START SOMETHING BREAKFAST A BIG SUCCESS

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa (BBBSNEIA) thanks the community for making the Inaugural Annual Start Something Breakfast a BIG success. The organization raised over $6,000, which will be used to match 6 new youth, or “Littles,” with a mentor, or “Bigs,” in the community. BBBSNEIA serves over 250 youth each year from Black Hawk, Bremer & Butler Counties. Without the support of many individuals, volunteers, local companies and sponsors this would not be possible.

Over 150 guests attended the event, held at Wartburg College, to learn more about the organization and pledge their support for BBBSNEIA. Thirteen Big/Little matches also attended the event and joined guests at each table, sharing their stories and the positive impact BBBSNEIA has had on their lives.

The agency presented eight mentors the coveted Big of the Year Award for the difference they have made in their Littles’ life. Rookie Big of the Year recipients, mentors new to the program, were awarded to Michelle White, (Waverly), Amber Wood (Cedar Falls) Audrey Cooper (Waverly), and Joshua Samec (Cedar Falls). Big of the Year recipients, mentors matched with the same Little in a long-standing relationship, were Dan McKenzie (Waverly), Eddie Wichman (Waverly), Cory Young (Cedar Falls), and Tim Hurley (Waterloo).

The agency began a new tradition at the event, honoring three businesses from Northeast Iowa that have supported BBBSNEIA for many years by committing financial resources, volunteers, and in-kind donations. The “Big” Business of the Year was awarded to CUNA Mutual Group, the Big “Little” Business of the Year was awarded to Orville Erickson and Computer Worx, and the Rookie Business of the Year, a new supporter to the agency, was awarded to the Waverly Branch of Farmers State Bank.

The agency also presented a Volunteer of the Year Award. Eligible volunteers included all non-mentor volunteers that support the agency annually at special events, on boards and committees, or in either agency office. This year’s recipient was Barbara O’Rourke.

BBBSNEIA thanks Silver Table Sponsors Rada Manufacturing and Kaiser Corson Funeral Home, Bronze Table Sponsor Woodruff Construction and in-kind sponsors Gibson Specialty, Wartburg College, and Blain’s Farm & Fleet. They also thank the 30+ local businesses that donated items to the event’s silent auction.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa believes that all children should have a chance at achieving success in life. For more information about how you can make a difference in the life of a child please visit www.iowabigs.org.