BIGGER TOGETHER
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound helps children realize their potential and build their futures. We nurture children and strengthen our community. And we couldn’t do any of it without you. #BIGGERTOGETHER
Since 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is incredible potential. As the nation’s largest donor- and volunteer-supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), in communities, like Puget Sound.
Our one-to-one mentoring relationships support the critical social and emotional development needed to help build resilience and promote the mental health and well-being of the children we serve across Puget Sound. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people. Now more than ever, we are stepping up to find innovative ways to serve our Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound community.
IN THE NEWS
CHARTER CONSTRUCTION AND BIG GALA EVENT DELIVER FOR BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF PUGET SOUND
In a nod to how COVID has changed our way of life, Big Brothers Big Sisters transformed its annual BIG Gala fundraiser into a live-streamed event to boost youth mentoring in the Puget Sound. Before the pandemic, the annual Big Brothers Big Sisters BIG Gala would draw hundreds of business and community leaders to a downtown Seattle ballroom. The 2021 version sent the crowd to their cell phones and laptop screens. Solo viewers and small gatherings joined the virtual BIG Gala from Seattle and Bellevue—and from as far afield as Las Vegas and New York.
Presenting partner Charter Construction was proud to headline a list of businesses and local leaders who backed the event. Chairman Peter Saladino said his company supports Big Brothers Big Sisters because of the organization’s concrete impact on local youth. “Because of Big Brothers Big Sisters, thousands of kids have a friendship with a trusted adult mentor. A connection like that defends against anxiety, which is so high among young people right now,” said Saladino. “If Big Brothers Big Sisters can continue mentoring during a pandemic, Charter Construction can definitely support a virtual fundraiser to make it possible.”
KEEP KIDS CONNECTED
VIRTUAL MATCHING:
Now more than ever, our children and their parents need emotional and social support. While working remotely to observe safe social distancing, our team continues to provide the support and resources necessary to keep our youth connected during these difficult times. Zoom, Teams, Skype, and FaceTime are just some of the innovative tools we use to conduct virtual interviews, so we can match youth with a Big Brother or Big Sister.
VIRTUAL MENTORING:
Within every child lies the potential for greatness. We know how important it is to keep our youth connected to both school and social support activities while home. MentorU is our safe and monitored mentoring platform for mentors and mentees to continue their relationships while they may be separated due to COVID-19.
Join Big Brothers Big Sisters as we partner with youth, volunteers, families and the community to be there for each other and to get through this crisis together.
