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Big Brothers Big Sisters to benefit from MCF's Reflection Ball
By Melissa Anderson
Times Staff Writer
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Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States, according to its Web site.
MCF supports charitable causes throughout Sarpy and Cass counties area through financial support and volunteerism. During each year’s Reflection Ball, MCF has helped benefit a different organization or cause, said Tonee Gay, executive director for MCF.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters was chosen by the Midlands Community Foundation’s Board of Directors so it may raise awareness within our service area, increase their ability to meet its community volunteer goals and facilitate positive community relationships,” she said.
This year Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands is celebrating 50 years in the community. It is a donor-supported volunteer organization for children, ages 6 to 18, to help them try to reach their potential through one-on-one relationships with mentors, according to its Web site.
“We change how children grow up in our communities,” said Nancy Thompson, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters. “Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands does this by helping to develop positive relationships between adults and children that have a direct and lasting impact.”
The program will reach out to all children, but Thompson said it focuses on children from low-income families and single-parent families. There are also programs to serve children who have a parent or sibling in the justice system or juvenile justice system. A staff member is also specifically assigned to provide outreach to the Hispanic community.
“Our vision is to provide and develop successful mentoring relationships for all children who need and want them in our community,” Thompson said.
The national office for Big Brothers Big Sisters has shown that the positive relationships between the youth and their mentors has helped Little Brothers and Sisters (children in the program) become more confident in schoolwork, get along better with their families, and make them less likely to use drugs or alcohol and less likely to skip school.
Thompson said it was wonderful news for Big Brothers Big Sisters to be chosen as the proceeds recipient for the Reflection Ball. As of now 6 percent of children are being served in the Sarpy and Cass counties area and the goal is to serve 10 percent. With the money donated, Big Brothers Big Sisters will be able to continue to serve children and also expand.
Last year’s Reflection Ball raised more than $114,000, of which $83,500 went to One World Community Health Center – Cass County Clinic, Gay said. The money that MCF raises each year for the Reflection Ball is gained by reaching out to local corporations, business owners and individuals and asking for support through corporate sponsorships, advertising, donations or individual ticket sales.
“We know that the Midlands Community Foundation supports services for children and families, and we are honored to be chosen this year,” Thompson said.
The mission of Midlands Community Foundation is to benefit the diverse needs of the Sarpy and Cass counties’ communities by providing financial support, involvement and service, according to a MCF press release.
The Reflection Ball will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14 at the Embassy Suites in La Vista. Ken and Charlotte Molzer will be honored and the honorary chairs are Jim and Nancy Thompson. Individual tickets are $125.
Sponsorships are Diamond for $5,000, Gold for $3,000, Silver for $2,000 and Corporate for $1,000. Donations can also be made through advertising with a full page for $500, half page for $250 and quarter page for $150.
For more information, call the Midlands Community Foundation at 991-8027 or e-mail events@MidlandsCommunity.org.
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