The Big Picture

A Message from Executive Director Michael A. Corriero

Balancing the number of social workers, their caseloads and the budget is as much if not more of a concern for Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City now as it was over 50 years ago. Funding once again limits the hiring of more social workers and service to new youth is hindered and I worry about those children in need whom we may be unable to serve at this time. I recall the story of a young boy who was referred to our agency by a probation officer in early December, 1953.

He was a 13-year-old chronic truant who felt that school was a waste of time. A Southern boy who had moved to NYC with his single mother, he was teased by the other students because of his clothing and accent. He became withdrawn and spent most of his time watching television alone. He had never known his father and the probation officer felt that the boy really needed a caring adult male role model. Our social worker met with this young man and his mother several times, but the agency was unable to serve him immediately because of a shortage of social workers. Before he could be matched with a Big Brother, he and his mom had disappeared. The agency did not hear anything further about him until 10 years later, on November 22, 1963. That boy was Lee Harvey Oswald.

If the agency had the necessary resources available to act sooner, would it have made a difference in the life of this troubled young boy? Adalbert von Gontard, Jr., agency president at the time and now a longstanding BBBS of NYC trustee, said in a statement released in December 1963, "In retrospect, it is impossible to state what might have been the result if the efforts of Big Brothers, Inc. had been successful in providing the boy with a favorable adult male relationship with a volunteer Big Brother."

I want to serve the children currently on our waiting list now, so I don't have to wonder what may become of them in 10 years. But, Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City is facing the challenge of insufficient resources to meet a growing need. President Obama said in his recent State of the Union address, "Again, we are tested. And again, we must answer history's call." As a donor-supported volunteer organization, we rely on our funders to help us answer history's call and invest in a brighter future.

Source: Beiswinger, George L. 1985. One to One: The Story of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Movement in America. Philadelphia: Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

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It's Time for a BIG Night Out! BBBS of NYC's Young Professionals Committee Hosts 11th Annual Black Tie Casino Night

On Saturday, February 20th, Cipriani Wall Street will be filled with casino tables, silent auction items, raffle prizes, gift bags and more as over 700 of New York City's young professional men and women dressed in gowns and tuxedos gather for a fun evening to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City.

A black tie preferred fundraiser, BIG Night Out features a top shelf open bar, charity casino with blackjack, craps and roulette games, Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament, gourmet food stations, silent auction, raffle prizes, dance music and a VIP room. In the VIP room, guests can sip Moet Champagne while lounging on modern contemporary furniture provided by event sponsors. All attendees can place their bids on over 50 fabulous silent auction packages, including airline tickets and hotel stays, sports memorabilia, fashion clothing and accessories, theater tickets, dinner parties with private chefs, and wine, chocolate and cheese tastings.

This year, casino chips can be exchanged for raffle tickets. The "Non-gamblers Special" raffle prizes include Southwest Airline tickets, a seven-day Elite Island Resorts vacation getaway for two, and exclusive tickets to the Big Apple Film Festival's screenings and parties. Prizes also will be awarded to the tournament winners at the end of the evening.

"Especially in the dead of winter, it's always fun to get dressed up and head out for a fun night in the city. BIG Night Out is a great chance to meet new people, dance to music from an awesome DJ, enjoy delicious food and cocktails and win some amazing raffle prizes and silent auction packages, said Justin Geller, YPC member and BIG Night Out Event Chair. "The best party is one that you can feel good about because you are supporting a worthy cause and changing the lives of disadvantaged children in NYC. All proceeds go directly to BBBS of NYC's proven mentoring programs, so your donation is not a gamble and everyone is a winner."

VIP and General Admission tickets are available. Online ticket sales for BIG Night Out will end at 5pm on Friday, February 19th, and General Admission tickets will be available at the door. Isn't it about time you enjoyed a BIG Night Out? Purchase Tickets

To purchase tickets by phone or for group ticket rates, please contact Roxanne Scher at (212) 994-7701.

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Bigs United Group Celebrates Black History Month While Supporting BBBS of NYC

Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City's African American volunteer affinity group, Bigs United , hosted A Black History Month Tribute to Mentoring: Celebrate our History, Empower Their Future at Opal on Thursday evening, February 4th.

In a room decorated with the inspiring photos and stories of African American celebrities and their mentors, guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while networking throughout the night. This fundraising event also proved both entertaining and educational for attendees who played a special African American themed Jeopardy!-style trivia game to win prizes. The posters and game were created by Marlon Ross, a new Bigs United member. Marlon explained, "I saw the game and the posters as an opportunity to enlighten, inspire and energize people. There is no reason why anyone should feel that they cannot succeed when there have been so many examples of African Americans throughout history who have struggled and yet achieved so much...I spent considerable time working on this event because I really believe in Bigs United. They are filling a desperate need in the African American community and if I can help them in any way, I will just roll up my sleeves and do it."

Featured guest speaker, CNN Commentator, Community Activist and Mentor, Ryan Mack, provided a stimulating discussion. Ryan spoke passionately about the importance of benevolence and giving back, "I love the work that Big Brothers Big Sisters is doing. It's so important, so necessary," he continued, "we are all here for one purpose, to make the world a better place and make it easier for the ones who come behind us. This is what Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City and Bigs United do. They make the world a better place for our children."

To support the agency and raise awareness during National Mentoring Month, Bigs United held another event on January 11th at B. Smith's. As one of the venue's "Second Monday's" monthly happy hours/fundraisers, B. Smith's donated a percentage of the evening's proceeds to Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC. Additional revenue was generated by the raffle prizes, which included select gift cards and music CD packages.

"Planning Bigs United's first happy hour fundraiser at B. Smith's was so much fun! That night, Bigs United did a lot of "friend-raising" and made important connections with a popular African-American owned NYC restaurant and with the community. The energy and support from all attendees was phenomenal," said Mykal Sumter, Big Sister and Bigs United member.

Bigs United was founded by alumni Big Brother, Danny Madden, over two years ago and continues to grow with over 100 members. If you'd like to join or support Bigs United, please contact Michael Coughlin at 646-688-1240.

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