Indianapolis–For the third year in a row, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI) is partnering with the Indianapolis Indians in an effort to recruit 100 adult male volunteers in 50 days and raise awareness of the importance of mentoring. The campaign begins April 21 and ends on June 9, 2018. This yearly campaign was launched by BBBSCI in 2014 to meet the overwhelming need for male mentors. The Indianapolis Indians are serving as the Presenting Partner for the campaign and will offer Knot Hole Club memberships to Bigs and Littles matched as a result of the campaign, as well as make special appearances at BBBSCI events during the campaign.
Nearly seventy percent of the children waiting to be matched with Bigs are boys. The average wait time for boys waiting to be matched is about one year due to the lack of male volunteers. The campaign is aimed at involving individuals and organizations 450of all kinds to participate or spread the word about the importance of mentoring. Through a wide range of community speaking events, social events, and awareness opportunities, the BBBSCI staff, current volunteers, Board of Directors, and campaign ambassadors will be pounding the pavement to engage men as Big Brothers, Big Couples, and Big Friend pairs.
“The Indianapolis Indians are truly invested in helping our community thrive,” Darcey Palmer-Shultz, BBBSCI Chief Executive Officer, shared. “We’re excited to partner with them for the third year to meet our shared goal of finding more male volunteers to mentor boys in our community. Mentoring has big benefits for not only the kids we serve, but also our community, and we’re grateful for the Indians’ support of our mission.”
“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana has an important mission,” said Randy Lewandowski, Indianapolis Indians president and general manager. “Many of us have mentors and others we look up to, but not everyone is fortunate to have such an influence in their lives. It’s important for our community to recognize the needs of our youth and do something to help when it’s needed.”
Individuals interested in getting involved are encouraged to contact Rick Belbutoski, Manager of Volunteer Outreach and Engagement, at: rbelbutoski@bbbsci.org / 317-472-3720 or visit our website at: www.bebigforkids.org/volunteer.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana will serve 1,200 youth this year by proving them with mentors (Bigs). BBBSCI partners with parents, guardians, volunteers, schools, donors, and others in the community to be accountable for helping youth in our program achieve higher aspirations, greater confidence, educational success, and avoidance of risky behaviors. An affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and a United Way partner, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana is a non-profit organization that provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. To volunteer, donate or for more information, visit www.bebigforkids.org or call (317) 921-2201.
About the Indianapolis Indians
The Indianapolis Indians are the professional Triple-A baseball club affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The organization believes in creating affordable and memorable experiences for fans, so they can grow closer together with family, friends and the community through the game of baseball. The Indians play their home games at Victory Field, a 14,200-seat ballpark located in downtown Indianapolis and White River State Park. The venue opened in 1996 and has received numerous national accolades as one of the best minor league ballparks in the United States. The Indians have either led Minor League Baseball in attendance or set franchise attendance records in each of the past five seasons. The team has been in continuous operation since 1902.
