December 2021
Hello Friend!
“There is no time like the present & no present like time” is handwritten on a sticky note on my coworker’s desk. A childhood memory of being taught some basic sport skills from her friend’s father, Robbie, inspired Becky to write this down years later. Could Robbie ever have imagined that giving some tips and tricks on how to throw a softball or shoot a free throw would be a life-long inspiration for Becky to continue to pay it forward?
We have built our mission on this very same concept. Being present. The gift of time. Sharing interests and skills. For as little as two hours a month, you can be that same type of inspiration. We have opportunities for you to volunteer with a friend or a family member, at a local school or college, during the day, on weekends, or during weeknights. We have all kinds of opportunities because we have all kinds of kids.
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Jackie S. Johnson
Executive Director
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MEET MAKAYLA & JOYCE!
Makayla Dietl and Joyce have been matched for just under a year, and sure know how to enjoy their time together!
They like to make bracelets, play basketball and play volleyball. Joyce really enjoys telling Makayla all about the things going on in her life and Makayla gladly listens and supports her.
We have loved watching these two grow together and are eager to see what the rest of the school year has in store!
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Beau Herbst & Kolben are!
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DIY DOORMAT PAINTING!
We recently hosted a craft night for Matches at the BBBS office! The Bigs and Littles got to eat pizza and paint a festive doormat. They were all so creative and had a lot of fun!
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Bigs and Littles had a fantastic time at the YMCA for Open Gym and Rock Climbing. Sports Buddies joined with other Matches, including a Big Family, to challenge themselves with activities such as the rock wall and games on the courts.
The Littles LOVED climbing the rock wall and climbed for well over an hour, with their Bigs cheering them on!
To see upcoming Match Activities please check out the BBBS website.
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FEDERATED INSURANCE PRESENTS BBBS WITH A $475,000 CHECK!
The 2021 Federated Challenge® — an annual gala put on by Federated Mutual Insurance Company, a business insurance company based in Owatonna, Minnesota — raised a record-breaking $3,316,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters®, during its 17th annual gala on Sunday, July 25.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota is an extraordinary agency with the ability to do life-changing work,” said Chairman Jeff Fetters. “The funds we raised during this year’s Federated Challenge will have a direct and lasting impact on young people across the country and in our own backyards.”
Of the more than $3 million dollars raised, $475,000 was generously donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota during their October board meeting.
“We cannot thank Jeff and Marty Fetters, Co-Chairs of the Federated Challenge, Federated Insurance, and all those who support the event, enough,” said Jackie Johnson, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota. “They are true heroes. We are profoundly grateful for their ongoing partnership and support, which makes it possible for us to carry out our mission of creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.”
To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota, visit BigDefenders.org. To get involved in the Federated Challenge, visit FederatedChallenge.org.
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Left to right: BBBS Board Members Lee Hurd (Bursch Travel), Jenna Binsfeld (Newport Academy), Jeff Gannon (Miller, Welle, Heiser & Co.), Deb Clausen (Thrivent Financial), Jackie Johnson (BBBS Executive Director), Julie Rethemeier (Federated Insurance Vice President - Director of Public Affairs & Advertising), Luke Riordan (DAYTA Marketing). Vicky Welty (SCR) Bill Martin-Chaffee (BRAMER Medical Services), and Peggy Brown (BBBS DEI Officer) were joined with Board Members via Zoom at a recent hybrid Board Meeting to accept the check from the Federated Challenge.
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VOTE FOR BBBS!
This season we're joining Starbucks as they work to make a positive impact in communities across the nation! Now through December 15th, vote for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America to receive a direct donation from The Starbucks Foundation.
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YOU DON'T NEED A CAPE TO BE A BIG HERO FOR A KID!
Sauk Rapids-Rice Superintendent Brad Bergstrom knew he needed to become a Big as soon as he heard about the program. Brad states, “Having been in education for 34 years. I understand the importance and need for young people to have someone in their lives that can be a positive role model.”
Little Brother Damin was ecstatic to hear that after almost five years of waiting, there was finally someone for him! Damin was able to find joy in the time he got to spend with Brad in a virtual format. Each week they met and would talk about their lives; the good, the bad, the exciting. Damin quickly felt he was able to confide in Brad and seek out advice. Brad and Damin instantly became proof that Big Brothers Big Sisters could still help impact the lives of our kids and volunteers, even during such trying times.
To help strengthen and grow their friendship outside of the virtual world, Brad and Damin have enjoyed going out for dinner, going fishing, and still just connecting about life. Brad has been involved with hockey for 50 years, and this fall he was able to share his passion for the sport by bringing Damin to his first-ever college hockey game.
Regarding the impact of the match on his Little Brother’s life, Brad says “I have watched Damin's confidence in himself grow. He went out for football this year for the first time, and he is now talking about playing baseball this spring.” He goes on to say, “While I believe that I am helping Damin, it is his impact on me that is helping make me a better person.”
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JUST TWICE A MONTH MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE!
Do you know someone who would make a great mentor?
We need YOUR help!!!
Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for adult mentors (SCSU staff/faculty/alumni and local business professionals) to serve as mentors for Tech High School students by pairing them with a positive role model. These matches meet on the SCSU campus, twice a month on Wednesdays around noon, during the school year.
This program opens windows of opportunity for local youth by immersing them in the world of post-secondary education, helping them dream BIGGER, and navigating them on a positive path towards success. Please refer your friends/family/co-workers to BigDefenders.org or Email Tina or call her at 320.258.4537.
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Are you a current Big? Do you stand with youth? Let everyone know! Go to your Facebook profile and click to change your profile pic. Then click on frames, search BBBS of Central MN and add it to your profile pic! |
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THANK YOU, CENTRAL MN NOON OPTIMIST CLUB!
This month’s Partner Spotlight goes to the Central MN Noon Optimist Club! This incredible service club seeks to improve the lives of central Minnesota’s kids by making donations and learning about area organizations, individuals, and events.
They strive to always be “Bringing out the Best in Kids,” which is what our agency exists to accomplish as well! Our missions align and, as a result, this generous organization recently donated $10,000 to support the kids on our program. If you are considering membership in a local service club, you must check them out! We are very proud to partner with the Central MN Noon Optimist Club!
We are grateful to all our Community Partners. Check out this list and the next time you are at that business or organization, please thank them for standing with kids!
If you are interested in serving on an event or sponsorship committee or have questions about it contact Emily Steinmetz at 320-258-4515 or Emily@BigDefenders.org
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Emily Steinmetz – Corporate Engagement Manager, BBBS and Wade Bastian – President, Central MN Noon Optimist Club |
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Khaldoun Ahmad, Jenna Binsfeld, Peggy Brown (DEI Officer), Debbie Clausen, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Patty Funk (Secretary), Jeff Gannon, Isaih Handy, Lee Hurd, Courtney Kunkel (Treasurer), Bill Martin-Chaffee, Lori Mohs, Emmanuel Oppong, Curran Poganski, Marie Primus, Luke Riordan, Rick Roehl (Vice Pres.),
Alex Schoephoerster (President), Christie Schulte and Vicky Welty (Past President)
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Barb Anderson, Mimi Bitzan, Mark Coborn, Joe Francis, Brad Goskowicz, Keith Julson,
Shelly Bauerly Kopel, Gary Marsden, Vince Mohs, Karla Myres, Steve Sauer, Kurt Scepaniak, Joyce Schlough, John Schnettler, Rob Schumann, Peter Spaniol, Eric Stalboerger, Perian Stavrum, Mark Traut,
Joan Vincent, Sue Wendt and Mike Ziemann
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