There was a bit of snow in the air this week…but I know that spring is just around the corner. With the coming of spring brings the coming of our annual Bowl for Kids Sake Event. As I visit with directors from other BBBS agencies around the country, I soon learn that our event is larger than most…may be one of the largest in the nation. …right here in South Dakota.
How can that happen? I believe it comes from the work of MANY dedicated leaders and volunteers over many years. A great event doesn’t just happen overnight. It grows from great seeds that are planted and nourished. Those seeds were planted and nourished by wonderful agency leaders many years ago and we have become a well-oiled machine today…that has FUN FUN FUN!!!!
So how do we go from good to great? A wonderful committee of agency friends has dedicated themselves to filling every lane this year. That is 8 sessions of bowling: at Ellsworth Airbase, in Spearfish, and in Rapid City. That is 32 teams at Ellsworth, 104 teams in Rapid City, and 20 teams in spearfish. That sounds like a LOT of bowling…but TONs of FUN, great prizes, wonderful company and excellent costumes! Talk to your friends, work colleagues, neighbors or acquaintances and think about making new friends through bowling with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Registration information is on the Calendar section of our website.

As we begin 2012, this agency has a renewed enthusiasm for the important work of mentoring…celebrating 50 years of serving the Rapid City area. We are constantly reminded of the quiet yet monumental changes that have occurred over these 50 years for the thousands of children and adults who have crossed the threshold to become a part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters family.
Just as a family goes through its good times and times of challenge, so has Big Brothers Big Sisters. Yet with the guidance of hundreds of Board members through the years who remained steadfast in the mission of the organization as well as staff members who provided support, guidance and friendship to our families…we have all moved forward in the belief that the children of Rapid City and the surrounding area are truly our most valuable resource. This village has worked together as a united team for 50 years to provide strength, support and encouragement to our children.
Please be aware of our 50 year celebration activities around you in this community in the upcoming months. “Who Mentored Each President” will provide a wonderful afternoon walk through our beautiful presidential statues. Notice the downtown window posters regarding our 50 year celebration. Read the table tents on display at various local eating establishments sharing local information on “Who Mentored You” dignitaries.
Our matches are the quiet unseen positive activity that surrounds you in every day places happening on a daily basis at Big Brothers Big Sisters…in the past…in the present…and for 50 years to come. Be a part of our 50 year celebrations in 2012! START SOMETHING!