tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43940105788043030252024-03-05T09:05:56.025-05:00The Big BlogThe official blog of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh.BBBShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02415721068237096265noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4394010578804303025.post-52365241755681189322008-03-14T11:55:00.003-04:002008-03-14T12:08:20.662-04:00A Story from a Big SisterRaquel Branchik has been matched to her Little Sister Kara for just about one year and recently shared this story with her Match Support Specialist.<br /><br /><em>I just wanted to let you know about an awesome thing that Kara is doing. It’s a long story but it is really cool. </em><br /><br /><em>As a side note - in addition to mentoring, I sponsor three girls overseas through Compassion International. I have been doing that for over 15 years.</em><br /><br /><em>When I picked up Kara this past Saturday, we went through the typical conversations about what she is learning in school. She was really saddened about a film she watched in Social Studies. Apparently she saw a film about Tanzania. She said that the people had to choose between a meal and a doctor visit. She said many did not have shoes and had scraps for clothes. She seemed genuinely bothered by this and said she wished their was something she could do.</em><br /><em><br />I told her that it would not be easy, but there is something she could do. I told her Compassion does work in Tanzania. I told her that sponsorship costs $32 a month and she knows I already sponsor three girls. I had her do multiplication to tell me how much I spend a month. She did the math and correctly said $96. I told her I could not afford another one. But I asked her to guess how much I spend with her in a month's time. Even if we do not go skating or bowling or something, we usually do go out to lunch. We wrote down where we went the past four weeks and what we spent. We spent $50. Three times we did fast food and once we did Eat N Park. She loves Eat N Park. I told her if we stop going to Eat N Park and if we eat at my place twice a month - she could raise the $32 and still be able to eat out twice. </em><br /><br /><em>She really took time to think about it and I made sure she understood that in six months from now, we still cannot do Eat N Park. Then I called her mom and told her what we were considering and made sure it was okay with her. After much thought, Kara agreed. We went on to Compassion's website and searched for girls in Tanzania. She chose to sponsor a 6 year old girl in Tanzania named Neema who was wearing scraps for shoes. I contacted Compassion and we worked it out that it will be in Kara's name but c/o to me at my address. The little girl in Tanzania will get Kara's picture and will write letters to Kara (not to me). They will even bill me separately than my other three so that Kara and I can put money in a tin and once a month get a money order to pay the sponsorship. I also made sure Kara knew that she will only receive 3 letters a year from this little girl but she can write to her as often as she wants. For only 9 years old, she was very serious about it. She even said "I can't believe we are doing this."</em><br /><br /><em>I think this will be such a good experience for her. It will teach her that there is a bigger world than her immediate surroundings. It will teach her responsibility, commitment, and patience. Most importantly, it will teach her the joy of helping others. I am sure there will be times when she wants to go to Eat N Park. But as soon as she gets a letter - it will all be worth it.</em><br /><em></em>BBBShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02415721068237096265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4394010578804303025.post-31509369017123348572008-01-31T13:59:00.000-05:002008-01-31T14:01:33.537-05:00Agency Featured In Recent Trib ArticleBig Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh was featured today in a Tribune-Review article about mentoring. <br /><br />Here is the link to the article:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/north/s_550046.html">http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/north/s_550046.html</a>BBBShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02415721068237096265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4394010578804303025.post-37402207157764923802008-01-30T09:31:00.000-05:002008-01-30T09:34:02.644-05:00Match Featured in Observer Reporter NewspaperHere is the link to an article featured in Observer-Reporter newspaper about one of our Matches. The match and BBBS are featured as part of National Mentoring Month.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.observer-reporter.com/OR/Story/01_27_Big_Brothers">http://www.observer-reporter.com/OR/Story/01_27_Big_Brothers</a>BBBShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02415721068237096265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4394010578804303025.post-4540266116342772632008-01-16T08:55:00.000-05:002008-01-16T08:58:30.327-05:00Match With a Boxful of Memories<p>The first time Branden met his Big Brother Michael in October 2003, he was a little shy. That wasn’t a problem because as Michael remembers, “We were both a little shy.” The two broke the ice when they grabbed a few board games to play, and Branden beat his Big at the game “Battleship!” The competition, and fun, between them have continued to this day.</p><p>Branden is a native of Pittsburgh and Michael of the Philadelphia-area. “We always ‘fight’ when we see the Steelers play the Eagles, the Phillies versus the Pirates, or the Flyers against the Penguins,” says Michael. However, the rivalry among the two ends when it comes to their mutual love of music, R&B Oldies to be exact. Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson and the Spinners are some of the classics the pair enjoy. </p><p><br />The two also enjoy making pizza from scratch, laser tag, and visits to Pittsburgh sites. Michael recalls a trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo when Branden was climbing the rope-web exhibit. “Branden was acting like he was James Bond. He lost his footing and fell off the net. He was laughing the entire time, and I got it on tape. We still watch it and laugh to this day.”<br />When asked about what he has learned so far from his Big, Branden replies, “I learned how to take care of a dog.” Michael continues, “He wanted to know how to take care of a dog in case he ever gets one as a pet. I taught him some things with my dog, Sterling. Now Branden has taught her how to jump for treats!”</p><p><br />Michael explains he has also learned something from being a Big. “It helps me to put things in perspective by looking at the world through the eyes of a child. It also has taught me the value of patience.” He goes on to explain, “Sometimes it’s a struggle to get him to call me back. However, I’ve discovered that Branden has a box where he keeps memorabilia from our times together. Just when I think he doesn’t care, he pulls something out from that box and it re-energizes me!” By the sound of it, Branden will have plenty of other things to add to that box throughout the coming years.</p><p><em>This Match Spotlight was originally published in our Big News newsletter. </em></p>BBBShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02415721068237096265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4394010578804303025.post-53968520679105579122008-01-10T13:56:00.000-05:002008-01-10T14:01:33.802-05:00National Mentoring MonthJanuary is National Mentoring Month! You can get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters in a variety of different ways. <a href="http://www.bbbspgh.org/viewcontent.asp?sectionID=2&subsectionID=345816">Apply to be a mentor </a>or participate in this year's <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.bowlpittsburgh.kintera.org">Bowl for Kids' Sake</a>!BBBShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02415721068237096265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4394010578804303025.post-6997194819936425442008-01-10T13:43:00.000-05:002008-01-10T13:55:51.883-05:00Match Spotlight<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG73wsoRwNeGKU3-SXrgBu0tKWeeUt1mcZVy50FE_nbROtuLxa3CnLC3l1KizBTdxvGobuSOlCnOWvlTbCpU6KNsZj6-UakZ1BKuLSWe_XNSKhvRqFa3ZVvkqIvwWkC7fVOGRu44R6ua6b/s1600-h/onno.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153923430877577362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG73wsoRwNeGKU3-SXrgBu0tKWeeUt1mcZVy50FE_nbROtuLxa3CnLC3l1KizBTdxvGobuSOlCnOWvlTbCpU6KNsZj6-UakZ1BKuLSWe_XNSKhvRqFa3ZVvkqIvwWkC7fVOGRu44R6ua6b/s320/onno.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Big Brother Onno and Little Brother Jermaine have been matched for almost a year. Already Onno doesn’t consider being a Big to Jermaine as volunteering. “He has become family,” says Onno. Onno was introduced to Big Brothers Big Sisters when a friend, who volunteered as a Big Brother, would always comment on how much fun he had with his Little Brother. Onno thought about the things he could offer to a child. “I’m a very active person, and I imagined all the outdoor activities I could do with my Little. Even simply throwing around a football,” says Onno.It turns out he was right.<br /><br />When asked to describe his Big Brother, Jermaine says, “Onno’s fun to play with.” He also helped Jermaine to achieve an important milestone. “He taught me how to swim,” says Jermaine proudly. Having a good bond between the two does not mean they cannot enjoy a little competition. A highlight of their match for Jermaine was when he beat his Big Brother in a football video game. “I was happy,” recalled Jermaine, “and he was laughing!”<br /><br />Sports are not the only things the two do for fun. “Every week that Jermaine and I chill is pure fun and all positive,” says Onno. Together they frequent the Mattress Factory and the Andy Warhol Museum. This past school year, when Jermaine had trouble in math class, Onno would help him go over his homework. Now Jermaine feels more confident when going to class.According to Onno, being a Big Brother is “different than I expected, but in a very positive way.<br /><br />Throughout our year together, Jermaine and I have had some truly great times.” When speaking about people who have thought about volunteering as a Big but have not made the move, Onno advises, “You have the chance to have a positive effect on someone’s life for just a few hours a week. Those few hours a week, you’d probably be sitting in front of the TV or some other useless activity. The experience, for both sides, is truly life changing.”<br /><br /><em>This Match Spotlight was originally published in our Fall 2006 Big News newsletter. The match is still going strong to this day. </em></div>BBBShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02415721068237096265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4394010578804303025.post-86522296640753226442007-12-26T10:00:00.000-05:002007-12-26T10:23:14.795-05:00Little Sister Proves To Be a True LeaderBig Sister Laureen Quinn informed us that her Little Sister Nicole was recently featured in a <a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07354/842839-361.stm">Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article </a>about her unfortunate injury while playing in her high-school basketball game.<br /><br />Laureen states, "The story and the coach's words about her are amazing, despite her injury."<br /><br />The article shows that Nicole has grown up to become a true leader. We are proud of Nicole and thank Laureen for sharing the article with us.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07354/842839-361.stm">Read the article>></a>BBBShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02415721068237096265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4394010578804303025.post-72396451847700371012007-12-19T08:50:00.000-05:002007-12-19T08:56:29.778-05:00Note From a Big Sister<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq00e-cDIVJBMXFKbT0xDN478kBaON958dMNcqs3JWETSbPay_Xk5ciOAwKIzlde96PsVgaABaCGwNo4D5QFVzRkPZCyE4wmSGF8ds8adcVhx-wFFNV5IAVNTteT_AmugaQn-Ytl0HHPj1/s1600-h/footballlittle_small.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145681431586226306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq00e-cDIVJBMXFKbT0xDN478kBaON958dMNcqs3JWETSbPay_Xk5ciOAwKIzlde96PsVgaABaCGwNo4D5QFVzRkPZCyE4wmSGF8ds8adcVhx-wFFNV5IAVNTteT_AmugaQn-Ytl0HHPj1/s320/footballlittle_small.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong>Big Sister Carolyn Lustfield</strong> had this to say about her <strong>Little Brother Mykel</strong> (pictured above). <br /><br />"I am proud of my little. He completed his first season in football and is doing great! I saw him play in two games and had an opportunity to take him to the football banquet. His record was 800 yards and 21 touchdowns in 8 games. He played first string on several positions. He said that he enjoys keeping the team member's spirits up at all times. <br /><br />My Little is in eighth grade and this is the first time he had an opportunity to play a sport whether it was in a community or in school. I have been his "Big" since he was 6 years old and many times he talked about playing football. We went to a few Steeler games over the years. One year, I even gave him a football. Now, he has a dream of playing for WVU. <br /><br />He is determined to play next year and is keeping himself in shape by participating in other sports over the winter and spring. I can't wait to see him play next year!! "BBBShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02415721068237096265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4394010578804303025.post-68078306400751453872007-12-13T13:42:00.000-05:002007-12-13T13:46:45.225-05:00Toy Drive a Success!Thanks to all the caring people at the Creative Treehouse in Bellevue who held a toy drive for our agency. People brought in toys in exchange for a free professional portrait. The drive brought in 56 toys to be distributed to kids in our program!<br /><br />To see a pic of all the toys they collected from the drive (and the incredible backdrop the team designed for the event) visit this <a href="http://creativetreehousepgh.com/?p=159.">Creative Treehouse website link</a>.BBBShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02415721068237096265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4394010578804303025.post-27203163854533917792007-12-13T10:44:00.000-05:002007-12-13T13:31:39.274-05:00Bowl for Kids' Sake 2008<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-AwBm9HveXpN53Hxw7jm519pnCpiTnCOFE1g1yiHZUzZTxf5g9dPYquEER8qznH-Td73ZhYKBA3WFSF3miu_UgedA9BFA7tUmdH8KJ6nfqbQtAXX8Owe9U7X9HjmcYVMvyRXRdRKz3yC/s1600-h/2008bfkslogo_withassoc.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143523466952775794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-AwBm9HveXpN53Hxw7jm519pnCpiTnCOFE1g1yiHZUzZTxf5g9dPYquEER8qznH-Td73ZhYKBA3WFSF3miu_UgedA9BFA7tUmdH8KJ6nfqbQtAXX8Owe9U7X9HjmcYVMvyRXRdRKz3yC/s400/2008bfkslogo_withassoc.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div>Bowl for Kids' Sake 2008 is here!</div><div> </div><div>Bowl for Kids’ Sake is the region’s largest charity bowling event. </div><br /><div>Six-member bowling teams collect pledges from friends and family members and join other teams on the event day for excitement, prizes, giveaways, celebrity appearances, and a round of bowling in which fun counts more than the scores.</div><br /><div><strong>We’ve added new prize incentives for all of our participants!</strong></div><br /><div>For every bowler who raises $500*- they will win an <strong>i-pod Shuffle</strong></div><br /><div>For every bowler who raises $1000*- they will win an <strong>i-pod Nano</strong></div><br /><div>For every bowler who raises $1500* - they will win an <strong>i-pod Classic</strong></div><br /><div>The TOP fundraiser for BFKS will win his/her choice of a <strong>Nintendo Wii</strong> or an <strong>i-pod Touch</strong>!</div><br /><div><strong>Start a team today by visiting the Official BFKS 2008 website at</strong> <a href="http://www.bowlpittsburgh.kintera.org/">http://www.bowlpittsburgh.kintera.org/</a>!</div><div> </div><div><strong>Event dates and times include the following:</strong><br /><br />March 9, 2008 at AMF Mt. Lebanon Lanes<br />10:00 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. or 3:00 p.m.<br /><br />March 30, 2008 at FunFest (Harmar)<br />11:00 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.<br /><br />April 6, 2008 (Washington) at Rt. 19 Bowl<br />2:30 p.m. </div><div> </div><div>*<em>To be eligible to bowl the day of your event the minimum raised by each individual bowler is $100 (a six-person team only has to raise $500) and must be turned in by:<br /></em></div><div><em>Mar. 3, 2008 for the March 9 BFKS </em></div><div><em>Mar. 24, 2008 for the March 30 BFKS</em></div><div><em>Mar. 31, 2008 for the April 6 BFKS<br /></em><br /></div><div></div><br /><div></div></div>BBBShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02415721068237096265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4394010578804303025.post-56605813078797323622007-12-05T10:18:00.001-05:002007-12-05T10:22:51.554-05:00Pics from the Nov. 30 Crosby Suite Match Outing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEn2H_JgKkZysFgnYl0V0P8QvK9IiAjCvmLE_Mp-2oZU0fy73GwNkaPtBrS7eMLb9TfbVH8vm7cnmSiWVCoUF0xY92i1NKnPqEcejN_o18Vkw-6rn68JiJ3QTm8sPOX1uacpmeSpdNXOr/s1600-h/100_2852.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140509106825650786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEn2H_JgKkZysFgnYl0V0P8QvK9IiAjCvmLE_Mp-2oZU0fy73GwNkaPtBrS7eMLb9TfbVH8vm7cnmSiWVCoUF0xY92i1NKnPqEcejN_o18Vkw-6rn68JiJ3QTm8sPOX1uacpmeSpdNXOr/s320/100_2852.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>You can view all of the pics on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh website <a href="http://www.bbbspittsburgh.org/viewalbum.asp?albumID=120">Photo Album></a>><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /> </div><div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPNymLulUnUAWiqWSvWB5w0My9-J5y6aIisO9T4T7xI95Rsrk5IJfFZwAFptU5EH8iu5ABQpncJ6QvTRyCle63TsacPhu8kgZDuRBOYTkj4RpCvDDBQuX2TcssTHzv7PwOyOX_vsfz20Z/s1600-h/100_2850.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140508677328921154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPNymLulUnUAWiqWSvWB5w0My9-J5y6aIisO9T4T7xI95Rsrk5IJfFZwAFptU5EH8iu5ABQpncJ6QvTRyCle63TsacPhu8kgZDuRBOYTkj4RpCvDDBQuX2TcssTHzv7PwOyOX_vsfz20Z/s320/100_2850.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Ep8qEW-3nnDXtQbDT3nz7ZuN_Rs4f7gylMOxVZwH2XxRsQC9NRNzHuPSEbcUYF6Zy0vJwzeaCVgcqAqL8wVHbl3sLyV8gjcCoqLWr79saJkyVDH_VIYYZanAiyGfxi0Kln8qmInMZ1IR/s1600-h/100_2853.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140508913552122450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Ep8qEW-3nnDXtQbDT3nz7ZuN_Rs4f7gylMOxVZwH2XxRsQC9NRNzHuPSEbcUYF6Zy0vJwzeaCVgcqAqL8wVHbl3sLyV8gjcCoqLWr79saJkyVDH_VIYYZanAiyGfxi0Kln8qmInMZ1IR/s320/100_2853.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>BBBShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02415721068237096265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4394010578804303025.post-91851160608043739152007-11-27T13:45:00.000-05:002007-11-27T14:03:01.388-05:00Some Little Moments<div><strong>Pics of our Bigs and Littles from their recent Match Outings</strong><br /><div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ED_3sTl2xyYc7jug9iy3JEfOMMdm_7gQZSqCBqWTshbCnP_tGSRZzkKaExWBiqspXSxGqERltdWFpnLUQbBXiOCjnGD2-gl2cBPpq1QbFjWqL0j6aUm9JdSmu9o5KchvQ-ubFjLgBZoO/s1600-h/colleen.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137593655503670946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ED_3sTl2xyYc7jug9iy3JEfOMMdm_7gQZSqCBqWTshbCnP_tGSRZzkKaExWBiqspXSxGqERltdWFpnLUQbBXiOCjnGD2-gl2cBPpq1QbFjWqL0j6aUm9JdSmu9o5KchvQ-ubFjLgBZoO/s320/colleen.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><em>Big Sister Colleen with Little Sister Cherice </em></div><div><em></em><br /> </div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw91O8R3vwIU5cxfykATiWX9HQp5_GQTuN1-yNnWgQyEbA1VGDuWceD9-VKFXpPiX3qv7c7WgxhiToB3LVtiQzRNrj1_2kAsNMmlILy3cVanTSA5Fsdz7f5YcUAMerekHSZpw_3esVVBWS/s1600-h/100_3185.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137594686295822002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw91O8R3vwIU5cxfykATiWX9HQp5_GQTuN1-yNnWgQyEbA1VGDuWceD9-VKFXpPiX3qv7c7WgxhiToB3LVtiQzRNrj1_2kAsNMmlILy3cVanTSA5Fsdz7f5YcUAMerekHSZpw_3esVVBWS/s320/100_3185.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><em></em></div><div><em>Pic from the November Crosby Suite Match Outing</em><br /><a href="http://www.bbbspgh.org/viewalbum.asp?albumID=118">See more pics in our Photo Album>></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nqwf_ay5o2xkhgqdQY4-oHFxYh5T9P2-4I3_79LZlpDEbDaSRCTHh71ItAj6orDifAb77uE_oPV5MRBxjj4d-1Igi0ZwWJwJrRr8sWOGg5UPwegzDHRUCtSiSl0p8nBN3aT-n9yDgqZs/s1600-h/100_3155.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137596601851236066" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nqwf_ay5o2xkhgqdQY4-oHFxYh5T9P2-4I3_79LZlpDEbDaSRCTHh71ItAj6orDifAb77uE_oPV5MRBxjj4d-1Igi0ZwWJwJrRr8sWOGg5UPwegzDHRUCtSiSl0p8nBN3aT-n9yDgqZs/s320/100_3155.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Pic from the recent Carnegie Mellon Big for a Day</div><div><a href="http://www.bbbspgh.org/viewalbum.asp?albumID=119">See more pics of this event in our Photo Album>></a> </div></div>BBBShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02415721068237096265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4394010578804303025.post-69475430456582838082007-11-26T10:40:00.001-05:002007-11-26T12:24:10.259-05:00Holiday Portraits for Toys - Support BBBS!On Saturday, December 8, the members of the Creative TreeHouse (<a href="http://creativetreehousepgh.com/">http://creativetreehousepgh.com/</a>) in Bellevue will put their talents to good use and hold a benefit for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh. Professional holiday portraits will be taken at the Creative Treehouse, located at 517 Lincoln Ave (2nd Floor) Pittsburgh, PA 15202 from 10:00AM to 8:00PM <strong>for those who bring a toy donation for Big Brothers Big Sisters</strong>.<br /><br />Suggested donations are toys for boys and girls up to age 13 and around the price range of $10. Family portraits are available for a donation of 2 gifts, one for a boy and one for a girl. Single portraits will be available for a donation of one gift.<br /><br />A holiday backdrop designed by Creative TreeHouse members will be available as will a normal studio backdrop for single and family portraits.The whole family is invited to spend time at the Creative TreeHouse while portraits are being taken. Portraits will be available to download online with a special code provided to each guest at the event.BBBShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02415721068237096265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4394010578804303025.post-55669442849053033742007-11-08T09:36:00.000-05:002007-11-08T09:38:05.758-05:00One of Our Matches on WPXI-TV's "Impact"This week one of our matches, BB Steven Thompson and his LB Dorrell, was interviewed by Darieth Chisolm for WPXI’s “Impact” program.<br /><br />The segment will air this Saturday morning. Below are the details for when the show airs.<br /><br /><em>The segment will run approx 10 to 15 minutes. “IMPACT” airs Saturday morning, 11/10/07, from 5:30 am to 6:00 am on WPXI-TV Channel 11 in Pittsburgh. The program is repeated by the sister cable station, (PCNC) channel 35, Saturday at 8:30 and or 4:30 PM and Sunday afternoon from 1:30 pm-until-2:00 pm.</em>BBBShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02415721068237096265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4394010578804303025.post-65960018263214193692007-11-06T14:13:00.000-05:002007-11-07T09:40:17.407-05:00Pics From the Pens Luxury Suite Match Event<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IBo7UHl8FkC1S20oDBxEUO25StEBvNU3z-PShXMb18EOlXfqztVEdRkpLZJwiS_m5XGwAMDdtt_9-jSY7l4MtBvUDw1J867DvRURvbmgoo8AWQsiJaPibt42I2VWcw1cD5ri-4MTWFHR/s1600-h/100_2746.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129808403959094738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IBo7UHl8FkC1S20oDBxEUO25StEBvNU3z-PShXMb18EOlXfqztVEdRkpLZJwiS_m5XGwAMDdtt_9-jSY7l4MtBvUDw1J867DvRURvbmgoo8AWQsiJaPibt42I2VWcw1cD5ri-4MTWFHR/s320/100_2746.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br />View more in the <a href="http://www.bbbspgh.org/viewalbum.asp?albumID=116">Photo Album </a>of the BBBS of Greater Pittsburgh website>>BBBShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02415721068237096265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4394010578804303025.post-51320563019788559702007-11-06T13:38:00.000-05:002007-11-07T09:39:00.151-05:00Pics From the Latest Build a Robot Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGDhntCRM7hk1fg8hpXLJcqC37kz9oCnYgFj2Xnrky0Qs3KbUtm36qfJz5weX6CROTLU_DxkGr8QPvi8aHWV6MRDCfcuDTDdhHc0rt2XFX6Fhk4RDavm0_CpRr33mC90hL4_oPaKyRQkj/s1600-h/100_2786.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129804907855715778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGDhntCRM7hk1fg8hpXLJcqC37kz9oCnYgFj2Xnrky0Qs3KbUtm36qfJz5weX6CROTLU_DxkGr8QPvi8aHWV6MRDCfcuDTDdhHc0rt2XFX6Fhk4RDavm0_CpRr33mC90hL4_oPaKyRQkj/s320/100_2786.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.bbbspgh.org/viewalbum.asp?albumID=114">Here are the pics on the BBBS Photo Album>></a><br /><br />100 Robots for 100 Kids is a project started by Mark Palatucci, a PhD student at the Robotics Institute of Carnegie Mellon University designed to help children develop an appreciation for science and technology while learning valuable life lessons such as problem solving, patience, and teamwork.<br /><br />Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh (BBBS) hosts regular Build a Robot Days for mentor/child matches in its program so that they can tackle the assembly of the robot with the assistance of Mark and other CMU students.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/bbbs-bigblog.blogspot.com/2007/10/phd-student-at-cmu-uses-lego-robots-to.html">Read more about the initiative in a previous post>></a>BBBShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02415721068237096265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4394010578804303025.post-89385918851607008752007-10-25T11:30:00.000-04:002007-10-25T11:37:25.118-04:00Big Sister Recognized for Her Work As a Mentor<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSdj_jaVOTP2mmpPMFTeZjjaM9pcU7-wF0x6G0BkDGqoWeVNhwD76c8r59am3c3n2KNtRX94Bhe6WDILsGiNvxiP3r3kUDY5fLrMevrbgUOpazRPrWhOhBmNUOEp_dYbXiN-ncf_m8jeV/s1600-h/heidi_damon.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5125298048348167602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSdj_jaVOTP2mmpPMFTeZjjaM9pcU7-wF0x6G0BkDGqoWeVNhwD76c8r59am3c3n2KNtRX94Bhe6WDILsGiNvxiP3r3kUDY5fLrMevrbgUOpazRPrWhOhBmNUOEp_dYbXiN-ncf_m8jeV/s320/heidi_damon.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p>Congratulations to Big Sister Heidi Semmer (seen here with her Little Brother Damon) on being awarded the "The Excellence in Mentoring Award" last week by the Mentoring Partnership.</p><p>You can read the full story from <a href="http://bbbs-bigblog.blogspot.com/2007/09/big-sister-in-our-program-heidi-semmer.html">previous post</a>. </p><p> </p>BBBShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02415721068237096265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4394010578804303025.post-10241644070830095782007-10-25T10:48:00.000-04:002007-10-25T10:50:25.963-04:00Some Little Moments<ul><li>Asked how long she plans on being a Big Sister to her Little, one of our volunteers responded, “It’s gonna be a lifetime.”<br /></li><li>A 9 year-old Little Sister in our program was recently asked what she has learned about her Big Sister by one of our Match Support Specialists. She responded “[My Big Sister] likes to eat ice cream, she likes to walk her dog and she likes taking me places.”</li></ul>BBBShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02415721068237096265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4394010578804303025.post-10775530156594398902007-10-25T09:17:00.000-04:002007-10-30T15:15:12.777-04:00BBBS Represented by Pittsburgh Magazine's 40 Under 40We are happy to announce that three people related to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh have been selected as members of this year’s 40 under 40 award. The event, sponsored by <em>Pittsburgh Magazine</em> and PUMP recognizes “40 people under the age of 40 who are committed to shaping our region and making it a better place for everyone.”<br /><br /><strong>BBBS extends a big congratulations to the selected three:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Mr. Brooks Broadhurst,</strong> BBBS board member<br /><strong>Mr. Michael Jennings,</strong> BBBS Big Brother and board member<br /><strong>Ms. Kathi Finch,</strong> BBBS Big Sister<br /><br />They can be seen, along with the other recipients, in the November 2007 issue of <em>Pittsburgh Magazine.<br /></em>BBBShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02415721068237096265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4394010578804303025.post-20684339119587970502007-10-16T11:36:00.000-04:002007-10-30T15:21:43.880-04:00PhD Student at CMU Uses Lego Robots to Help Strengthen Mentor/Child Relationships<a href="http://www.bbbspgh.org/viewalbum.asp?albumID=86"></a>Mark Palatucci, a PhD student at CMU, and several colleagues have launched a project designed to encourage and support the exploration of science and technology through hands on robotics experience. <a href="http://100robots.blogspot.com/">100 Robots for 100 Kids</a> is hoping to raise $25,000 to purchase 100 Lego Mindstorms NXT robot kits and give them to Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) mentor/child matches to build together.<br /><br />In March 2007, six matches officially kicked off the 100 Robots for 100 Kids project by tackling the assembly of the Mindstorms NXT robot.This initial group had the benefit of several CMU robotics students to lend a hand when things got confusing. Pictures from that Match Activity can be seen on the <a href="http://www.bbbspgh.org/viewalbum.asp?albumID=86">Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh Photo Album</a>.<br /><br />Observing the initial participants in the 100 Robots for 100 Kids project, it is clear there is a beneficial partnership between BBBS and the group from the Robotics Institute of CMU. With Bigs often looking for new and different things to do with their Littles, the CMU students are hoping the program will ignite an interest in technology and science.<br /><br />The matches demonstrated that by following some simple instructions and working through the problem together. They were able to create basic robots that beeped, buzzed and rolled all over the place. Their creations will continue to evolve. Through the use of a computer program which is part of the kit, the Bigs and Littles can build on their initial robot to explore limitless options.<a href="http://www.bbbspgh.org/viewalbum.asp?albumID=86"></a><br /><br /><strong>While 23 robots have been purchased and distributed to BBBS matches, the students from CMU are in need of funding to reach their goal of putting 100 robots in the hands of 100 BBBS matches.</strong> Although off to a good start, they still have a way to go and we want to help them meet their goal.<br /><br />Please direct friends, family and coworkers to check out the <a href="http://100robots.blogspot.com/">100 Robots for 100 Kids</a> blog to see what all the excitement is about!BBBShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02415721068237096265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4394010578804303025.post-9780403816222858512007-10-12T08:26:00.000-04:002007-10-12T08:38:40.141-04:00Another Match Radio Interview<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ29i_7dGWXGdRPgmYcCrFxTNpCXGYci0qwhR_xiM2S-5nK9p64VerOiOPDuofKWPLuJCzXLeyF3bGFyU_kLQJijB3EUOh6U4wDdglvydN03B_51z6FqPr7P9SeVEXwPAJ-XCg9dmkPUAG/s1600-h/Dan+&+Jaymes+on+SLB+radio.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120425862418129922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ29i_7dGWXGdRPgmYcCrFxTNpCXGYci0qwhR_xiM2S-5nK9p64VerOiOPDuofKWPLuJCzXLeyF3bGFyU_kLQJijB3EUOh6U4wDdglvydN03B_51z6FqPr7P9SeVEXwPAJ-XCg9dmkPUAG/s200/Dan+%26+Jaymes+on+SLB+radio.JPG" border="0" /></a> <strong>Big Brother Dan Gigler & Little Brother Jaymes</strong> were interviewed on the Saturday Light Brigade Show. <div> </div><div>This is part of a series of interviews the show is having with matches from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh (BBBS) over the next six months. Saturday Light Brigade has created a special section on their website that will archive all the BBBS match interviews taking place once per month over the course of the next 6 months (the 4th Satuday of the month from 10:35-10:50 am).</div><div> </div><div>The interviews are made possible through a sponsorship from <a href="http://www.supercuts.com/">SUPERCUTS</a> of Pennsylvania.<br /><br /><br />You can hear a recording of each interview here <a href="http://slbradio.org/community.shtml">http://slbradio.org/community.shtml</a><br /><br /> <br /><a href="http://www.bbbspgh.org/viewalbum.asp?albumID=105">View pics from the interviews>></a></div>BBBShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02415721068237096265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4394010578804303025.post-23011989119649658792007-10-10T08:55:00.000-04:002007-10-10T09:10:54.867-04:00Little Brother In Our Program Is Hero<em>The following is a recent article in the Post-Gazette about one of the children in our program.</em><strong> </strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Shawn, Quick to Action Sunday,</strong> - September 30, 2007<br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;">By Brian O'Neill</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</span></em></strong><br /><br />First came the arson, then the burglaries, and when I asked West View's veteran police chief if there's anything people should be on the lookout for, he was ready."We're looking for very short people who can hide under rocks,'' Chief Charles Holtgraver said. "They have to be the lowest form of life we can deal with, victimizing someone who's already been a victim.''<br /><br />The fire at 15-unit brick apartment building at 440 Center Ave. began late on a Sunday night two weeks ago, and though everyone got out safely and a suspected arsonist was arrested that night, smoke and water damage has made the place uninhabitable. That allowed burglars to break in last Tuesday night and steal TVs, computers and more from empty apartments. Anyone with information that might help police find the bad guys can call the borough office at 412-931-2800.<br /><br />That's the bad news. For the good stuff, I drove up to Joe's Hot Dog & Hoagie Shop on West View's main drag. That's where <strong>Shawn</strong> <strong>[<em>Ed.- One of the children in our program</em>]</strong> does his seventh-grade homework while his mom, Lori, works until 4 p.m.<br /><br />He told me the story of the fire from the beginning. Shawn and his mother lived in a basement apartment at 440 Center Ave. He had his friend, Scott, also 12, staying over that Sunday night Sept. 16. Around 11:30 p.m., Shawn went to the kitchen. Hearing something in the hallway, he looked through the peephole and saw a stranger who appeared to be in his 40s.<br /><br />When Shawn opened the door to ask what he was doing, the guy said "laundry." The apartment is next to the laundry room so, OK, Shawn shut the door.<br /><br />Soon after, he heard a sound he didn't like and opened the door again to see the same guy lugging Shawn's bicycle, which he kept in the laundry room, up the steps.<br /><br />Shawn is modest about what he did next, which was to confront the guy, who had 30 years and a considerable height and weight advantage. "I stopped the dude and got my bike,'' Shawn said.<br />When he told me that, his mom beamed, grabbed his arm from the next chair and said, "I love you so much.''<br /><br />As he retrieved his bike, he saw a fire at the front entrance. He told Scott to call 911 (and he and his Mom tell me Scott should get as much credit as anyone). Then he knocked on his neighbors' door and told them to get out, because there was fire in the laundry room, too.<br /><br />Then he chased the stranger up the hill, far enough to see where he was going. That helped police make a quick arrest. West View police charged Lance Haas, 46, of Ross, with arson, reckless endangerment, risking a catastrophe, criminal mischief and burglary.<br /><br />"These kids absolutely did a great job," Chief Holtgraver said. "Without them, we wouldn't have anything.'' I asked Shawn's mom if she was proud of her son. "I always have been,'' she said. "This only proves it to the world." About then Brian Bigley, manager of the hot dog shop, walked over with a dog smothered with chili, cheese and onion. "This is our new <strong>Shawn Hero Dog</strong>.''<br /><br />It's still "The Big Dog" on the menu, but you get the idea. Folks who know Shawn are proud of him. Lori thought that she and Shawn were escaping crime when they moved from the city five years ago. She's not too worried about losing material things, apart from family photos, but she's pretty busy between working and studying for her bachelor's degree in criminal justice at Point Park University.<br /><br />"At 40, I'm finally getting it together,'' she said. It's tough to think it can all go with "the flick of a lighter, the strike of a match.'' They've been staying in a nearby motel, courtesy of the Red Cross, but should begin renting half of a friend's duplex this weekend. <strong>When I suggest it's good to have friends, she says, "It's good to have a Big Brother, too.''</strong><br /><br /><strong>That's Shawn David Roberts, young Shawn's mentor through Big Brothers and Big Sisters for the past five years.</strong> Mr. Roberts moved across the state 31/2 years ago, but comes back once or twice a month. Sometimes his sales job puts him here, but often he drives in just to throw the football around with Shawn, see a movie, talk about homework, talk about life.<br /><br /><strong>Mr. Roberts has set up an account at SDR Charitable Trust, c/o Big Brothers and Big Sisters, 5989 Penn Circle South, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. He hopes to find or buy the essentials for a household</strong>. A North Hills business and the Marine Corps League/Three Rivers Leatherneck Detachment already have combined to donate beds and bedding.<br /><br />Mr. Roberts isn't saying Shawn never made a wrong move, but he has a positive attitude and "the kid's got guts. He knows what's right and wrong and he knows the smart thing to do. That doesn't surprise me that he did that.''<br /><br />I can't help but contrast all this with that ridiculous modern movement marketed by career criminals that barks, "Stop Snitching.'' Shawn and Scott went by an earlier, better, more conscientious slogan: <strong>"Do the right thing.''</strong>BBBShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02415721068237096265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4394010578804303025.post-40426255731894342192007-10-04T11:20:00.000-04:002007-10-04T11:35:40.843-04:00Local Blogger Demands Action and Finds It On Our BlogI recently came across a posting by Justin Kownacki, well-known blogger of <a href="http://justinkownacki.blogspot.com/">Café Witness </a>and creator of the online web video series “<a href="http://www.somethingtobedesired.com/">Something to Be Desired</a>.” In that post, he mentions a quote he came across that stated,<br /><br /><strong>“Many people around the world are supporting the Monks in Burma by wearing red t-shirts today."</strong><br /><br />Kownacki reflects his thoughts about the quote by writing,<br /><br /><br /><strong>"Sorry folks, but supporting ‘X’ means calling your senator, or volunteering with a charity, or taking to the streets in impassioned protest. It's not finding a red t-shirt in your laundry pile and walking to 7-11 for a Sprite. Can we stop confusing the appearance of activity with activity itself?”<br /></strong><br />After reading his post, I invited Justin to take a look at this blog that tells the stories of our volunteers who are “in the trenches” and TRULY making a diffrerence by being a mentor to a child.<br /><br />He posted a response entitled, “<a href="http://justinkownacki.blogspot.com/2007/10/social-media-twist-big-brothers-big.html">Social Media Twist: Big Brothers Big Sisters Is Blogging</a>”<br /><br />Thanks for your support Justin!<br /><br /><br /><em>Ian DeJesus</em><br /><em>Communications Coordinator</em><br /><em>Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh</em>BBBShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02415721068237096265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4394010578804303025.post-15956628010612478482007-10-02T09:56:00.000-04:002007-10-02T10:09:16.287-04:00September eNEWS ReleasedThe September edition of our official e-newsletter, the eNEWS, has been released.<br />Check it out at <a href="http://www.bbbspgh.org/viewnewsletter.asp?ID=2079">http://www.bbbspgh.org/viewnewsletter.asp?ID=2079</a><br /><br />You can also view the full eNEWS archive:<br /><a href="http://www.bbbspgh.org/enewsarchive.asp">http://www.bbbspgh.org/enewsarchive.asp</a>BBBShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02415721068237096265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4394010578804303025.post-17132937071641390342007-10-02T09:46:00.000-04:002007-10-02T09:54:52.837-04:00Poem About One of Our Big BrothersThe following is a poem that was written by the mother of a child in our program about his Big Brother mentor. The match graduated in 2006 (when a Little turns 18, the match officially closes), but the words are still relevant and powerful.<br /><br /><em>Oh how could it be?<br />It seems so strange to me,<br />He abandoned his own<br />Is his heart made of stone?<br /><br />Child of his blood<br />Child of his flesh<br />No care from his soul<br />None the less.<br /><br />Then came a man<br />Who held out his hand<br />With no ties that bind<br />A man loving and kind.<br /><br />He chooses this good<br />He must feel that he should<br />But the love that he shows<br />Does even more than he knows.<br /><br />Oh how could it be?<br />It seems so wonderful to me.<br />That a man so unknown<br />What love he has shown.<br /><br />Oh how could it be?<br />It is beautiful to see.<br />Petals of charity unfold.<br />His heart made of gold!<br /></em>BBBShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02415721068237096265noreply@blogger.com