Dear Friends,

Each November we typically gather at the beautiful home of Melanie Reynolds and Bob Rowe for a lovely evening of food and wine and give you an update on the important work being done by Big Brothers Big Sisters. 

Our events and gatherings are still up in the air, but the needs of our community and specifically our youth, remain constant.  Please take a few minutes and watch this video (on the left) of your favorite hosts, Melanie & Bob, Cindy Parry & Peter Strauss, Beth O'Halloran & Dave McAlpin, and Beth McLaughlin & Kevin McRae. 

If you have made it this far, thank you!  In addition to our plea from our hosts, we have a heartwarming update from former Match Vicky MacLean and Heidi Goettel.  Vicky and Heidi were matched many years ago (we won't tell how many!) in Helena, and recorded an interview with StoryCorps in the summer of 2020. Scroll down a bit to find the Play button, then sit back and listen (no video, just audio) to their walk down memory lane!

With our gratitude for watching our videos and a minimum donation of $100, we (the BBBS Board and friends) will deliver to you a platter of hors d'oeuvres and a bottle of wine! This year we are featuring the spectacular offerings of Erik Sundquist, formerly the chef at Muni's and Carroll College, and now the proud owner of Helen's BBQ in East Helena.  Erik will be serving up "Southern Charcuterie" - we can't wait!

The average cost of a “Match” is about $1,300 per year.  Expenses include interviews with the potential Little and their guardians; interviews and a thorough background and reference check for the Big prior to enrollment; as well as the continuing check-ins and support from our Match Support Specialists to ensure the success of the Match.  This year we are hoping to support 10 matches with this event, making our goal $13,000.

You can donate online now and reserve your hors d’oeuvres and wine by visiting our Big Ask donation page HERE or clicking the button below.

If you would prefer to donate via check or cash, you can mail your donation to the office, or drop it off at BBBS, 1434 N Roberts, Helena, MT 59601, or have your donation ready for pick up at the time of the food and wine delivery.  If you plan to donate in this method, please let us know by emailing Kelly at kelly@bigcentral.org so that we can get your address for your delivery.  Hors d'oeuvres and wine will be delivered between 4-6pm on Tuesday, November 16th. For those who live a bit further out, you may pick up your food at Helen's BBQ (24 E Main Street, East Helena) between 4-7 PM on Tuesday, November 16th.  

Thank you again for taking the time to watch our videos and your support for the work Big Brothers Big Sisters does.  A little bit really does make a BIG DIFFERENCE for kids and our program.

Sincerely,

Cindy & Peter, Melanie & Bob, Beth & Dave, and Beth & Kevin