December 2022
Hello Friend!
“Do you believe?” “Do you STILL believe?”
Do you remember having those conversations with your friends when you were a kid? Because my older siblings wanted me well informed, my answer was “No, I don’t believe.” I mean, come on, to believe means that you are buying this tale of magic, generosity, having hopes, and sharing our dreams, right? Now that I’m older - a lot older - my answer has changed. I do STILL believe, and I see proof of it every day at Big Brothers Big Sisters.
I believe in asking for help. It takes a lot of courage to request a Big.
I believe in helping someone you otherwise would not know. Mentors give their time, and individuals and businesses in our community come through every day with donations and gifts to support families they’ve never met. This month, for example, our office will be filled with presents that Andy at Advantage 1 Insurance helped collect to support 10 families right here in our community. To the 31 children in those families, that is magic.
I believe in generosity. We are the stewards of your invested dollars.
I’m inviting you to believe with me. The magic does exist. It is real and it changes lives.
P.S. I would like to publicly apologize to my friend Barb for wrecking her Christmas in 2nd grade - I just wanted her to be well informed.
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Jackie S. Johnson
Executive Director
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MEET KAYLA & CAMDEN!
Kayla Bonebrake and Camden have been matched in our Sports Buddies program since December 2021! Both have great energy when participating in activities. Some Sports Buddies activities they enjoy doing is golf, rock climbing, disc golf, and much more! They practice great teamwork when challenged with overcoming new athletic boundaries.
They both enjoy meeting up at activities to catch up on life as well as how Camden is doing in sports at school. They both continue to grow and learn all kinds of new things about each other every time they meet up!
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M'Lynn Thompson & Lexi are!
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THANK YOU, MACY'S!
This month’s Partner Spotlight goes to Macy's. From now until the end of December, Macy's department stores across the country are partnering with BBBS as part of their Mission Every One program. When you shop at the Macy's at Crossroads Center in St. Cloud, you can round up at the register, and that money will go to BBBS of Central Minnesota! You can also donate online on Macy's website. Thank you, Macy's, for supporting mentoring across the country!
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!
If you have questions about how your business can get involved with BBBS of Central MN, contact Emily Steinmetz at 320-258-4515 or [email protected]
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HANG OUT WITH SANTA & SUPPORT BBBS!
Thanks to the Foley High School Minnesota Honor Society for hosting Breakfast with Santa! From 8-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, head to Foley High School for breakfast, photos with Santa, games, and a silent auction! Cost is $5 per person and all proceeds benefit BBBS of Central Minnesota!
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JUST KICKIN' IT
Our Sports Buddies matches got in on soccer fever ahead of the start of the World Cup! Brendan Goler, the assistant men's soccer coach at Minnesota-Morris, came to town and walked the matches through some drills and games to get everyone in the spirit to cheer on the USA men's team.
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A CLOSER LOOK AT THE HEART
Several matches took advantage of the opportunity to learn more about becoming a cardiovascular technician thanks to the St. Cloud Technical & Community College Cardiovascular Technology Program. They learned how to scrub in, work with a catheter and wire, and use the 3D system and monitor to manipulate a wire through the aorta - and discovered just how challenging it can be!
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FLIPPING OUT AT AIRMAXX
A large group of matches got to jump around flip out at AirMaxx! The group played dodgeball, basketball, jumped in the foam pit, and of course showed off their best flips and tricks. We've got some future acrobats and gymnasts on our hands!
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BBBS WINTER BREAK OFFICE HOURS
The BBBS of Central Minnesota office will be closed Dec. 23-26 for the winter break. Please plan accordingly, and let BBBS staff know ahead of time if anything is needed over the break. Email [email protected] or call 320-253-1616.
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HELP SUPPORT LOCAL FAMILIES
This holiday season, spread the gift of generosity and happiness with Advantage 1 Insurance. Andy and his team are collecting gifts for 10 families that are a part of our BBBS community to make sure that everyone has a wonderful holiday season. Contact Andy at 320-252-6650 to get the name of one of the 31 kids to buy for or find out how else you can help out!
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BIGS ON CAMPUS NEEDS YOUR HELP
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BBBS PARTNERS WITH THRIVENT
Are you a Thrivent member with a Thrivent Action Team, or do you know someone who is? Starting this Fall, BBBS is partnering with Thrivent on a number of fundraisers that will utilize their generosity programs to further Thrivent's event impact. Get involved by reaching out to Emily Steinmetz at [email protected]. Please click here for more information.
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TEXT TO DONATE!
Giving to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MN is now as easy as sending a text! Simply text the word BIGS to 269-89 and you are able to donate right from your smartphone. Text today to help support one-to-one mentoring for local youth in the community!
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Khaldoun Ahmad, Daine Billmark, Jenna Binsfeld, Peggy Brown (DEI Officer), Debbie Clausen,
Patty Funk (Secretary), Isaih Handy, Lee Hurd, Courtney Kunkel (Treasurer), Bill Martin-Chaffee,
Lori Mohs, Emmanuel Oppong, Chris Owen, Curran Poganski, Marie Primus, Rick Roehl (Vice Pres.), Alex Schoephoerster (President), Christie Schulte, and Vicky Welty (Past Pres.).
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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,
Chris Schellinger, Joyce Schlough, John Schnettler, Rob Schumann, Peter Spaniol, Eric Stalboerger, Perian Stavrum, Mark Traut, Joan Vincent, Don Watkins, Sue Wendt and Mike Ziemann
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