Hello Everyone,

I hope this email message finds you well during these challenging times.  I am reaching out for support for an organization near and dear to me.  The week of March 7 I will be bowling to raise money for Sheboygan County Big Brothers and Big Sisters (SCBBBS).

As many of you know, a little over a year ago I was matched with a "Little" through SCBBBS.  My Little, Venicio (Nicho), and I have made the most of this past year while navigating the pandemic.  We were matched in January 2020 and enjoyed weekly outings for a short time.  Activities such as going to a water park, a basketball game, the YMCA, the library, a children's museum, a railroad museum, a movie, and simply going out for dinner.  We were then limited to virtual meetings for a few months.  We held weekly video calls and game night during this time.  As the weather improved, we enjoyed outdoor activities where we could easily socially distance.  We rode bikes and visited city parks and beaches nearly every week throughout the summer.  We were forced to meet only virtually again throughout fall, but have recently been able to get together again.  Most recently we've been sledding when the weather allows.

In only a year I have seen tremendous growth in Nicho.  During these challenging times he continues to thrive in school.  He proudly shares his test scores and grades with me.  Our conversations have matured and his confidence has improved.  Most recently we’ve been setting goals, he wants to be a Marine when he “grows up”.  We’ll continue to work toward these goals both academically and physically.

For those not familiar with Big Brothers and Big Sisters, here are its mission and vision statements from its website:

MISSION:

Big Brothers & Big Sisters is a partnership of concerned volunteers and professional staff devoted to enhancing the total wellness of children in Sheboygan county who need and want our service.  We enrich the lives of these children through the initiation and support of safe, productive, long-term friendships with caring, responsible adults.

VISION:

As the largest national network of mentoring organizations serving children, families and communities, Big Brothers & Big Sisters has a vision to provide caring adults in the life of every child in need. Big Brothers & Big Sisters is the leader in building professionally-supported, dynamic relationships which unite children with committed volunteers, primarily on a one-to-one basis, transforming their lives, and enriching families, communities, and society. Our work is as elementary as putting a friend in a child's life, and as essential as putting hope into a child's future.  To achieve our vision, we will continue to build our century long list of commitment to excellence and of valuing all individuals, respecting their efforts, abilities and differences.

Being a new grandfather, the importance of young people having positive, supportive adults around them is as close to my heart as ever.  Please help me in achieving my goal of raising $1,000 for this great organization.  Thank you for taking the time to read this and for your consideration in helping SCBBBS with a donation.

Take Care,

Frank