March 4, 2005

CONTENTS
Matches & Money
Fun Ideas
Pictures from Recent Events
Bowl for Kid's Sake
Upcoming Events

 

Money, Money, Money…Money!

Money does make the world go around, but it can often be a major stumbling block in the development of a match relationship. During the intake process to become a volunteer, you were encouraged to pick low-cost or free activities to do with your Little. The children and their families will not be able to contribute consistently to the cost of activities. Parents and Littles are informed that the Big is a volunteer who does not get paid for spending time with the Little. So, it is helpful to send some spending money along with the child on each outing to help defray the costs of the activity. The money issue is also revisited on match night. New Bigs are encouraged that any activity plans should be made with the parent ahead of time so that any financial questions can be sorted out. Even with these well intentioned suggestions in place, the issue of money often rears its ugly head at some point during the match relationship. Here is some common feedback Match Support Specialists hear in conversations with Bigs, Littles, and parents during match contact conversations: Click here to continue>>

Fun Things to do this Winter

Winter can be a tough time to come up with things to do with your Little. We recently asked several Bigs what things have been successful, fun activities to do during the winter months, and here are some of their suggestions:

 

What fun activities have you and your Little participated in this winter?  E-mail us and we will share them in future editions of the BBBS E-News! Send your suggestions to cjones@bbbspgh.org

Bowl For Kids' Sake 2005 is Here!

Buff your bowling ball, shine your shoes, throw on the polyester shirt, and hope for all strikes because BBBS Bowl for Kids' Sake (BFKS) is just around the corner! As always, this years BFKS is all about helping kids by having fun. All the money raised goes directly towards matching kids with Big Brothers and Big Sisters who can help them reach their full potential.

Anyone can get involved as a bowler, a team captain, a sponsor, or all three! As a bowler, you sign up sponsors (friends, neighbors, family etc.). And you don’t have to go “door-to-door.” All you have to do is direct sponsors to your personal BFKS website, where they can donate whenever and whatever they want. As a team captain, it’s your extra challenge, and added benefit, of putting together a stellar team of bowling stars. Every team must collect a minimum amount of pledges (described below) and bowl two games while being treated to food, fun and festivities. It’s going to be a blast, and we need you to make it happen.

Click here for more information.

 

Saturday, March 5, 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Bring-A-Friend Big For A Day @ BBBS
Do you have a friend, family member or co-worker who you think would make a great volunteer?  The Bring-A-Friend Big For A Day is a great opportunity to introduce them to volunteering in a stress-free setting. You, your Little and your friend can participate in the Spring Fling Extravaganza! We will match your friend to a child on our waiting list and you all can spend an afternoon of spring fun and games!  The day will include a variety of activities from March Madness to Saint Patrick’s Day.  If interested in participating, please RSVP to Cheryl at cjones@bbbspgh.org by March 2.

Wednesday, March 16, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. BBBS New Match Round Table @ Starbucks on McKnight road in North Hills. Come out and meet other new Bigs and BBBS staff. Get some helpful tips to get your match off to a good start that include suggestions on activity ideas as well as avoiding some early pitfalls.  Please RSVP to Cheryl at cjones@bbbspgh.org  by March 14.  

Tuesday, March 29, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. BBBS Round Table @ BBBS Offices in East Liberty   “Meet the Match Support Specialists!”  Place a face with the people who contact you about your match.  Here is your chance to get some in-person feedback and suggestions from both the BBBS staff and other Bigs! Topics will include how to deal with school issues as well as any other topics you are interested in.

Saturday, April 16 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Big/Little Event – Xbox Tournament at Microsoft Pittsburgh Offices! All you “gamers” out  there, here is your chance to show your stuff!  Microsoft will be hosting Bigs and Littles for a day of tournament fun!  Spaces are limited so sign up now!  RSVP to Cheryl at cjones@bbbspgh.org

Revisit the Big/Little Summer Picnic, Halloween Party
and Holiday Party with selected photos of the events:
Click here>>

 

 

 www.bbbspittsburgh.org

5989 Penn Circle South, Pittsburgh, PA 15206-3828

412-363-6100