Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region (BBBSCR) recently reported a fantastic success with their annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser! The event, held on April 12, raised an impressive total of over $40,000. This significant amount of support directly helps cut down the long waitlist for youth mentorship programs, a vital service for young people in our community.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, the funds secured 20 local young people being matched with trained and vetted mentors. That’s a crucial step, representing about 10 percent of the nearly 200 youth currently waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister. BBBSCR highlights the average wait time in the region is a concerning 652 days, making programs like this so important.
While the money is essential, BBBSCR also stressed the need for dedicated volunteers. David Taillon pointed out that both funding and volunteers are crucial to reducing the waitlist. They’ve even launched “MatchZone” as a monthly community engagement program to facilitate more connections. The organization is deeply grateful to everyone who contributed, whether through donations, team fundraising, or by becoming a mentor themselves.
If you’re inspired to make a difference, consider becoming a mentor, supporting the cause, or donating. You can learn more and get involved by visiting bbbscr.org or contacting BBBSCR directly. Every Big helps, and your support continues to make a real impact on the lives of local youth!