Uncategorized Archives - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana

Big Brother Bob Rath with Little Brother Xavier.

I am a Colombian American who grew up in Indianapolis at a time when there were very few Hispanics in Indiana, only around one percent. My dad passed away when I was just three years old, leaving my Colombian mother to raise four young children, aged three to ten, on her own.

The 1970s were a difficult time for single mothers and for immigrants in Indiana. Finding employment, obtaining credit, and buying used cars were just a few of the barriers faced by women, especially immigrant single mothers.

We felt lucky to have an international aspect to life – in cuisine, books, décor, perspective. But, in some ways, it just seemed normal to us. I remember an incident when I was about five years old. Someone made a comment about my mom’s accent, and I wondered, “what accent?” She spoke limited English before marriage and always had a strong accent, but it was just normal to me.

Our nearest relatives were in eastern Ohio and New Jersey, and most of my family lived in Colombia. Mom was our only daily adult influence, and we think she did a great job raising four kids on her own, always a proud Colombian.

My appreciation of my heritage grew over time, especially as an undergraduate at Indiana University. As a senior preparing to graduate from college, I sought opportunities to work internationally. I began my career at RCA and had several assignments in Mexico, where I met and married my wife, Alma.

“My Hispanic heritage has influenced every aspect of my life, for which I am a happy and proud Hispanic Hoosier.”

We speak Spanish at home, our three kids are bilingual, we have all worked with international organizations or clients/students, and we visit family in Mexico when possible.

My Hispanic heritage has influenced every aspect of my life, for which I am a happy and proud Hispanic Hoosier.

Bob and Xavier at the Indianapolis Zoo around Día de los Muertos.

Xavier’s father was from Mexico but has not been present in his life. Xavier expressed an interest in connecting with his heritage, which I believe was a factor in our being matched by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana. Being Hispanic American is something important that we share and appreciate.

We have attended several international events together, including Fiesta Indianapolis, Fiesta Lawrence, and Día de los Muertos celebrations. Xavier has enjoyed trying cuisine from different parts of Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela. He even started to make breakfast burritos at home!

Celebrations of heritage were not very common in Indiana when I was growing up. I love that people now gather to celebrate so many aspects of their lives, including heritage and identity. Many families, like mine growing up, are unable to visit their family abroad. Events like Hispanic Heritage Month bring people together here, in Central Indiana, to celebrate their culture with people from all cultures.

A couple of events predate Hispanic Heritage Month but laid a foundation, locally. For our family and many others, Indianapolis became a brand-new city after hosting the Tenth Pan American Games in 1987. Never had so much Spanish been spoken in Indianapolis! Fiesta Indianapolis was a big deal in the 1980s, also. Mom was a founding member of the Sociedad Amigos de Colombia and would cook flan for the SADCO booth at Fiesta in the early years.

Xavier and I will be at Fiesta Indianapolis again this year, for sure!

INDIANAPOLIS (September 26,2024) – On September 26, 2024, Reggie Wayne will address hundreds of top business and civic leaders at Lucas Oil Stadium for The Main Event with Title Sponsor Delta Faucet Company and benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI).

Reggie Wayne, entering his third season as the Indianapolis Colts’ wide receivers coach, has made significant contributions both on and off the field. During his tenure, the Colts’ offense has consistently ranked among the top in the NFL, with players like Michael Pittman Jr. achieving career-high statistics under Wayne’s guidance. A first-round pick in the 2001 NFL Draft, Wayne set franchise records for the Colts, earned six Pro Bowl selections, won a Super Bowl ring, and secured induction into the team’s Ring of Honor. During The Main Event, BBBSCI will also recognize their annual Community Mentor Award honoree – this year, in legacy of Jim Morris of Pacers Sports & Entertainment – and their 2024 class of Alumni Hall of Fame Bigs & Littles.

 The Main Event is a traditionally sports-themed event that has long been one of the city’s premier fundraisers, raising over $400,000 for BBBSCI. “At Delta Faucet Company, we believe deeply in the power that connection and relationships have on our community. We are honored to partner with BBBSCI to support the work they do in central Indiana to connect kids with caring mentors and proud of our employees that serve as Bigs to support this mission,” stated Joe Rogalski, Vice President – Information Services of Delta Faucet Company and Board member for BBBSCI.

“We can’t wait to host The Main Event in Lucas Oil Stadium for the very first time with the legendary Reggie Wayne,” shared Darcey Palmer-Shultz, CEO of BBBSCI. “Each year, BBBSCI is blown away by our community’s support, which shows a commitment to making sure every kid has somebody by their side to guide them, encourage them, and inspire them.”

“I am so excited to be a part of The Main Event and BBBSCI’s mission,” said Reggie Wayne, celebrity guest speaker at the event. “Mentors in my life have guided me through the toughest challenges to find my greatest achievements, and I have had the opportunity to mentor many young people during my coaching career. BBBSCI truly exemplifies the importance of and commitment to connection in central Indiana.”

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 Main Event, visit https://www.bebigforkids.org/event/the-main-event-2024/.

Crew Carwash to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters for a fundraising event at all locations

INDIANAPOLIS (July 11, 2024) – Crew Carwash, an Indiana-based family business, is partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters for its fifteenth annual Crew for Kids fundraiser.

“Since 1948, Crew Carwash has consistently given back to our local communities, thanks to the support of our incredible teams,” said Bill Dahm, CEO of Crew Carwash. “We are proud to host Crew for Kids annually with Big Brothers Big Sisters to support the kids of Indiana and Minnesota.”

As part of its Crew for Kids fundraiser, Crew will be donating 50% of the proceeds from the Ultimate Wash to Big Brothers Big Sisters. The event will take place Saturday, July 27, at all 48 locations. Select Crew Carwash locations will host local officials, mascots, and other special guests on-site for the fundraiser. Crew will be accepting credit and cash donations at all locations and will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Funds raised will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies that serve markets in which Crew has locations. The agencies to receive the proceeds from this fundraiser include Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Lafayette, Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Indiana, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wabash Valley, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bartholomew County and
Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities.

“As we approach our 15th annual Crew for Kids event, our team at Crew Carwash is excited to continue our support for Big Brothers Big Sisters,” said Sally Grant, Executive Vice President of Crew Carwash. “We are honored to be a part of an initiative that offers impactful opportunities for youth in our community to reach their full potential.”

Last year, Crew raised more than $180,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters. In total, the company has raised over $1,000,000 for the nonprofit since its inaugural Crew for Kids fundraiser in 2010.

“We are excited for this year’s Crew for Kids event, which raises funds and awareness towards connecting more kids in our community with mentors. Beyond mentorship, BBBSCI provides kids with social connection through a mentor who will stand by them and support them as they navigate growing up,” said Darcey Palmer-Shultz, CEO of BBBSCI. “Our team at BBBSCI is continually grateful for the customers and team members at Crew Carwash for coming out to make this event a success and
support our community’s young people.”

To view event details and to RSVP, please visit the Facebook event page here.

To learn more about Crew, visit www.crewcarwash.com. Customers can connect with Crew on social media on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit www.bbbs.org or connect on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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About Crew Carwash
Family owned since 1948, Crew Carwash is one of the largest carwash companies in the United States. With over 1,000 full-time and part-time employees, Crew Carwash has been named Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work for the past several years. Crew Carwash strives to provide clean, fast, and friendly service to every customer. With locations in Indiana and Minnesota, Crew is continuing to expand in the Midwest. For more information and a location list, please visit www.crewcarwash.com.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters
Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters is the largest and most experienced youth mentoring organization in the United States. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Big Brothers
Big Sisters’ evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters has over 230 local agencies serving more than 5,000 communities across all 50 states. Learn more at www.bbbs.org.

Indianapolis Indians, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indiana Sports Corp, & Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana Partner to Recruit 300 Men in 3 Months

(Indianapolis, IN) – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI), in partnership with the Indianapolis Indians, Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), and Indiana Sports Corp, officially announced today a community campaign to “Rally for MENtors” with a goal of recruiting 300 men to volunteer as mentors over the next three months.

BBBSCI will launch its “Rally for MENtors: 300 Men in 3 Months” campaign on April 1, 2024, which shares the urgency and demand for more mentors, especially men, needed in our community. With more than 1,000 kids, including 800 boys, in Central Indiana waiting for mentors, BBBSCI, Indianapolis Indians, IMS, and Indiana Sports Corp are working together to recruit 300 men to become Bigs between April 1, 2024, through June 30, 2024. Each month will feature one of our partners – asking community members to “Step Up to the Plate” with the Indianapolis Indians in April, “Fuel Up Futures” with the IMS in May, and “Stretch for the Finish” with Indiana Sports Corp during the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Swimming in June.

“The Indianapolis Indians has been honored to work alongside BBBSCI for well over a decade to encourage and recruit more men to become mentors for kids in our community,” stated Joel Zawacki, Assistant General Manager of the Indianapolis Indians. “To know that 800 boys are waiting for a mentor of their own reinforces our drive to do our part in Central Indiana.”

“IMS is excited to partner, once again, with BBBSCI to find more mentors to pair with the hundreds of kids, especially boys, waiting for a Big,” said Penske Entertainment Senior Vice President, Allison Melangton. “Through our continued partnership, we hope see that waiting list get down to zero soon.”

“For 45 years, Indiana Sports Corp embraced the challenge of bringing and hosting the best sporting events to Indianapolis each year, and now, we’re gearing up to embark on yet another challenge to our entire community – helping to make sure that every kid who wants a mentor gets one,” said Indiana Sports Corp President Patrick Talty. “Through this campaign and many future events, we are looking forward to partnering with BBBSCI to elevate the need and encourage more people to get involved with their community.”

“Being a mentor is all about spending just a little bit of time to be there for a young person and to connect them to experiences that help them explore and grow. The truth is mentoring happens in everyday moments, but it can also include some special memories like watching a baseball game together at Victory Field, joining in the tradition and thrill of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, or cheering for athletes competing to make the 2024 Olympic team,” says Darcey Palmer-Shultz, CEO of BBBSCI. “We don’t take it lightly that when we called for help, the Indians, IMS, and Indiana Sports Corp immediately stepped up to answer that call. We have too many kids in our community waiting for support, especially too many boys, and as always, we are grateful to have partners who rally together to make a difference.”

To learn more about BBBSCI and the Rally for MENtors: 300 Men in 3 Months campaign, visit https://www.bebigforkids.org/rally-for-mentors-300-men-in-3-months/.

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About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana is based in Indianapolis and serves youth and families who reside in Marion, Hamilton, and Johnson counties through one-to-one mentoring relationships with adult volunteers. The Big Brothers Big Sisters vision is that all youth achieve their full potential. To fulfill that vision, the mission of BBBSCI is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. This year, BBBSCI will defend the potential of local youth through 1,100+ mentoring relationships. To volunteer, donate, or for more information, visit www.BeBigForKids.org or call (317) 921-2201.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI) hosted its annual event, The Biggest Social, on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at The Club at Crosspoint. BBBSCI invited community members interested in getting involved with the program to attend. At the event, BBBSCI honored the second class of Changemaker Award winners, recognized the 2024 Matches of the Year, and celebrated National Mentoring Month alongside the agency’s volunteers and supporters.

The Changemaker Awards began in 2023 and honor three corporations or organizations that have gone above and beyond to catalyze transformational change and better BBBSCI’s programming for the central Indiana community. This year, BBBSCI recognized AES Indiana as a top corporate partner for presenting the Big Futures: Career & College Readiness program and sponsoring various other events; the Indianapolis Colts as a top community partner for opening the door to new opportunities for the agency and our matches; and Eli Lilly and Company as a top volunteer partner for having the most Bigs as employees and coordinating their Lilly Global Day of Service for the past nine years to benefit BBBSCI.

Brandi Davis-Handy, Chief Customer Officer at AES U.S. Utilities and Board President for BBBSCI, shared, “AES Indiana is honored to be recognized as a Changemaker, and even more, we are honored to support the game-changing mentorship and programs that BBBSCI provides for our community.”

Ande Sadtler, Director of Community Impact for the Indianapolis Colts, said, “The Colts have loved engaging with BBBSCI deeper throughout our current three-year partnership. Our staff, players, coaches, and entire organization truly believe in the impact a mentor has on kids – standing alongside them as they develop into exceptional young people.”

During the night, BBBSCI also recognized our 2024 class of Matches of the Year – Bigs and Littles who have built an exceptional mentoring relationship with each other that has positively impacted each other’s lives. Darcey Palmer-Shultz, CEO of BBBSCI, shared, “BBBSCI is excited to celebrate the young people, volunteers, and partners who bring our mission to life and share the rippling impact they have in our community through their involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters. If you’ve been thinking about doing something meaningful in 2024, we hope you’ll attend and consider getting involved.”

Click here to view all stories of our ten 2024 Matches of the Year.

For several decades, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI) has partnered with the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) in Indianapolis to support more youth in the central Indiana community with mentorship services.

With more than 1,000 young people still waiting for a mentor from the BBBSCI program, NPHC and BBBSCI hosted the second annual Coffee, Collab, & Convo event to raise more awareness for the need for more mentors, as well as recognize the ongoing partnership between BBBSCI and the NPHC. The event took place at the BBBSCI Mentoring Hub on Friday, January 19, 2024.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America President & CEO, Artis Stevens, joined the event virtually to speak about the impact that the NPHC has had for kids nationwide, as well as the continued need for more collaboration and partnership between the two organizations. Additionally, Frank Davis, former BBBSCI Board member and community leader, also spoke about the impact of mentorship throughout his life and those he’s known.

At the end, BBBSCI recognized the Chi Chi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) with a distinguished award for our partnership over the years. Several members of the Chapter have served as long-time Bigs to multiple Littles, including Esther Woodson, Executive Director of Indy Achieves, and Inga Harrington.

As a thank you for being a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Starbucks and BBBSCI are offering all active Bigs a FREE tall (12 fl. oz.) beverage of their choice each Friday in January of 2024.

Present your BBBSCI volunteer ID card or your promotional postcard at participating Central Indiana Starbucks stores to receive your free tall beverage (12 fl. oz.) beverage on January 5, 12, 19, and 26.

Only “stand alone” Starbucks stores are participating in the promotion. Starbucks counters inside retail stores (like Meijer and Target), airports, hotels, etc. are not participating in this promotion. Click here for a list of participating stores in Central Indiana.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana Aims to Raise $300,000, Recruit 300 New Bigs

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI) announces its Giving Tuesday campaign, The Big Blitz presented by the Indianapolis Colts, aimed at raising $300,000 to support one-to-one mentoring relationships and encouraging 300 people to take the first step to become Bigs. Every dollar raised to $150,000 will be matched by generous donors of BBBSCI. Taking place on November 28, 2023, The Big Blitz is an essential fundraising and recruitment effort driven by BBBSCI’s current and alumni Bigs and supporters that provides the connections and capacity for BBBSCI to match more young people in Marion, Hamilton, and Johnson counties with a caring and competent mentor.

Ande Satler, Director of Community Impact with the Indianapolis Colts, stated, “The Colts are excited to present The Big Blitz in partnership with BBBSCI for the third year in a row. The Colts believe that the mentoring friendships created and supported through BBBSCI help guide and shape the futures of our young people, and we are committed to positively impacting the greater Indianapolis community through this partnership.”

Through the storytelling of its biggest advocates, BBBSCI will invite the public to engage in an online fundraising campaign to support the creation of new mentoring relationships and sign up to volunteer – all to reach more of the 900+ youth waiting for a mentor.

“What makes this effort special is the support of our volunteer mentors. They see first-hand the impact of mentoring through their time with their Littles, and they want to help make sure more kids in our community benefit from that experience. We are grateful to the thousands of supporters and the Indianapolis Colts for showing through their words and action how much they believe in the power of mentorship,” shared Darcey Palmer-Shultz, CEO of BBBSCI.

BBBSCI invites the Central Indiana community to join their efforts to make a difference in the lives of kids in Central Indiana. Every person who makes a monetary donation or starts the process of becoming a Big will help BBBSCI create 100+ new mentoring friendships for kids in Central Indiana.

On Monday, November 27, 2023, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI) hosted the Run the Clock Bash at the BBBSCI Mentoring Hub to celebrate the MVPs who were instrumental in recruiting new Bigs and fundraising leading up to Giving Tuesday. The event aimed to honor the supporters of The Big Blitz and was open to individuals aged 21 and above interested in becoming Bigs. BBBSCI’s Giving Tuesday campaign, which launched in October, aimed to recruit 300 new mentors and raise $300,000. The Run the Clock Bash was a fantastic opportunity for attendees to interact with current and prospective mentors, staff, and special guests. Along with appetizers and drinks, attendees also enjoyed a special appearance from DeForest Buckner, the star defensive tackle for the Indianapolis Colts. Buckner was excited to be one of the champions for the Indianapolis Colt’s partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters and celebrate the difference that MVPs were making for the Central Indiana community. He also shared the positive impact of mentoring and how it has influenced his life. One major highlight of the event was the achievement of the MVPs in reaching their first few fundraising goals of over $20,000 before Giving Tuesday. The Run the Clock Bash was a huge success, thanks to the organizers, supporters, and MVPs who helped make it possible.

Energetic and fully charged, The Main Event returned to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in October 2023 for an evening celebration of the impact of mentoring and Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission. Attendees rallied together to GO THE DISTANCE to defend, ignite, and empower the potential of all young people in Central Indiana! The experience went into overdrive as attendees took part in an exclusive evening at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track. They heard from celebrity speakers and inducted Matches into the Alumni Hall of Fame, while enjoying entertainment, a silent auction, food, and drink. The atmosphere was electric as everyone raced to ignite the power and promise of youth alongside the community! It was a night to remember, and all attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to making a difference.