Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri Marks 5th Anniversary in Grand Center

Five years ago this month, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri opened the doors to its headquarters in Grand Center. The agency celebrated this milestone with an open house Friday evening, June 7. In addition, the organization’s first-of-its-kind Lemonade Cart made its debut on the sidewalk in front of the building.

“This is an important point in our history and we wanted to pause for a moment to celebrate it with our many Grand Center neighbors, community partners, families, Bigs, Littles, board members and staff,” noted Becky James-Hatter, President/CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters. “What better way to show some appreciation and extend our hospitality to our friends – than by rolling out our brand new Lemonade Cart,” James-Hatter added.

The Lemonade Cart was designed by Trivers Associates, built by Chris Perron and Chris Ching and funded by Gabriel Project Management. The cart is a very visible way for Big Brothers Big Sisters to welcome visitors to the Grand Center neighborhood. The cart is available to travel around Eastern Missouri, stopping at businesses and schools, to share the spirit and message of Big Brothers Big Sisters. When not in use, the cart will serve as a boutique for Big Brothers Big Sisters branded t-shirts, hats, cups, etc.

Big Brothers Big Sisters made the decision to move from its 7,000-square-foot space on Lindell Boulevard to the 24,000-square-foot location at the corner of Grand and Olive in order to broaden its impact. Looking back at the numbers over the past five years, the agency’s building on Grand has hosted:

·         2,300 first meetings between Little Brothers/Little Sisters and their Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

·         2,000 match anniversary parties.

·         100 match activities.

·         279 Little Brothers and Little Sisters graduating from the program.

While proud of what the agency has achieved so far in its short time in the newer setting, James-Hatter stressed, “We recognize we still have a lot of work to do so we can keep our promise to our region’s children – to Be There – for all the ups and downs that are part of life.”

The agency is preparing to celebrate its 100th Birthday in 2014 and its Centennial Plan, called “Keep the Promise” calls for more children to be served; the creation of the agency’s first endowment; expanded investments in education including its ABCToday! initiative and post-secondary support for its graduating Little Brothers and Little Sisters and the completion of the building’s restoration with the design and construction of a rooftop garden to be known as The Treehouse on Grand.  

“Whereas there is a lot to be accomplished in our Centennial Plan, our agency’s mission and vision will remain center to all activities and efforts. We – the adults in the community – need to commit ourselves to Be There for kids,” said James-Hatter. She continued, “Working together, we can do it – and we help build a community of educated citizens, healthy families, safe neighborhoods, and a reliable and productive workforce.”

June is a big month for Big Brothers Big Sisters. In addition to the building anniversary, the Microsoft retail store at Saint Louis Galleria named Big Brothers Big Sisters its first community partner. As a result of this relationship, during the month of June Microsoft will offer computer training to Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Little Brothers/Little Sisters and agency staff members; provide summer school grant opportunities to Littles; and open the store’s theater space for networking and volunteer recruitment events.

In addition, Big Brothers Big Sisters will host its first round of Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraising events this month – on June 12, 13 and 14. For over 28 years, Bowl for Kids’ Sake has been Big Brothers Big Sisters’ signature fundraiser, generating more than $5 million during this time period. Bowl for Kids’ Sake is the largest and most successful fundraiser in the state of Missouri. All of the funds raised remain in the Eastern Missouri region.

To learn more about the building anniversary, Bowl for Kids’ Sake or the Microsoft retail store partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters, contact Mary Jane Daum by email at mdaum@bbbsemo.org or by phone at (314) 615-1094.