Big Brothers Big Sisters goes to Camp

Another year of Camp for our Littles is in the books! June 3rd through 6th about 40 of our Littles were able to head to Bessemer to go to spend the week at Camp Fletcher. It was a great opportunity for the kids to truly experience camp! 

A special thanks to the leadership and staff of Camp Fire Alabama for hosting our kids and being their leaders for the week. The kids were able to truly experience camp as it should be!

 

Archery
Slip and slides
Hikes
Canoeing
Bonfire
Scavenger Hunts
Cookouts

and more! 

 

Friday it was time to head back to Birmingham. Everyone was tired and ready to be reunited with families, but had a great time at Camp experiencing new things and making new friends. The trip to Camp Fletcher was made possible by Camp Fire Alabama, the BBBS Young Advisory Board, and BBBS Staff! Thank you all for your support! 

April Bigs Only Event

Last Thursday, April 3rd, was our first Bigs Only event of the year! We had a great turnout and everyone enjoyed themselves. Our Bigs were able to come and sit and enjoy appetizers and dinner while getting to know one another better. It is such an awesome opportunity for volunteers to be able to hang out with other volunteers and talk about different experiences and what it is like to be a Big Brother or Big Sister. We would like to thank Jessica Moody from the Cultural Alliance for coming to talk to our Bigs about activities they can do with their Little and the Birmingham365 website and all that they can learn about  through that initiative. Keep a look out for the next event this Summer! 

2014 Alabama Big Brother of the Year

We are proud to announce that our 2014 Big Brother of the Year, Ky Sevier, has also been named Big Brother of the Year for the State of Alabama. In January, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham awarded the 2014 Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year. Big Brother of the Year, Ky Sevier, and Big Sister of the Year, Barbara Bowlby, were chosen for their commitment and dedication to their “Littles” and for being excellent mentors and role models.

Ky was matched with his Little Brother, Marvin, in November of 2011. Ky and Marvin both motivate each other in all areas of their lives. Since Ky and Marvin have been matched, Marvin has transformed to a more confident, funny, and committed student. He is involved in many after school activities such as the wrestling team. Ky has encouraged Marvin to work hard and they have both enjoyed seeing the benefits of Marvin’s hard work. 

We would like to thank both Ky and Barbara for being excellent mentors.  Their generosity with their time and friendship have changed lives and set an example for others to follow. 

A Night of Big Stars Rehearsals

We are in the midst of the second week of rehearsals for our A Night of Big Stars fundraiser coming up on August 17th! It is already proving to be an event you don't want to miss. Check out some of the fun pictures from the kids at rehearsal!

Practice, Practice, Practice! 

Girls having fun at rehearsals! 

Practicing vocals! 

Honorary Chairman, Jack Darnall, with Roslyn and Molley

Honorary Chairman, Robert Buchalter, with Jaeden! 

Honorary Co-Chairmen, Robert Buchalter and Jack Darnall, with kids and staff from BBBS and ArtPlay! 

BBBS Night at the Barons

What a special time we had on Friday, July 19th! The Birmingham Barons hosted Big Brothers Big Sisters for a special BBBS Night at the Barons. 50 tickets were donated from Alabama Power and Coca-Cola so that over 20 matches were able to attend the Barons game. Our very own Big Brother of the Year, Phillip Howard, and his Little Brother, Cordae, were able to throw out the first pitch. It was definitely an unforgettable experience.

Phillip Howard with his Little, Cordae, on the field getting ready! 

Phillip, Cordae, and BBBS CEO Sue Johnson. 

CBS even came out and did a story on Phillip and Cordae and the special night! You can check it out here.

Art Show

Big Brothers Big Sisters was happy to host an art show on July 11th for one of our former littles, Marquis, and one of his friends, Michael. The night was a great time for Marquis and Michael to show off their art and make some money for college. Interested parties and matches alike turned out to support and shop! 

Michael and Marquis are both graduates of the Alabama School of Fine Arts and are both continuing their study of Art in college. Marquis will be going on to study at the Watkins College of Art, Design & Film. Michael will be going on to Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science & Art. We wish them both the best of luck and make sure to come back and visit us! We can't wait to say "We knew them when..."!

July Big of the Month

Julie Killpack is our featured Big of the Month! Julie and Khrysten have been matched since 2009 and have only grown closer over the years they have been matched. Julie has become a reliable figure in Khrysten's life and they have both enjoyed becoming members of each other's families. Julie and Khrysten particpated in a 12-week program put on by Hand-in-Paw and BBBS that included group therapy sessions with dogs to help children work on communication, school, diversity, and other topics. Julie says Khrysten has become much more than a little sister, she is now a "good friend."