(Indianapolis, IN) – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI), in collaboration with Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), celebrated a successful ”500 Bigs by the Indy 500” volunteer recruitment campaign with 584 potential volunteers sharing their interest in becoming mentors, or “Bigs.” 

With close to 1,000 young people waiting for one-to-one mentoring services in Central Indiana, BBBSCI and IMS worked together to elevate the need for more caring mentors to support kids throughout Marion, Hamilton, and Johnson counties. 

“IMS knew that Indy would step up in this moment because that’s what our community does,” said Penske Entertainment Senior Vice President Allison Melangton. “We are grateful to be in the position where the Central Indiana community wants to give back, and IMS wants to celebrate this successful campaign as much as we all celebrate the historic Indianapolis 500 each year!” 

“BBBSCI is so proud to be part of a community that uplifts kids and their potential to thrive,” says Darcey Palmer-Shultz, CEO of BBBSCI. “With each person who has taken the first step to become a mentor, our community is answering the call of hundreds of kids and families who want just one more person to be part of the village it takes to support a young person. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. And, let’s keep it going.” 

Below, see some of the matches that were made from the “500 Bigs by the Indy 500” campaign.

BBBS has been a leader in mentorship for 120 years, and BBBSCI has served this community for 50+ years. We use evidence-based mentoring practices that show that mentorship is good for young people, good for the economy, and good for society. 

Through a groundbreaking economic impact study focused on the BBBS mentoring program, it has shown that: 

• Littles are 20% more likely to enroll in college after high school graduation; 

• Littles enter the workforce earning more than their non-mentored peers, and they experience 15% higher income between the ages of 20 and 25 years old; and 

• Littles’ income as adults was more closely aligned with the higher income of their Bigs than their family – closing two-thirds of the socio-economic gap for Littles compared to non-mentored young people. 

Being a mentor, or “Big,” through BBBSCI requires a one-year commitment to be matched with a mentee, or “Little.” Bigs and Littles meet 4-6 hours per month, and together, they enjoy activities provided by BBBSCI and their partners or find activities within their community. To learn more about becoming a Big, visit www.bebigforkids.org/volunteer. 

(Indianapolis, IN) – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI), in collaboration with Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), officially announced today a volunteer campaign to recruit “500 Bigs by the Indy 500.” 

From March 19 through May 25, the day of the 109^th Running of the Indianapolis 500, BBBSCI and IMS will be working together to share the need and urgency for more mentors in the Central Indiana community. With over 1,200 young people who are waiting for a mentor in Central Indiana, BBBSCI and IMS are looking for 500 community members to step up and take the first step to become a mentor. 

“IMS is excited to partner with BBBSCI yet again to connect more kids with impactful mentors,” said Penske Entertainment Senior Vice President Allison Melangton. “We understand the importance of connection within our community, and we hope to bring more people together through both racing and mentorship this season.” 

“There is no city that rallies around their community like Indianapolis, and we are so grateful to IMS for collaborating with us again to give back to our community,” says Darcey Palmer-Shultz, CEO of BBBSCI. “Mentorship is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to change the trajectory of a kid’s life. With so many young people asking for another supportive person in their corner, we know that Central Indiana will show up to make sure that every child feels seen, appreciated, and valued.” 

BBBS has been a leader in mentorship for 120 years, and BBBSCI has served this community for 50+ years. We use evidence-based mentoring experiences that show that mentorship is good for young people, good for the economy, and good society: 

• Good for Young People – In the long term, adults who’ve had a positive mentor experience greater health benefits, reduced isolation, and live longer lives. People who have experienced mentorship are: 
  • Two times more likely to be involved in and hold leadership positions; 
  • 41% less likely to engage in substance abuse; and 
  • Two times more likely to enroll in post-secondary education. 

• Good for the Economy – Mentorship plays a crucial role in bridging capital and fostering upward economic mobility with evidence showing that creating economic connectedness in childhood leaders to higher income in adulthood. 

• Good for Society – Mentoring builds stronger social connections across diverse groups, leading to a more connected society across socioeconomic, racial, and geographic lines.  

Being a mentor, or “Big,” through BBBSCI requires a one-year commitment to be matched with a mentee, or “Little.” Bigs and Littles meet 4-6 hours per month, and together, they enjoy activities provided by BBBSCI and their partners or find activities within their community. To learn more about becoming a Big, visit www.bebigforkids.org/volunteer. 

To learn more about BBBSCI and the 500 Bigs by the Indy 500 campaign, visit www.bebigforkids.org/500by500.