On Wednesday, July 21, at 10:00am at the Free Speech Monument in downtown Charlottesville, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge unveiled two public service announcements featuring Dave Koehn, “The Voice of the Cavaliers.”  Dave is the Honorary Spokesperson for the organization, as well as a Big Brother himself.  The PSAs are aimed at recruiting active adult volunteers (especially males) to serve as mentors for area children, and will air on a number of local radio stations.  Koehn was joined at the event by Dave Norris, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters. 
 
“Volunteering as a Big Brother is a great way to make a difference in a young person’s life, and best of all, it’s fun” says Koehn. “Even with a busy schedule like mine, it’s easy to find time for a friend.” Each week, Bigs and Littles share simple activities like playing catch, going to a park or library or just hanging out. Volunteers receive training, activity suggestions and ongoing support to focus on the youth’s development.
 
Earlier this year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge announced a campaign to recruit “100 Mentors for 100 Kids in 2010.” To learn more about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, visit www.bbbsocbr.org or call (434) 244-0882.

For an excellent news story on the event, please see below:

“It is all about supporting organizations where it is clear the money goes towards what it takes to support the people they are working with” stated Mr. Freeman when presenting the check. “The people who helped to run my campaign for city office believe the organizations donated to exemplify that characteristic”.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge has two offices that serve the Central Blue Ridge Region including the City of Waynesboro. Currently there is a need for volunteers to work with the organization in a various capacities including becoming a Big Brother or Sister. If you are interested in finding out more about how to become a volunteer, please contact Marta Szuba at (540) 241-7626 or marta@bbbsocbr.org. More
information can also be found at www.bbbsocbr.org or on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge Facebook page.

Description of organization and program:  Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States. Our mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with mentors that have a measurable impact on youth. The Big Brothers Big Sisters Community-Based Match Program enrolls, screens, and matches volunteers with youth ages 6-13. Bigs and Littles plan regular outings to play catch in the park, go to a museum, cook a meal together, take a walk or just hang out.

Description of position:  The Program Development Intern will be responsible for assisting with many aspects of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Community-Based Match Program, including Volunteer Management, Case Management, Events, Resource Development and Communications. Working at a small organization with goals for major growth over the next year will provide ample opportunities for meaningful work. The Program Development Intern will learn Best Practices for working with volunteers, gain familiarity with non-profits and social services serving at-risk youth in the Charlottesville area, learn about resource development, and enhance their organizational and communication skills. 

Compensation: $100/month stipend

Primary Responsibilities:

• Managing volunteer intake process
• Event planning
• Data Management
• Coordinating office volunteers
• Online communications and weekly e-newsletter

Qualifications:

• Good communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to work independently
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs
• Interest in non-profits and social services
• Bilingual English-Spanish speaker or Spanish conversations skills are a plus

Time Commitment: 20 hrs/week for approximately three months, starting June 1^st. Scheduling and start/end dates are somewhat flexible.

To apply: Please send cover letter, resume and three references (at least one must be academic or professional) by Friday, May 15^th to:

Becky Reid, Program Coordinator

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge
PO Box 814 | Charlottesville | VA | 22902
becky@bbbsocbr.org | p: 434-244-0882 | f: 434-244-0885

Siips is donating a portion of the proceeds from all sales that night to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge (www.bbbsocbr.org).  Raffle tickets will also be available throughout the evening for a free wine seminar for two; 100% of ticket proceeds will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters.  Big Brothers Big Sisters recently launched a campaign to recruit “100 Mentors for 100 Kids in 2010,” and all income from this fundraiser will directly support that effort.  Hope to see you there!

Special note: Big Brothers Big Sisters Executive Director (and Charlottesville Mayor) Dave Norris will be Siips’ special guest “Celebrity Bartender” for the evening.  Here’s your chance to order Dave around and make him say “Yes Ma’am” and “Yes Sir” to you for two hours straight. It’s for the kids, Dave. It’s for the kids.

Contact: Dave Norris, Executive Director — (434) 242-5165 or cvilledave@hotmail.com

On Thursday, Feb. 18, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge will kick off a major new campaign to benefit Charlottesville-area youth.

“By recruiting at least 100 new volunteers in 2010 to serve as positive role models and mentors for at least 100 kids,” says Dave Norris, BBBS’ regional Executive Director, “Big Brothers Big Sisters will be able to touch the lives of numerous area residents and help many of our young people to realize their highest potential.”

Dave Koehn, “The Voice of the Cavaliers,” has not only signed on as the honorary spokesman for the “100 Mentors for 100 Kids in 2010″ campaign, but he is in the process of signing up to become a volunteer Big Brother himself. Koehn will speak at Thursday’s kick-off event.

Details of the event are as follows:

“100 Mentors for 100 Kids in 2010″ Campaign Kick-Off
Thursday, February 18, 12:00-1:00pm
Siips, 212 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall

Honorary Co-Hosts:
Karen Beauford and Jeff Mitchell

Featured Guest and Honorary Campaign Spokesman:
Dave Koehn of Virginia Sports — “The Voice of the Cavaliers”

Come join Karen, Jeff, Dave and other supporters of Big Brothers Big Sisters for a fun, informal gathering as we kick off our new mentor recruitment campaign and unveil:

* Our new BBBS Website (to be located at www.bbbsocbr.org)
* Our new BBBS Facebook Page
* Our new BBBS Staff (including Dave Norris, our regional Executive Director and current Charlottesville Mayor)
* Our new plans for BBBS in 2010 and beyond!

The event is free and open to the public and the media. Complimentary light fare and beverages will be available.

For more info., please contact Dave Norris at cvilledave@hotmail.com or (434) 242-5165.