March 2024
Hello Friend!
My two-year match anniversary with my Little Sister Alexis was at the end of February. I became a Big Sister because I was missing having a child in my life on a consistent basis.
It isn’t a difficult commitment, just 30-45 minutes at the local elementary school one morning each week. I have a bag full of goodies that we can do, much like Mary Poppins’ carpet bag. We can also go to the library where there is a bin filled with activities, crafts and games. Alexis taught me how to play Garbage, so that has been our recent “go-to.” While we play and have fun, it is helping her to build skills.
And for me, to put it simply, she brings me joy - she makes me laugh. As an employee of Big Brothers Big Sisters I cannot tell you the number of times that I’ve heard a volunteer say that they 1) get as much or more out of it as their Little, 2) wish that they would have done it sooner, and 3) encourage anyone to give being a “Big” a try. As a Big, I fully concur; as my dad would say, "110%!"
Treat yourself to meeting this year's Bigs and Littles of the Year by watching our videos that tell the amazing stories of their matches. I promise that you will feel inspired and a renewed sense in the power of relationships. I dare say, the stories will bring you hope, and will also remind you of who has been a mentor to you. And if it piques your curiosity about how you might become a Big to add more joy and meaning to your life, please contact [email protected].
Please support our Raffle; you can purchase tickets for $10 each from any of our team or board members, or you can Venmo me at @Jackie-Johnson-187. Also, be on the lookout for our Big Auction, going live on April 12. We have so many amazing items that you’ll want to bid on. It is only through the generosity of others that we can flip the lights on every day. Thank you for all you do to make our matches possible.
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Jackie S. Johnson
Executive Director
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MEET GARY, COLE AND CARTER!
Gary Stang doesn’t know why he chose Big Brothers Big Sisters to fill the void in his life after both of his children left for college. He wanted a way to help a kid who needed a mentor – and was also looking for someone with shared interests to spend time with.
Regardless of how he came to the conclusion that being a Big Brother was the best way to fill his time, he now believes it is the best decision he ever made. Gary was first matched with his Little Brother, Carter, eight years ago, and the two have formed an inseparable bond.
When they were first matched, Carter would hang out with Gary’s children, Shelby and Cole, when they were home for break. Cole enjoyed his time with Carter – the trio would go to hockey games, play video games together, or just hang out and talk. But he also noticed the change in his dad after joining BBBS and becoming a Big Brother.
A short time after being matched with Carter, Gary asked Cole to officially join the match and become a Big Duo with him. Cole was hesitant, but he couldn’t overlook how happy being matched with Carter made his dad – or the opportunity to find that sense of joy for himself. So he made the leap.
Gary, Cole, and Carter have officially been a match for more than seven years, and the growth Carter has shown under their mentorship is recognizable by everyone. Now, Gary and Cole are the 2024 Central Minnesota Big Duo of the Year.
Gary and Cole have both provided mentorship and stability for Carter, each with their own unique perspectives. Carter – an only child – gravitated to Cole immediately after he and Gary were matched. Cole was young enough to build a good rapport with Carter thanks to shared interests like video games and hockey. Neither Cole nor Carter grew up with a brother, and soon the Big Brother/Little Brother relationship through Big Brothers Big Sisters grew to feel like a natural relationship between brothers. Cole even asked Carter to be the junior best man at his wedding.
Gary and Carter’s relationship is more akin to father and son – and they both continue to learn from it. Through their match, Gary says he has learned patience and understanding from Carter after watching Carter move through life with such confidence. On top of enjoying similar activities and spending time together, they can relate to each other, and the ups and downs they both experience.
Through his match with Gary and Cole, Carter has matured into a respectful 17-year-old who always has a positive attitude. There have been tough-love moments, but that has only bonded the trio together even more deeply. Carter loves hockey, and has become a leader on his high school team. Cole and Gary are in the stands at his games whenever possible, and Sarah, Gary and Cole are all thrilled that Cole has started volunteering with youth hockey in the area – and even talks about wanting to coach.
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Henry Apenteng and Camarrion are!
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THANK YOU, RAINBOW!
This month’s Partner Spotlight goes to Rainbow Midwest-St. Cloud! Rainbow is donating a Castle Package play set to the 2024 Big Auction, and the business also just joined our Match Partner program! Through the program, Bigs and Littles can go play on swing sets in the show room for free for two hours. Thank you, Rainbow, for your continued support of local kids! The 2024 Big Auction is online April 12-19 - be sure to register early here!
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 Emily Steinmetz at 320-258-4515 or [email protected].
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BBBS NIGHT WITH FOLEY BASKETBALL
The Foley boys' and girls' basketball teams each hosted BBBS Night, and Littles had a great time watching their mentors on the court! At both games Littles had the opportunity to be in the pre-game huddle, be on the court for lineups and the National Anthem, and sit on the bench. Gavin Gross made the boys' game against St. Cloud Cathedral extra special for his Little as Gavin scored the 1,000th point of his career that night!
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HITTING THE COURT WITH HUSKIES VOLLEYBALL
Matches had the opportunity to learn some volleyball tips and tricks from one of the best NCAA Division II teams in the country in February! The St. Cloud State volleyball team hosted the group for a quick camp and ran them through hitting, setting, and serving drills. A few Littles were nervous to take the court, but the Huskies made it fun for everyone and made sure everyone was involved.
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SKATING THROUGH FEBRUARY
The weather may have been unseasonably warm outside throughout February, but ice rinks are always the right temperature for skating! Matches, along with some Littles and their families, hit the ice at the Scheels Athletic Complex in Sartell to skate some laps, have some races, and have fun together. Thanks to Andrew at the InSports Foundation for setting up the ice time and helping us to coordinate this activity!
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BBBS CHEERS ON THE PIERZ PIONEERS
The Pierz girls' basketball team hosted BBBS Night when the team hosted Mora. A few Littles were able to come cheer on their Bigs, and also celebrate Senior Night with the team! Three of the team's four seniors are Bigs through the Pierz school-based program, so the Littles had fun cheering them on. Not only did the Littles get their faces painted, the members of the basketball team also put together goodie bags for the them, and everyone was excited to get new BBBS gear!
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FINDING ZEN WITH SHANTI
Our matches found their inner zen with some help from Jessie at Shanti Yoga Center! Jessie walked the group through some basic yoga exercises like balance, breathing, and a few key stretches, and everyone left feeling refreshed and relaxed. Thanks to Jessie and Shanti for hosting this fun activity for the second year in a row and allowing our Bigs and Littles to try yoga!
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RAFFLE TICKETS FOR SALE
It's raffle time again in Central Minnesota! Tickets for the 2024 Big Raffle are on sale now through any BBBS employee or at the agency's office in St. Cloud. Tickets are $10 each and there are 10 cash prizes - including a $1,000 grand prize! The raffle drawing will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, April 12 - winners need not be present to win. Email BBBS, call the main office line at 320-253-1616, or stop by the office at 203 Cooper Ave. N, Suite 162, to purchase your tickets today! A BIG thank you to Advantage 1 Insurance for sponsoring the 2024 Big Raffle! Tickets can be purchased at the agency's offices in St. Cloud, Albany, Melrose, Pierz, Holdingford, and Sauk Centre.
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2024 BIG AUCTION
The 2024 Big Auction is coming soon! The online auction runs April 12-19 and features items from local vendors, handmade gift baskets and items, and gift certificates for experiences and locations around the state. Be sure to register to bid on these items, and stay tuned for a live preview of the site starting on Monday, April 1 - there are some exciting new items on the auction that you won't want to miss! If you or your company are interested in donating an item, please contact [email protected] . Thank you to Granite Partners for sponsoring the 2024 Big Auction!
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BIGS ON CAMPUS NEEDS YOUR HELP
Have you ever thought about being a Big? Do you know someone who would be a great Big? BBBS of Central Minnesota is looking for mentors to be a part of the Bigs on Campus initiative at St. Cloud State, St. Cloud Tech & Community College, and the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University. Meet with your mentee twice a month for an hour at a time at SCSU, SCTCC, or CSB/SJU and help them get accustomed to life on a college campus! Click here for more information or to sign up to be part of the Bigs on Campus program!
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SUPPORT BBBS WHEN YOU SHOP!
Every time you shop, your spare change can help to support local youth! When you sign up today to donate on the BBBS of Central Minnesota website, you can round up every purchase on the credit card of your choosing. Every time you swipe that card, the total is rounded up to the nearest dollar - and that extra change stays right here in Central Minnesota! Your extra change could make a BIG difference to local youth - give it a try!
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Khaldoun Ahmad, Daine Billmark, Jenna Binsfeld, Debbie Clausen, Patty Funk (Secretary), Melinda Gau, Isaih Handy, Lee Hurd, 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), Christie Schulte, and Vicky Welty (Past Pres.).
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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, Steve Sauer,
Kurt Scepaniak, Joyce Schlough, John Schnettler, Peter Spaniol, Eric Stalboerger, Perian Stavrum,
Mark Traut, Joan Vincent, Bob Walter, and Don Watkins.
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