A message from CEO Bliss Goldstein!

Hey everyone! This week we have a letter from our very own CEO, Bliss Goldstein! Check it out:

Happy New Year everyone!  At the beginning of the year the staff and I talked a lot about creating a magnetic community and attracting great people and great opportunities to BBBS.  Sometimes you get what you envision.  As it turns out, 2011 was an amazing year for Big Brothers Big Sisters.  From receiving Non-Profit of the Year to exceeding our goal of 300 matches served to adding a new Business Manager and a new Events Co-ordinator who are both awesome, our magnet has been strong.  We've been through a year of change, that's for sure.  But we're not afraid of change at BBBS because change can be good. But the true success story is our Program Staff who shepard miracles weekly, big and small.  Without their tireless dedication to making sure each match is happy, healthy, safe and fun, so much good "stuff" wouldn't be coming our way.  When you do good work, the word gets out. So here's to 2012.  We're starting from a place of strength and want to leverage the opportunities that have come our way for further success. Last year our word was "magnetic"; this year it's "strategic."  We want to live up to our mission that every child who needs or wants a mentor is matched someone they can look up to.  Considering that the number of children between 6 and 14-years-old living at or below the poverty line is 3,000 in Whatcom and 2,000 in Skagit, that will take lots of brain cells from many smart and caring people to make it so.  We know this won't happen over night, but we take stock and rejoice in the fact that in 2011 we started down that path with a bang. For everyone who is a part of this journey, thank you. Now let's work together to make 2012 BIG

 We cant do it without your help, Start something BIG in 2012!

Volunteer Recognition Event!

As a thank you to all of our amazing volunteers, we hosted a fun evening at the Upfront theater in Bellingham! We had delicious food, hilarious comedy and great company!

The theater was obviously set up for a fun night with Big Brothers Big Sisters, every table was covered in paper and adorned with markers and play-dough for all the guests. Check out this fun dragon!

After we finished our food and creations, BBBS staff took to the stage to ... wait for it ... preform a song and dance! What better way to show our appreciation for all you do?!

As if that weren't enough fun for the evening, WWU's Dead Parrot Society came out to wow the crowd with their improv comedy skills. They were a hit! Be sure to check them out if you ever get the chance. Thank you Dead Parrot Society for preforming for us, you guys rock!

We have so many volunteers to be thankful for, what would we do without you all? Bigs, we are so grateful for the difference you make in the lives of children in the community that we would throw you a party every week if we could! And we want to be sure to thank WWU's BBBS club for helping out with the event, we love having your support.

Hope to see you all there next year- thanks again for all you do for us, the community and especially the kids :)

UPDATE: Village Books Event

Due to bad weather conditions, we will be postponing our Village Books Coupon day.

But keep your coupons handy, and we will let everyone know when we reschedule. Stay safe out there!

Village Books Coupon!

Attention all Big Brothers Big Sisters Fans! Boy do we have a treat for you! 

Village Books will be hosting an Non-Profit day, in which they will be donating 10% of each purchase made to BBBS. So if you are in the mood for something good to read, and to help out your community, you're in luck because on January 17th you can do those both at the same time!

Its all very simple! Heres what you do: 

On January 17th, print out the Coupon on this post, and head on down to Village Books*

Pick out something from Village Books' amazing selection

Hand the coupon to the cashier when you pay, and 10% will be donated to BBBS!

In order for BBBS to get the 10% you MUST have this coupon with you, so be sure to print one out ASAP. In fact, print out as many as you like to hand out to friends and family, encourage anyone you know to go do some book shopping with them on January 17th! 

If you need help picking out a good book or two, Village Books has got you covered. Check out their Staff Picks of 2011 and read up on some of their recommendations.

The money that BBBS receives from this will go to supporting mentoring in the community- It could be the start of something BIG

*Offer applies to Village Books in Bellis Fair, and Fairhaven