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INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – On Saturday, October 3 at the JW Marriott Indianapolis, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI) hosted its annual gala “The Main Event” with Title Sponsor, Delta Faucet Company. 

This year, BBBSCI hosted a record-breaking event – raising $960,895+ through the event to support more mentorship opportunities for young people throughout Central Indiana. This is the most ever raised through The Main Event since the event’s inception 50+ years ago.

“The night was a celebration of the potential in our community’s kids and the power of showing up for them,” said Darcey Palmer-Shultz, CEO of BBBSCI. “Our mission to connect more young people with caring mentors remains steadfast and evergreen. We are grateful for the way our community showed up on Saturday night to help us do even more for young people this year.” 

Throughout the night, the immersive gala hosted 700+ guests with “The Magic of Mentoring” theme that replicated the Roaring 20s. Guests were dressed in their finest attire, as they experienced a mission-driven program, dinner, a surprise performance from the Cathedral High School and Middle School show choir, a magical performance by Jon Mobley, and dancing at the afterparty. 

“We’re proud to support Big Brothers Big Sisters and the important work they do to create connections, foster belonging and help young people reach their full potential,” said Joe Rogalski, senior vice president, information technology at Delta Faucet Company. “The stories shared throughout the evening were a powerful reminder of the difference mentors can make.” 

Each year, BBBSCI serves more than 1,255+ young people, ages 8 to 25 years old, across Hamilton, Johnson and Marion Counties. The organization’s mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. This work is not possible without “Bigs”, caring individuals aged 19 years or older who are interested in being a part of a child’s life twice per month for a minimum of one year. No special degree or professional experience is required. All it takes is a desire to make a positive difference. 

To learn more about The Main Event: The Magic of Mentoring, visit https://www.bebigforkids.org/event/the-main-event/.  

To learn more about becoming a Big, visit https://www.bebigforkids.org/volunteer/. 

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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. For 50+ years, BBBSCI has created and supported mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth throughout Central Indiana. This year, BBBSCI will support 1,400+ young people through one-to-one mentoring, group mentoring, and collaborative programs. To volunteer, donate, or for more information, visit www.BeBigForKids.org or call (317) 921-2201. 

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – For the second year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI) is partnering with local businesses to Paint the Town Green in support of youth mentorship.

From Monday, September 14, 2026, through Sunday, September 20, 2026, 60+ local businesses around Central Indiana are turning our community green by changing their lights, their clothes, their signs, and even their food and drinks green. Below are examples of how businesses are Painting the Town Green during this week:

Paint the Town Green week is meant to shine a light on the transformative power of mentorship for kids and the need for more mentors in Central Indiana. With 1,100+ young people currently waiting for a mentor, BBBSCI asks more community members to take the first step to become a mentor, or “Big.” On average, children wait 1-2 years for a mentor due to the shortage of volunteers.

“This week represents more than turning our community green,” says Darcey Palmer-Shultz, CEO of BBBSCI. “It’s a true representation of the commitment that the Central Indiana community has for supporting kids through the power of connection. We are so grateful that such a wide expanse of businesses here are stepping up to share the belief in mentorship and our kids.”

To learn more about Paint the Town Green, visit https://www.bebigforkids.org/pttg/.

To learn more about becoming a Big, visit https://www.bebigforkids.org/volunteer/.

Full List of Participating Businesses as of September 15, 2026:

  1. 10 Pins
  2. AES Indiana
  3. Back 9 Golf & Entertainment
  4. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana
  5. The Bloom Project
  6. The Book Fairy
  7. Bowen Engineering Corporation
  8. Byrne’s Pizza
  9. Community Alliance of the Far Eastside (CAFE)
  10. Capitol Construction Services, Inc.
  11. Carmel Clay Library
  12. Chilly Water Brewing Company
  13. Cinderwood Event Center
  14. Circle City Sweets
  15. Circle City Whiskey Co.
  16. City of Lawrence
  17. Cityoga School of Yoga and Health
  18. Cleo’s Bodega
  19. Coffeehouse Five
  20. Cornerstone Companies
  21. Counterpart
  22. Crew Carwash
  23. Crow & Clover
  24. Delta Faucet Company
  25. Dugout Bar
  26. Eli Lilly & Company
  27. Flix Brewhouse
  28. The Flying Cupcake
  29. Fruitful Frog Market & Organic Juicery
  30. Goelzer Investment Management
  31. Goosehead Insurance
  32. Hendricks Civic Theatre
  33. Indiana State Library
  34. Indianapolis Cultural Trail
  35. Indianapolis International Airport
  36. Indianapolis Motor Speedway
  37. Indianapolis Public Library – Martindale-Brightwood Branch
  38. Indy Networking
  39. The K & E Standard LLC
  40. Kan-Kan Cinema
  41. Lamar Advertising of Indianapolis
  42. Mays Chemical
  43. Midland Atlantic Properties
  44. MORE Magazine
  45. Ms. B’s Teas
  46. Newfields
  47. Pacers Sports & Entertainment
  48. Peterman Brothers
  49. Popcorn Queen
  50. The Prewitt Restaurant + Lounge
  51. Primrose Candle Co.
  52. Punkin’s Pies Sweet Treats
  53. Republic Airways
  54. Rooted with Ruby
  55. Scoop Shack
  56. Scoopz Ice Cream @ The AMP
  57. Seeds of Caring
  58. Starbucks
  59. Starfish Initiative
  60. Subito Soups
  61. Taylor’s Bakery
  62. Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
  63. Van Rooy Properties
  64. The Westin Indianapolis
  65. The Whispering Shelf
  66. Wild Geese Bookshop
  67. Yazsh Cafe & Bistro
  68. YMCA of Greater Indianapolis

Event Brings Total Contributions to Nearly $2 Million Since Inception

Crew Carwash, a trusted family-owned business since 1948, proudly announces the results of its 17th annual Crew for Kids fundraiser, which took place on Saturday, July 18, and was extended to include Sunday, July 19. Through a two-day effort across all 60 Crew locations in Indiana, Minnesota, and Illinois, the company raised $268,632 in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies that serve communities where Crew operates. Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across Indiana will receive over $180,000 to support local mentorship programs.

As part of the event, 50% of all proceeds from the Ultimate 360° and Ultimate Washes, including both in-store and online sales, were donated directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Select locations featured local volunteers, Bigs and Littles, radio remotes, special guests, and mascot appearances to help drive excitement and participation.

“We’re incredibly thankful for the team members, customers, and communities who helped make this year’s Crew for Kids a success,” said Sally Grant, 3rd Generation Family Business Leader & EVP of Crew Carwash. “Every Ultimate wash purchased helps connect more young people with mentors who build confidence, encourage bigger dreams, and help kids reach their full potential.”

Funds raised will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies serving the communities across the three states in which Crew has locations. The agencies to receive proceeds from this fundraiser include Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central Indiana, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Lafayette, Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago, and more local agencies of the youth organization.

“We are extremely grateful for the entire team at Crew Carwash for going above and beyond to support young people in our community, year after year,” said Darcey Palmer-Shultz, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana. “The funds raised, thanks to Crew Carwash and so many generous customers, will ensure that more kids have access to life-changing mentorship.”

Since its inception in 2010, Crew for Kids has now raised nearly $2 million to support Big Brothers Big Sisters programming across the Midwest.

Crew and Big Brothers Big Sisters invite customers to “be Big”—not just by donating, but by exploring what it means to become a mentor. In just a few hours each month, a Big can make a lasting difference in the life of a Little. Learn more at www.bebigforkids.org/volunteer.

For more information about Crew Carwash, visit www.crewcarwash.com.

Indianapolis, IN – The Arthur Dean Family Foundation (ADFF) has awarded Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI) with a $70,000 grant to support continued expansion of the agency’s Group Mentoring services and Beyond 18 program, as well as the well-being and renewal of staff members at BBBSCI. Since its founding in 2016, the Foundation has awarded more than $19 million to youth-serving organizations in Indiana. 

Over the past five years, BBBSCI has expanded its programming to reach more young people waiting for a one-to-one mentor through eight-week Group Mentoring cohorts. The model pairs one mentor with three mentees and uses a structured curriculum of interactive activities focused on Thriving Indicators — the skills, attitudes, and behaviors young people need to reach their full potential. The program was created to offer mentoring relationships in new ways in the face of declining volunteerism, while preserving the strong, lasting connections at the heart of BBBSCI’s work. With support from ADFF, BBBSCI plans to serve 200 youth through Group Mentoring this year. 

The grant also supports BBBSCI’s newly developed Beyond 18 program expansion, which provides ongoing professional mentoring from BBBSCI staff to young adults ages 18 to 25 who have graduated from the agency’s core one-to-one mentoring program. This program helps participants navigate early employment and postsecondary education while continuing to receive hands-on support from a trusted staff mentor. BBBSCI plans to grow the program from 42 to approximately 60 young adults this year. 

Darcey Palmer-Shultz, CEO of BBBSCI stated, “We really appreciate this generous support from and partnership with the Arthur Dean Family Foundation. As we have worked to build out a continuum of mentoring services that supports youth from age 8 to 25, we are finding more ways to connect young people to the mentoring relationships, developmental opportunities, and sense of belonging that Big Brothers Big Sisters has always been known for. The Group Mentoring and Beyond 18 programs supported by ADFF are still relatively new at BBBSCI, but we’re already seeing strong demand and meaningful outcomes from supporting youth in new ways. This support will make it possible to keep growing and strengthening these programs to reach more youth.” 

CREW CARWASH HOSTS ONE-DAY FUNDRAISER ACROSS INDY LOCATIONS

INDIANAPOLIS – Crew Carwash, a trusted family-owned business since 1948, is proud to announce the return of its annual Crew for Kids fundraiser in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Now in its sixteenth year, the one-day event will take place Saturday, July 18, at all 60 Crew Carwash locations across Indiana, Minnesota, and Illinois, including 54 in the Indianapolis and surrounding areas.

As part of the event, 50% of all Ultimate 360 and Ultimate Wash proceeds from both in-store and online sales on Saturday, July 18, will be donated directly to local Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies. A portion of all Ultimate 360 and Ultimate Unlimited Club member washes and 100% of all on-site donations will also be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters. With every qualifying wash purchase, customers can help create more opportunities for youth to reach their full potential through mentorship.

The event runs from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with an inclement weather date set for Saturday, July 25. Select locations will feature live appearances by local officials, mascots, and special guests throughout the day.

“Our team members look forward to Crew for Kids every year because they see firsthand the impact it has on the communities we serve,” said Bill Dahm, CEO of Crew Carwash. “We’re proud to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters for Crew for Kids to support the kids of Indiana, Minnesota, and Illinois.”

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

“Supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters through Crew for Kids has become one of our most meaningful traditions, and we’re thrilled to celebrate the event’s 17th year,” said Sally Grant, 3rd Generation Leader and Owner of Crew Carwash. “Every year, Crew for Kids helps us support the life-changing mentorship opportunities Big Brothers Big Sisters provides to empower youth to reach their full potential.”

In 2025, Crew Carwash raised more than $215,000 during the single-day fundraiser, bringing the company’s total contributions to over $1.7 million since the event’s inception in 2010.

“We love this day, and we are so, so grateful to Crew Carwash for the many ways they support our community. This marks the 17th year for the Crew for Kids event, and we appreciate the amazing support and awareness it generates,” said Darcey Palmer-Shultz, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana. “Crew Carwash is a great example of what it looks like for a company to care about the community. They employ Littles, encourage their team to volunteer as Bigs and Board members, provide important financial support, and create connections that further the impact of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. They are all in, and we are very appreciative.”

Crew and Big Brothers Big Sisters invite customers to “be Big”—not just by participating in the fundraiser, but by learning more about becoming a mentor. In just a few hours each month, mentors can make a lasting difference in a child’s life. Visit https://www.bebigforkids.org/volunteer to learn more.

For event details, visit the Crew for Kids event page here.

Big Night Out, presented by PepsiCo, is our largest annual activity for mentors, mentees, waiting Littles, families, and partner organizations. This jam-packed evening was held at The Children’s Museum on Friday, June 26, 2026.

Youth in attendance had the chance to explore different exhibits throughout the museum, learn new basketball tricks alongside the Indy Dunkers, meet special guests like Zeus the Robot and Colts Cheerleaders, glitter up with some temporary tattoos, and so much more!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana is thankful for the support of The Children’s Museum in giving our young people a space to celebrate, build community, and have fun! We know the memories that young people create at the museum alongside their friends, family, and mentors are memories that will last a lifetime.

A longtime board member and supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana was recently honored with an achievement award at Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s annual National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Susan Brock Williams, Associate Vice President of State Government Affairs with Eli Lilly and Company, was named the recipient of the Clifford P. Norman Award – an honor given to outstanding Big Brothers Big Sisters board members across the nation.

We are incredibly grateful to Susan and her dedication towards being a true champion for mentorship in the Central Indiana community. Through her role at Eli Lilly and Company, Susan has tirelessly worked to open doors to more recruitment opportunities and partnerships – directly helping to connect more young people with mentors.

Susan’s impact has reached far past Central Indiana, as she simultaneously served as the Co-Vice Chair of the Nationwide Leadership Council (NLC) for two years, ending her service in 2025. While in this national level role, Susan helped to connect Big Brothers Big Sisters agency affiliates with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America around topics like program standards, marketing and communications, advocacy, and so much more.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana wants to extend our biggest thanks to Susan Brock Williams for continuously finding new ways to uplift and support young people in Central Indiana and beyond. We are so fortunate to be impacted by the dedication Susan has for building a brighter community.

(INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.) – A Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI) match –
Little Sister Jaime and Big Sister Jaleesa – were selected as a National 2026 Big and
Little of the Year.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring organization in the United States, announced the recipients of the 2026 Big and Little of the Year awards during the organization’s annual National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia on June 18.

Selected from thousands of mentoring matches across the country, the 2026 honorees exemplify the transformative impact of one-to-one mentorship and the power of consistent, supportive relationships. Little Sister Jaime and Big Sister Jaleesa from Central Indiana were two of just four individuals that were awarded this honor.

“The relationship between Jaime and Jaleesa is such a special one,” says Darcey Palmer-Shultz, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana. “They represent so much of what mentorship is all about – showing up for another person and being that light that lets them know they are not alone. Because of Jaleesa, Jaime knows that she has someone in her corner cheering her on as she chases her dreams.”

Jaime and Jaleesa’s match began during a difficult period in Jaime’s life following
the traumatic loss of her father. Seeking additional support for her daughter, Jaime’s
mother enrolled her in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, which matched her
with Jaleesa. Over the years, their relationship has evolved into a deep sisterhood
rooted in trust, encouragement, and shared growth.

“Jaleesa is literally my big sister,” Jaime shared. “She has always been there. She’s always been a constant.”

Jaleesa’s mentorship helped Jaime navigate her grief and inspired her to discover new experiences and pursue ambitious goals for her future. Jaime now plans to attend Indiana University to study astronomy and accounting with aspirations of becoming an astronaut. She credits her Big Sister and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana with helping open doors to internships, professional mentorship opportunities and personal growth.

For Jaleesa, becoming a Big Sister was deeply personal. Raised by a single mother and surrounded by supportive adults who helped shape her own childhood, she wanted to provide that same sense of stability and encouragement to another young person.

“Over the course of our relationship, I’ve had the joy of watching Jaime grow and go after her dreams,” Jaleesa said. “And I’m proud to say, seven years later, she’s no longer chasing them. She’s living them.”

Click here to watch more about Jaime & Jaleesa’s unbreakable bond.

Being a mentor, or “Big,” through BBBSCI requires a one-year commitment to be matched with a mentee, or “Little.” Bigs and Littles meet twice a 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), celebrated a record-breaking ”500 Bigs by the Indy 500” volunteer recruitment campaign with 638 potential volunteers sharing their interest in becoming mentors, or “Bigs.” 

With 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 is proud to take part in this successful collaboration once again this year,” said Penske Entertainment Vice President, External Affairs and Senior Corporate Counsel, Jimmie McMillian. “We are excited to celebrate a record-breaking year for this campaign and honored to be part of a community that sees the power of mentorship.”

“BBBSCI took on a big goal this year because it really matters to us that every kid in our community has access to relationships, knows they belong, and can participate in opportunities that help them learn and grow. We are so grateful that IMS collaborates with us in a big push to make this happen,” said Darcey Palmer-Shultz, CEO of BBBSCI. “During a season when so many people and the team at IMS is running 230+ mph, our Central Indiana community showed up for each other – especially for our young people – to far surpass our initial goal. And, that’s what makes our community special. So, thank you to IMS and all those who continue to show up to keep kids connected, inspired, and seen.” 

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 provides the opportunity to tackle challenges around mental and emotional wellbeing; academic achievement; economic mobility; and positive behaviors and development for 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 two times 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. 

    Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI) hosted its annual Big Futures Celebration: Match Graduation & Beyond, powered by AES Indiana, on Sunday, April 26, 2026.

    This year, BBBSCI is excited to celebrate 66 mentoring relationships between Bigs and Littles who have been matched up to 10 years. Graduating mentoring relationships feature a Little who is graduating high school or turning 18 years old. BBBSCI is also overjoyed to award 18 Littles with scholarships for their next steps with scholarships totaling a record high of $71,500 awarded.

    Each mentoring relationship is unique and special, and there are several young people who have
    accomplished a myriad of events in their lives already – from a young person who is graduating as class valedictorian at their high school to a budding photographer who has begun taking professional photos at IHSAA events.

    “AES Indiana is proud to once again serve as the presenting sponsor of BBBSCI’s Big Futures: Career & College Readiness program,” said Claire Rice, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs & Impact at AES Indiana. “We believe young people will power our future, and this program is helping open doors for students across Central Indiana. By connecting them to career exploration and college experiences, BBBSCI is making big dreams feel possible, and we’re honored to support that work.”


    “The Big Futures Celebration is one of the most fulfilling events of the year for Big Brothers Big Sisters,” says Darcey Palmer-Shultz, CEO of BBBSCI. “It gives everybody involved the opportunity to reminisce about the past months and years that these mentors and mentees have committed to each other; celebrate the present accomplishment of graduating high school; and dream big for the impactful futures ahead for the awe-inspiring young people in our program. BBBSCI is grateful to have this moment that demonstrates the collective power of mentorship in one room, and we hope to share that with the community.”

    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 provides the opportunity to tackle challenges around mental and emotional wellbeing; academic achievement; economic mobility; and positive behaviors and development for young people.

    Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
    o The Need: According to the CDC, 40% of youth report feeling persistently sad or hopeless.
    o The Proven Opportunity: Mentored youth saw a 16% growth in emotional regulation and a 20%
    reduction in depressive symptoms compared to non-mentored youth.

    Academic Achievement
    o The Need: Districts report that roughly 22% of students missed 10% or more of school days in
    the 2024-2025 school year.
    o The Proven Opportunity: Mentored students are proven to attend school more regularly,
    perform better academically, and exhibit fewer behavioral problems than their nonmentored peers.

    Economic Mobility
    o The Need: More than 75% of youth are concerned about having necessary employment skills,
    and 74% of young adults lack access to a mentor.
    o The Proven Opportunity: Mentored youth earn an average of $200,000 more in lifetime
    earnings and are 20% more likely to enroll in college than their non-mentored peers.

    Positive Behaviors and Development
    o The Need: Young people who lack positive adult guidance face a significantly higher risk of
    entering the justice system – a pathway with cascading consequences for their futures, their
    families, and their communities.
    o The Proven Opportunity: Mentored youth are 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs, 27%
    less likely to begin using alcohol, 54% less likely to be arrested, and 52% less likely to skip school
    than non-mentored youth.

    Being a mentor, or “Big,” through BBBSCI requires a one-year commitment to be matched with a mentee, or “Little.” Bigs and Littles meet twice a 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 this graduating class of mentoring relationships, visit www.bebigforkids.org/event/bigfuturescelebration/.