to guests.And if that isn't cool enough ... Tony and Jenna made donations to their BBBS location instead of doing wedding favors. On each place setting they had a card explaining that instead of there being a wedding favor in that spot, they had each chosen to make a donation to BBBS! We are grateful for Tony & Jenna's commitment to Big Brothers Big Sisters!