• Serving Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse and Kalkaska Counties
March 19, 2020 Web Developer

Dear Big Brothers Big Sisters Community,
These are challenging and uncertain times. We know for sure that our youth are facing enormous challenges with even more insecurity than ever and we are working diligently to find ways to ensure they feel a sense of safety and belonging by supporting them and reminding them they are not alone.Our team is working remotely and staying connected to our volunteer mentors (Bigs), Littles and their families to ensure they are communicating now more than ever. They have provided a plethora of online activities for Bigs and Littles to participate in, as well as suggestions for regular communication, a phone call or simple handwritten note.

Many of our School-Based Bigs are sharing short video messages to their Littles while school’s out, simply sharing they are thinking about them and keeping them in their hearts. Click here for an example.

We are also blessed with wonderful business and community supporters helping in a variety of ways. One example is John McGee from Sorellina Restaurant who is cooking up a storm as I write this message and providing many of our families with meals. Our team is busy coordinating with families and will gather tomorrow to disseminate and deliver as needed.

Sadyly, the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati, Ohio on May 3 has been cancelled. Registrants have the choice to run virtually at any location they choose or attend the rescheduled event in person on October 11, 2020. Our Hometown Hero Tony Anderson has elected to run virtually in Traverse City on Sunday, May 3, 2020, starting at the Bigs’ office at 900 East Front Street and looping around to the finish line at the Bigs’s office. Hoping for a party following. Please stay tuned for details.

It is likely we will have to cancel our Wine Auction on April 18, but we are waiting to connect with all of our committee members to gather input and ideas. I was on a National conference call yesterday and one agency had to cancel their annual gala – they turned it into a virtual event, with a live and silent auction and raised 90% of their budget for the event. The Wine Auction is a big fundraiser for our agency and provides revenue we rely on to fund our program. We hope to come up with a plan to recoup those dollars and keep our program running strong.

Please stay connected – send us your ideas at Cecilia.Chesney@bigsupnorth.com or call me at (231) 392-6497.

Thank you for your continued support, and please, take precautions to keep yourselves and your families safe and healthy.