Matching Gift Challenge

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge (BBBS) is an invaluable cog in our community’s youth development infrastructure, supporting at-risk youth ages six to 18 with active, one-to-one mentoring relationships. We help our Littles realize their greatest potential by addressing the mentorship gap. Our program is focused on helping our Littles develop the necessary tools to help them increase social-emotional learning; improve academic performance; decrease negative and risky behaviors; and improve family and peer/school connectedness.

I have been engaged with BBBS since 2020, both as a Big and a member of the Board of Directors. My wife Beth, our four now grown children, and I have seen the work that goes into each and every Match, day in and day out, year after year. Through my Little Brother and his mother, we know first-hand the impacts a professionally supported, dedicated mentoring relationship can have on a child, their family, and our community. We know the investment it takes to make this crucial work a reality.

Today, I write to you with a challenge to partner with me and Beth in investing in the potential of local children by helping grow BBBS’ services and impacts.

We will match every dollar donated by midnight on June 15, one-to-one up to a total of $25,000. A gift of $50 becomes $100; $250 becomes $500; and so on. Last year, the BBBS network rose to the occasion with gusto, meeting my colleague and former Board Chair Beth Morris’ challenge. We hope you give with equal enthusiasm this year, collectively leveraging our investment.

2025 was a tough year fiscally for BBBS due to funding shifts in response to economic, political, and societal uncertainties. While we met our obligations, we were not able to position the organization for the growth necessary to meet the ever increasing demand for our services. We currently have over 60 children on the waitlist and are eager to move them into active mentoring relationships while expanding our supporting programming.

Please make a gift today and double your support through our match.Together, we can make a material difference on our Littles’ emotional, mental, and physical development during the most important time in their young lives. One-to-one mentoring creates positive outcomes in both the short and long-term, not just for Littles, but also for their families and our community.

Thank you for your partnership in helping our Littles realize their greatest potential!

 With a heartfelt call to action,