Big News
Challenge Accepted: Generous Matching Gift Opportunity Helps Leverage Giving to BBBSCBR
For Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge, dedicated volunteers, generous donors, committed advocates, and an enthusiastic network of partners and supporters are key to our ability to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
Ulta Beauty and Big Brothers Big Sisters
Since 2016, the Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation (UBCF) has been on a mission to make a difference in the communities where they live and work, particularly by empowering the well-being of women and teens. In 2023, UBCF expanded its partnership commitment with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) from a local agency partnership with BBBS of Metropolitan Chicago to the national level, expanding its investment broadly after seeing the value of the impact BBBS makes in the communities it serves.
Charlottesville Summer Camp Guide 2025: Explore, Learn, Thrive!
Summer is just around the corner, and Charlottesville, Virginia, is brimming with amazing opportunities for kids and teens to learn, grow, and have fun. Whether your child is into sports, arts, academics, or outdoor adventures, there’s a camp that fits their interests. At BBBS of the Central Blue Ridge, we’ve handpicked the best local summer camps to make it easy for you to find the perfect match. Get ready for a summer full of discovery, excitement, and lasting memories!
With Every Step: Thank You, Charlottesville Track Club and Charlottesville Ten Miler Team
The connections between the race and the Club with BBBSCR run deep, from leadership volunteers (yes you, Mark Lorenzoni and Diane Rosin Okusa) to assistance with hosting annual run/walk events, and more. BBBSCR was proud to be named a secondary beneficiary of the 50th running of the Charlottesville Ten Miler, contested on March 22.
Gratitude for a New Partner: Buffalo Wild Wings
We are grateful to the Buffalo Wilds Wings Foundation for their grant of $5,000. Nathan Frazier, General Manager/Franchise Learning Administrator for the Charlottesville and Culpeper restaurants, nominated Big Brothers Big Sister for support from the Foundation.
The Value of Partnerships
Active collaboration with local schools, organizations, youth-serving entities, and businesses enhances Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge’s ability to serve area children and collectively leverage community impacts and resources. These strategic partnerships help fill service gaps effectively, ensuring our programming complements rather than overlaps with existing initiatives, making BBBSCBR a unique and essential contributor to our community's youth development landscape.
Mentorship in Action: Alan and Justyn’s Journey
Big Brother Alan and Little Brother Justyn's story is a powerful example of mentorship at its best. From their first nervous encounter to sharing exciting experiences like running races and trying Taekwondo, their journey has been all about growth, support, and building a meaningful friendship. Through their time together, they've witnessed the profound impact a mentor can have on a child’s life. Learn more about their inspiring journey in this Q&A.
Support BBBSCBR and the Charlottesville Ten Miler!
BBBSCBR is excited to be a secondary beneficiary of the 50th running of the Charlottesville Ten Miler on Saturday, March 22! The race is a community tradition that has benefited many nonprofits over the years, including us. In turn, we are spreading the word about registration and plan to support the runners on race day.
A Community of Support
2024 represented a year of renewal and growth for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge. We served 73 youth and made 24 new Matches (an increase of 41%), creating and supporting relationships central to the development of our Littles while equally benefiting their families, our Bigs, and our community.
Match Activity Ideas: Let’s Get Creative in 2025!
As our BBBS matches look toward this shiny new year of 2025, our staff is here to support you! Maybe your Little is into making things? Building models, arts and crafts or other hands-on activities.
Magic on the Mall
Winter in Charlottesville is a season full of excitement, community spirit, and festive charm—all happening right on the Cville Downtown Mall! To help you make the most of this magical time, we’ve gathered a list of FREE events happening at the Downtown Mall, perfect for Bigs, Littles, and families alike. Wishing you all a warm and joyful season—happy holidays!
Aaron Hark on the Power of One-to-One Relationships with BBBS
I’m a big believer in the power of one-to-one relationships. Thinking briefly about my own life, so much of my personal and professional growth has derived directly from those who were kind enough to give me the gift of their time. They taught me life skills that don’t come from a classroom. They offered business or professional guidance from their own experience. They helped me process challenging moments, and were by my side at times of celebration. Simply writing this reminds me how different my life would be today without each of them.
Celebrating One Year of Mentorship: Big Sister Shevya & Little Sister Azaria’s Pottery Adventure!
Over the past year, they’ve shared many fun experiences together, but their recent outing to Lazy Daisy Ceramics in Charlottesville stands out as a special one. This creative adventure, painting pottery, brought smiles and lasting memories for both Shevya and Azaria.
Be a Part of the Action – Join Us for The Big Serve
Learn about the different ways to get involved with The Big Serve. Join the tournament, volunteer, donate equipment or sponsor a match are just some of the ways you can be part of TBS.
Serving Up Success with The Big Serve
On October 19, BBBS will host its inaugural pickleball tournament – The Big Serve. Based on feedback from our Board of Directors, Matches, and community interest, BBBS opted to sunset the run/walk and Fall Fair events in favor of this fresh, new endeavor.
BBBS a CavFutures Foundation 2024 Champion of the Community
This summer, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge was ecstatic to learn it was one of 13 local non-profit organizations to receive $10,000 through the CavFutures Foundation inaugural Champions of the Community grant program.
Supporter Spotlight: Mark Lorenzoni
We are thrilled to shine this month’s Support Spotlight on Mark Lorenzoni, former BBBS Board Chair and a devoted supporter. For Mark, supporting BBBS is a family affair, and we are proud to call the entire Lorenzoni family our friends.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge Announces Director of Philanthropy
Born and raised in Norfolk, VA, Sarah received her BA in Political Science from then Virginia Wesleyan College, now University. While getting her degree, she also started her now 30+ year career in the nonprofit sector, first as a work study and then a parttime staffer in the Office for Development and PR. As part of small team full of mentors ready to help her grow and explore the field, Sarah was introduced to alumni and donor relations, capital campaigns, data management, event planning, grant writing, public relations, strategic planning, and so much more.
BBBS Match Spotlight: Big Sister Linda and Little Sister Saliha
Big Sister Linda and Little Sister Saliha have been matched in our BBBS program for seven months, creating a strong bond through shared adventures in the Charlottesville area. Their weekly meetups often include hiking, attending local events, and participating in a variety of activities that the community offers. They especially enjoy the events sponsored by our program, often feeling like winners at these activities!
New Match Highlight: Welcoming Heather and Suzanna
We're thrilled to share exciting news from the Blue Ridge Bigs community! Yesterday, we welcomed a fantastic new match to our family, Big Sister Heather and Little Sister Suzanna. The introduction meeting, filled with smiles and laughter, took place at our local BBBS office, signifying the beginning of what promises to be a rewarding journey for both mentor and mentee.