February 2025

Hello Friend!

Valentine’s Day always brings back such sweet memories of my childhood. For those of us who grew up in the 1960s and 1970s, Valentine’s Day was such a special occasion at school. The classrooms would come alive with red and pink hearts, and everyone would be given a brown paper lunch bag to turn into their very own "mailbox." I can still picture myself, carefully decorating my bag, my excitement growing as I imagined all the little cards and candies that would fill it. 

I remember the nervous thrill of picking out valentines for my classmates, carefully choosing just the right one for each classmate, and especially for the boy I had a crush on. Looking back, I’m not sure what made one card more special than the others since they were all so similar, but it felt important at the time. Growing up in a small class in a small town, our teachers always made sure that everyone brought a valentine for each student. That simple act of inclusion made those days so special, and the memory still warms my heart.

It’s a reminder of something so basic yet so important: we all need to feel connected, acknowledged, and loved—not just on Valentine’s Day, but every day. And that’s why the work we do at Big Brothers Big Sisters means so much.

At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we make sure every child in our program knows they are special, valued, and deeply deserving of love and kindness. The relationships we help foster between Bigs and Littles create a steady stream of encouragement and care. It’s not about grand gestures; it’s about showing up consistently and offering heartfelt connection—the kind that builds confidence, resilience, and a true sense of belonging. It’s about asking questions and listening to the answers with genuine interest and encouragement. It is also about our staff being an advocate, support, and resource for our Bigs, Littles and their parent/guardian.

Life isn’t always filled with candy hearts and love notes, but having someone who shows up for you, who believes in you, and who celebrates your unique gifts can truly make all the difference. That’s what we provide at Big Brothers Big Sisters. Whether it’s helping a child navigate the ups and downs of school, celebrating their milestones, or simply being there to listen, our Bigs remind every child that they are loved and special.

As we celebrate this Valentine’s Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on how we can spread that love even further. Maybe it’s reaching out to someone who could use a kind word or supporting the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters. However you choose to celebrate, remember that love is most powerful when it’s shared.

Thank you for being part of our community and for helping us make sure that every child feels seen, supported, and loved. Everyone deserves a full bag of joy, not just on Valentine’s Day, but every day of the year. We’re so grateful that you chose to be a part of our mission.

With hope and gratitude, 

ARE YOU ON THE LIST?

Phil Thorson and Michael are!

Meet Phil Thorson and Michael! They are one of our newest matches in our Bigs on Campus initiative at St. Cloud State University. Phil has been a strong partner for BBBS since the Bigs on Campus initiative started, and we are so excited that he is now matched! Phil and Michael had a great time bowling together during their first match meeting As you are considering being a Big, check out our current list of new Matches.

We would also like to congratulate these Matches who are celebrating milestone anniversaries! We ask all Bigs to commit to at least one year of mentorship - that one year of consistency makes a BIG difference in the life of a child.

THANK YOU ADVANTAGE 1 INSURANCE!

This month’s Partner Spotlight goes to Advantage 1 Insurance! Not only did Andy Noble at Advantage 1 Insurance put out a call for donations to help our families over the holidays, they are once again the sponsor of our Big Raffle! Thanks to Advantage 1, all proceeds from raffle ticket sales stay with our agency to support local kids. You can buy raffle tickets at all six locations: St. Cloud, Albany, Holdingford, Melrose, Pierz, and Sauk Centre. Tickets are $10 each, and there are 10 cash prizes. Winners will be drawn Friday, April 4!

We are grateful to all our Community Partners. Check out these lists, and the next time you are at that business or organization, please thank them for standing with kids!

BBBS of Central Minnesota is always looking for businesses to host or sponsor match activities. If you or your business are willing to sponsor or host a match activity, contact Kristin Hannon at 320-258-4515 or Kristin@BigDefenders.org.

CHEERING THE HUSKIES TO A WIN

A number of matches and families had the opportunity to watch the St. Cloud State women's hockey team take on Bemidji State earlier this month. It was cold outside, but everyone stayed warm in the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center, cheering the Huskies to a 3-2 win. Thanks to the SCSU athletic department and women's hockey team for the tickets - everyone had a great time!

BBBS BASKETBALL NIGHT IN FOLEY

The Foley boys' and girls' basketball teams celebrated Big Brothers Big Sisters Night in January, and took advantage of a home doubleheader to celebrate the mentors on both teams! The Foley girls hosted Pequot Lakes while the boys took on Spectrum, and it was a fun night that included player introductions, recognizing the mentors, and having the Littles as part of the pre-game huddle. This is a special game for both the Bigs and the Littles, and we appreciate the Foley coaches taking time to recognize the work the mentors do for kids in the Foley school district!

ADVENTURES AT BLACKLIGHT

The first match activity of 2025 was one of the most popular activities each year - a trip to Blacklight Adventures! Nearly 40 people had a great time playing laser tag, trying out the new mini golf courses, playing arcade games, and enjoying a slice or two of pizza together. Big thanks to St. Cloud Financial Credit Union for sponsoring this activity that allows so many matches to connect with each other and have fun!

CHEERING ON THEIR FAVORITE HUSKIES

Our matches and families spent some time in Halenbeck Hall, cheering on the St. Cloud State men's basketball team! The group watched and cheered as the Huskies beat Bemidji State, 78-71. The team hosted a basketball clinic for our matches this past fall, so it was fun for the Bigs and Littles to see their favorite players in action on the court.

DO GOOD WITH BBBS AND CHIPOTLE

Not sure what's for dinner? BBBS has you covered! On Monday, Feb. 17, Chipotle and BBBS are teaming up to support local kids! From 4-8 p.m. that day, 25 percent of sales from the St. Cloud store at 3959 2nd St. S go back to BBBS to help find more mentors for more kids. Just show the flyer above when ordering in the restaurant, or use the promo code P24EDCQ when ordering online for pickup. Have a delicious meal and support local kids - what could be better! Check out the Facebook event for full details.

GROWING UP BIG NOMINATIONS OPEN

Nominations are open now for the 2025 Growing Up Big Award. This award is given annually to a former Little or High School Big from BBBS of Central Minnesota who is now an adult and doing great things in their community. The award honors BriAnna Kruzel, a former Little and High School Big who passed away unexpectedly in 2013. Nominations for the award are due Wednesday, Feb. 19 -click here to nominate a deserving individual. The recipient will be honored at The Big Celebration in April. Thanks to Vince and Lori Mohs for sponsoring this award!

BBBS IS HIRING!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota is hiring a Program Coordinator to run our Foley school-based program! This position provides support and guidance to volunteer mentors and youth to ensure our mentoring matches are safe and impactful, and helps Help lead children on a path towards a brighter, more promising future. Please share the position description with anyone in your network who might be interested!

IT'S AUCTION & RAFFLE TIME!

With the new year comes another opportunity to win big and bid on great items with the 2025 Big Auction and Big Raffle! Raffle tickets are on sale now at the BBBS office; stop by or call 320-253-1616 to purchase yours today. Tickets are $10 each for a chance at 10 cash prizes; the winner will be drawn on Friday, April 4. The 2025 Big Auction is online April 4-11, so mark your calendar and be sure you're registered to bid! The site will be live to preview Friday, March 21, so stay tuned! BIG thanks to Advantage 1 Insurance for sponsoring the 2025 raffle and Granite Partners for sponsoring our 2025 Big Auction! Register to bid here.

BBBS SCHOLARSHIPS OPEN NOW

Applications for Fall 2025 for three scholarships are open now. The Federated Challenge Scholarship, BriAnna Kruzel Memorial Scholarship, and Dahlias Alongside Grand Lake Scholarship are available to current and former Littles and High School Bigs who were a part of the agency for at least 18 months. The deadline to apply for all three scholarships is Sunday, March 23, 2025, and the winners will be notified in April 2025. Scholarship criteria, eligibility, and links to apply for all three are available available here.

Khaldoun Ahmad, Daine Billmark, Jenna Binsfeld, Patty Funk (Secretary), Melinda Gau, Isaih Handy, Lee Hurd, Preston Kopel, Jake Krippner, Courtney Kunkel (Treasurer), Bill Martin-Chaffee (DEI Officer), Lori Mohs, Mardi Noyes, Emmanuel Oppong, Chris Owen, Curran Poganski, Jason Primus, Rick Roehl (Vice Pres.), Alex Schoephoerster (President), and Christie Schulte.

Barb Anderson, Mimi Bitzan, Mark Coborn, Joe Francis, Keith Julson, Lori Kloos, Andy Knoblauch,

Shelly Bauerly Kopel, John Mahowald, Mike Markman, Gary Marsden, Vince Mohs,

Kurt Scepaniak, Joyce Schlough, John Schnettler, Peter Spaniol, Eric Stalboerger, Perian Stavrum,

Mark Traut, Joan Vincent, Bob Walter, Don Watkins, and Vicky Welty.