Kelly for Kids Supports BBBS

We recently received a grant through the Kelly for Kids Foundation. Founded by former Buffalo Bills Quarterback Jim Kelly, the foundation helps to improve the quality of life for disabled and disadvantaged children in Western New York. The grant will support our Site-Based Mentoring program that pairs youth with a Big Brother or Big Sister to share a friendship and participate in educational, recreational and cultural activities at a local school or community center. During the grant presentation Mr. Kelly mentioned the importance a special friend and mentor can have in a child’s life. He also recognized Kelly for Kids Foundation employee Patricia Cavalier for serving as a volunteer Big Sister. Big Brothers Big Sisters extends its gratitude to Jim Kelly and the Kelly for…

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Mentoring Matters

As part of National Mentoring Month, First Niagara announced Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County as one of eleven Western New York area organizations selected as grant recipients of First Niagara’s fourth annual Mentoring Matters program. During a news conference held at Enterprise Charter School, a total of $150,000 was awarded to support organized mentoring efforts in the Western New York community. The funds received by Big Brothers Big Sisters will support matches like Little Sister Maggie and her Big Sister Cymantha at the Site-Based Mentoring program at Enterprise Charter School. Little Sister Maggie shared, “It’s nice have a special friend that’s mine. She likes to be creative like me and I can talk to her about school, my baby brother or anything that…

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Food & Friendship

Wegmans Food Markets sponsored 10 matches from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County for a healthy eating/cooking workshop titled “Food & Friendship” at the Sheridan Drive location in Williamsville. The goal of the workshop was to spread the “Eat Well. Live Well.” message in a fun and interactive class. Taught by a trained Wegmans staff member, the workshop was a hands-on experience for the Little Brothers and Little Sisters, ages 6-10, and their mentors. The 90-minute session included a tour of the produce section, trying new fruits and making recipes that could be duplicated in future outings between the child and their Big Brother or Big Sister mentor. The matches enjoyed helping in food preparation of simple recipes and learning about making healthier food…

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January is National Mentoring Month

As part of National Mentoring Month, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County will kick-off an effort on Monday, January 10th to find 50 Guys in 5 Days to sign up as new Big Brother mentors through a promotion with WGR-550 AM and Santora’s Pizza Pub & Grill.  WGR-550 morning show personality and Big Brother Jeremy White, in a number of live and taped radio ads from January 10th – January 14th, will encourage male listeners to “join the team” by visiting the Big Brothers Big Sisters website and signing up. Additionally, during the 5-day effort, WGR-550 will break from their usual sports format on Wednesday, January 12th from 7 PM – 9 PM for a special live show hosted by Jeremy White at Santora’s…