Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids

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Bowl For Kids’ Sake Sponsor

2009 – 2018 (10 years)
We’ve leveraged dollars to gain huge participation and visibility
$3,268,000 raised
24,000 bowlers
BBBS was 6th in the nation for Bowl For Kids’ Sake results for several years
Lil’ Drug Store employees have engaged in the event for 14 years

College Scholarships

Lil' Drug Store provided support for a BBBS Little to attend Kirkwood each year
2021: Logan, mentored 7 years
2020: Susan, mentored 7 years, continuing Kirkwood student
2019: Jaianna, mentored 4 years
2018: Salena, mentored 8 years. Kirkwood graduate. Accepted into the CR Police Academy in 2021. Has been a Big Sister now for 3 years.

Inspired Employee Involvement

Paul Rossberger, mentored 13 years (2008 – 2021)
Casey McGowen, mentored 7 years (2012 – 2019)
Steve Bosking, mentored 7 years (2012 – 2019)
Michelle Ridder, mentored 1 year (2008 – 2009).

Big Magic Society Member Since 2011

Allows BBBS to expand our Lunch Buddy partner schools by four to 10 total schools:
- Hiawatha Elementary, added 2013
- Hoover Elementary, added 2014
- Cleveland Elementary, added 2018
- Harrison Elementary, added 2019
- Lunch Buddies is popular with new mentors. They meet a child at school over lunch.
- Joy Long, Garfied Principal says, “BBBS is extremely important to the students at Garfield. Each time I see a student light up when they see their buddy is a success story”.
- Alisha Erickson, Hiawatha Counselor says, “I’m extremely satisfied and love the program so much. My favorite experience is with a 5th grader and his buddy. Their giggles can be heard echoing down the hallway every visit. It’s ADORABLE!”.
Lil' Drug Store helped create Long Lasting Relationships Like These:
- 2021 High School Graduate Daysha, with Bobbi, matched 10 years
  - Bobbi said, “I have walked alongside Daysha for the past 10 years. I understand first-hand the challenges that single parents encounter in raising kids. I am incredibly proud of Daysha and the obstacles she has overcome as she graduates from high school.”
- 2021 High School Graduate Charlie, with Mike, matched 10 years
  - Charlie said, “Mike was always there for me. He taught me how to communicate with others”. Mike said, “Charlie and my time with BBBS are some of the moments I’m most proud of in my life”.

Impact

BBBS creates positive, measurable differences in the lives of youth. Even after a year filled with a pandemic and Derecho, local youth reported these improvements in their abilities and skills:

85% improved socio-emotional skills
97% avoided risky behaviors
78% demonstrated educational success

Linda Henecke
President and CEO
Big Brother Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids
www.bigcr.org