Actor Steve Harris Kicks off Centennial Campaign
PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE via COLLEGIATE PRESSWIRE)--Jan 15, 2004--Big Brothers Big Sisters, the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States, is commemorating its 100th anniversary by launching a virtual reunion in collaboration with Yahoo! to reunite former Big and Little Brothers and Sisters and champion its vision of serving one million ''at risk'' children by 2010. Steve Harris, beloved for his role as attorney Eugene Young in ''The Practice,'' kicks off the effort today and encourages Bigs and Littles to request help in locating their former Big or Little by visiting www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org or https://bigsandlittles.yahoo.com beginning January 15. They are also asked to submit their personal stories about past ''matches.'' The organization`s centennial activities begin this month, which is National Mentoring Month.
Every alumnus who submits a story online about a past match will be entered automatically into a sweepstakes for a chance to win one of five trips for two to the Big Brothers Big Sisters national reunion celebration in New York City, June 2004. In addition, select inspirational stories will be published in a 2004 centennial book that will highlight 100 stories from the past 100 years.
''Kids need positive role models to show them the possibilities, the opportunities in life,'' said Harris. ''My involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters gives me the chance to invest in kids today. I find it really gratifying to help kids see beyond their current reality, to open up possibilities that they otherwise would not have recognized. That`s exactly what Big Brothers Big Sisters does for more than 200,000 kids nationwide.''
Judy Vredenburgh, president and chief executive officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America said, ''We are proud to celebrate our centennial anniversary and thrilled that Steve Harris and Yahoo! are helping us re-connect with thousands of former Bigs and Littles. The Yahoo! partnership will help us to thank, honor and celebrate our alumni Bigs, Littles and parents. They are our history. They are our legacy.''
''It is an honor and privilege for Yahoo! to be a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters` anniversary and we are thrilled to use the power of our global network to reunite Bigs and Littles, as well as encourage new mentors to become involved with the organization,'' said Yahoo! co-founder Jerry Yang. ''Yahoo! is committed to connecting consumers to causes they care about and creating fun, efficient and easy ways for them to make a difference in their respective communities.''
Yahoo! marks the kick-off of the 100th anniversary celebration by spotlighting the Big Brothers Big Sisters centennial on its homepage, the first time that a non-profit organization has been featured as prominently in the highly coveted online real estate. In addition, throughout the year, Yahoo! will support the Big Brothers Big Sisters alumni reunion and centennial activities with online banner ads, joint marketing events and a special IMVironment - an instant messaging environment that allows users to introduce Big Brothers Big Sisters to
their friends as they use the innovative feature in Yahoo! Messenger.
The public can visit www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org or https://bigsandlittles.yahoo.com to participate in the online reunion, get more information on making a donation to support the organization`s mission or to become a volunteer.
Big Brothers Big Sisters has proven success in creating nurturing one-to-one relationships between adults and children. The organization works closely with parents to match every child with the appropriate Big Brother or Big Sister. Each potential volunteer is screened, trained and supervised to help ensure that the mentor-child relationship will be a safe and rewarding experience.
No special skills are required to become a mentor. Any caring adult who is willing to devote an average of one hour each week of his or her time to show a child the joys of everyday life can be a mentor. Many Littles return to the organization to become Bigs and pass on the magical moments they shared to other children in need.
Such is the case with Todd Kulaga, former Little Brother to ''Today Show'' co-host Matt Lauer and now a member of the advisory board of Big Brothers of Rhode Island, where he and Lauer were first matched in the mid-1980s. ''Just being a friend to a kid -- hanging out, going to the movies or playing ball -- can alter his life; I know my Big changed mine!'' said Kulaga. ''Matt gave me the support and self confidence I needed to become the man I am today.''
About Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brother Big Sisters, founded in 1904, is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States. In 2002, the organization served more than 200,000 youths, ages six through 18, in 5,000 communities across the country in one-to-one relationships. In 2003, Forbes placed Big Brothers Big Sisters on its Gold-Star list of the top 10 charities for its excellence in efficiency and effectiveness. The national headquarters is located in Philadelphia, PA. For additional information visit www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.
About Yahoo!
Yahoo! Inc. is a leading provider of comprehensive online products and services to consumers and businesses worldwide. Yahoo! is the No. 1 Internet brand globally and the most trafficked Internet destination worldwide. Headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., Yahoo!`s global network includes 25 world properties and is available in 13 languages. For more information, contact Charlene English, 310-526-4300.
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