As families gather together to celebrate Thanksgiving, we pause for a time to think about being grateful for the good things in our lives. Here at Big Brothers Big Sisters, the list of "good things" is long - beginning with our wonderful volunteers, children, families and staff. We are grateful to the 800 individuals who give their time to be mentors to children who want and need one. Thanks for letting the children come into your lives.

Our children and families are wonderful to work with. I am humbled when I see children stay on the right path with the help of their parents, guardians and volunteers. The resilience of our children is remarkable. Thanks to the parents and guardians who entrust their children to us.

I appreciate the many hours our board of directors gives to ensure the agency has the resources needed to continue the work we do. They truly are partners with me in making sure the agency is fiscally sound and utilizing best practices.

I am thankful for the outstanding staff who are committed to our vision that all children achieve success in life. They work together to recruit volunteers, create materials and campaigns to educate the public about the work we do, match our children, raise funds to sustain our programs, work in the schools to ensure even more children are served and do the administrative work of the agency. I could not be prouder of the dedicated staff we have and am thankful for the work they do.

My wish to each of our volunteers, children, families and staff is a Thanksgiving full of good memories and good food. Happy Thanksgiving.

Barbara A. Cempura
President and CEO
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois

To help Start Something for a child Click here www.bbbsil.org

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois Bowl For Kids’ Sake is one of the most unique teambuilding and volunteer fundraisers in Southwestern Illinois. The agency is currently seeking sponsors and bowlers to participate in the 2012 event. “With teams already signing up, great sponsors backing the event, and new prizes coming in every week, the preparation for Bowl for Kids' Sake 2012 is really heating up. We’ve added an on-line registration and pledge option this year, making the process simple, quick and as convenient as possible,” says Bowl For Kids' Sake coordinatior Jessica Schuette. The question is, have you signed up yet? Getting all the information you need is as simple as visiting our website at http://bowl.kintera.org/bbbsil or calling Jessica Schuette at 398-3162.

Education Express

Big Brothers Big Sisters was one of more than 20 organizations recognized by United Way for commitment to education in the region at a dinner on October 28th. United Way used the event to launch a new program - Education Express - to ensure that children in the region are successful in school. On a side note, while the dinner and recognition was happening our Cardinals were winning the 7th game of the World Series. Frequent updates of the score were provided along with the recognition of each agency.

Big Brothers Big Sisters had a Quarter Auction fundraiser on Friday, November 4th at Bel-Air Bowl. We were able to raise just under $1,500 for our agency. We would like to send a BIG thank you to Donna Soffen and Lori Winans for helping us coordinate this event. We would also like to thank the following vendors for coming out to show their support: Jerky Direct, Tupperware, MaryKay, Avon, Premier Jewelry, Scentsy, Lindt Chocolate, 31 Gifts, Jewelry Gems & More, Christina's Bows and More, Tomboy Tools, Miche Bags, Tastefully Simple, Auntie Rie's Creations, Pampered Chef, Willow House, Stella & Dot Jewelry, Celebrating Home, lia Sophia, and Partylite. Also, a BIG thanks to all of the local businesses that donated items for the event. It was a great success!

Be sure to visit their website - www.quatermaniaparty.com for upcoming events.

DOUBLE THE FUN!

Alex and Adam are 13 year old African American twin boys living with their Aunt in Alton IL. The two are in need of individual Big Brothers to provide positive male role models and to expose them to more outdoor activities such as: fishing, riding bikes, running track, football, baseball and basketball.
If you would like to learn more about volunteering to be a Big Brother, please contact Darrell at 618-398-3162 or darrellc@peaknet.net.

Holiday Happenings

Big Brothers Big Sisters invites you to adopt a family for the holidays! You can share your holiday cheer by purchasing items from children's wish lists, all priced at $20 or less. If you or your company would like more information about adopting a child or a family for Christmas, please call Nancy at 618-398-3162 or email nancyr@peaknet.net.

Thanks to our Friends at Fridays!

TGI Friday's recently hosted their Annual Bartender Championships where their bartenders vie for the title of Champion while spinning, flipping and pouring out their hearts to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters. It was an evening of showmanship and skill that included a raffle and silent auction items. The event raised over $1,000.

We Celebrate Ms. Virginia!

Big Brothers Big Sisters Match Support Specialist Virginia Berry recently celebrated her 15th year of service with the agency. She was recognized for her dedication and commitment to the children we serve at a recent staff meeting. Congratulations Ms. Virginia!

Southwestern Illinois College Students Celebrate the Joy of Giving.

Sounds of the season will ring out through halls of SWIC as the school's Concert and Chamber Choirs celebrate the launch of the annual Toy Drive on November 30th. College students and staff will collect gifts to support area children in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Adopt-a-Family program. Phi Theta Kappas will be pitching in by launching a charity drive of their own. Members of the honor society will be selling paper duck cutouts, to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Forever 21

Big Brothers Big Sisters is partnering with Forever 21 this holiday season! On Nov. 11, they launched a charity t-shirt line that will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Watch the video below to view the photo shoot, featuring two matches who model some of the designs. Read all about it here: http://bit.ly/uwh5mq.http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=8jWiZIommAs

Recycle your fridge or freezer and get $50!

PLUS!!! You can help Big Brothers Big Sisters get $20.

Beginning November 1 through December 31, every completed pickup that is referred by Big Brothers Big Sisters will help our organization receive double the usual referral rate... that's $20 per unit!


Click Here for Details

Farmers' Market

If you are searching for fresh ingredients to prepare your favorite recipes for Thanksgiving stop by the Belleville Farmer's Market. The Belleville Farmer's Market is offering a great deal for supporters of Big Brothers Big Sisters. When you purchase your fresh fruit, vegetables, plants, meat, and lawn ornaments you earn cash rewards for our agency. Visit either market location at 1901 N. Belt West or 500 N. Illinois Street and ask for your purchase total to be put toward Farmers 4 Causes Big Brothers Big Sisters - #40.

Join Us For Lunch!

Meet us at Maxwell's for lunch on December 14th.

10% of total sales will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Jack in the Box® Holiday Elves Raise Funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters - Big Brothers Big Sisters

Jack in the Box® restaurants are enlisting the support of pointy-eared elves to help raise money during the holidays for Big Brothers Big Sisters, the nation's largest donor-supported network of volunteer mentors of youth. Beginning this week, participating Jack in the Box restaurants are selling a limited-edition ornament, featuring a Jack-style head sporting a green and white knit holiday cap and pointy elf ears, for just $1, plus tax, with proceeds going to Big Brothers Big Sisters, the primary charitable partner of Jack in the Box for more than a decade.