Thursday, October 30, 2014

Spooks, Spokes & Sneakers raises nearly $7,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters!

Beautiful weather was certainly in favor of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa and the nearly 300 children served by the organization this month. Saturday, October 11, 2014 marked the 4th annual Spooks, Spokes & Sneakers Halloween bike ride and powder fun run for the organization. The event collected nearly $7,000 for the nonprofit.

Spooks, Spokes & Sneakers featured a trick-or-treat style bike ride as well as a powder fun run/walk suitable for all ages. Participants ranged from those pushed in strollers to competitive runners and bikers from near and far. Following the ride and run, participants enjoyed food and fun all at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls.

Check out a few pictures from the event and we hope to see you all again in 2015!!















































*photos courtesy of James Brown, Jr.*





Wednesday, October 29, 2014

October Match Spotlight: Karen and Anna

 Anna and her Big Sister, Karen, are celebrating their one year anniversary as a match this month! Anna was enrolled in Big Brothers Big Sisters by her mother because she wanted Anna to have a mentor who could boost Anna’s self-confidence and model how to respect and interact with others. 

Karen wanted to be a Big Sister to make a child feel important and introduce them to new things. Karen is a retired teacher of 22 years. Karen has also volunteered as a library reader and with Girl Scouts when her daughter was young.

Anna and Karen have enjoyed doing a variety of activities throughout their first year together.  Some of these activities include playing games, going out for ice cream, and going to the movies. Karen has a rule that before going to a movie that has been based off of a book, Anna and Karen must read the book first. 

Anna and Karen also share a love for baking. The pair took classes this summer to learn how to decorate cupcakes. Karen and Anna are so thoughtful that they have even taken cupcakes that they have made to the local police station to share! Karen encourages Anna to be generous to others and to use common courtesies, like writing thank you cards and letters.

Anna’s mother is happy with the connection that Anna and Karen have been able to make and believes that the two are a great match. We are excited to see how this match will grow in the future!




Monday, October 20, 2014

Join us for Kids' Day at the Heart of Darkness!

The lights will be on and the monsters gone...

The Heart of Darkness Haunted Attraction will host a "no scares" Kids' Day this Sunday, October 26 from 11 am to 2 pm.  
This family-fun day is truly for all ages - enjoy candy, face painting, and games for just $3 per person.

All money raised through this event will go to support 
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa which offers 
one-to-one mentoring for at-risk kids in the Cedar Valley. 

 Join us at the Heart of Darkness located at 5111 Osage Rd. in Waterloo.



Tuesday, October 7, 2014

September Matches and October Anniversaries

Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to WELCOME the following new matches made in September:

Tom Hanig and Tyrese
Danielle West and John-Michael


CONGRATS to the following matches reaching their anniversary during the month of October:

One Year:
Karen Schmitt and Anna

Two Years:
Bob Quinlan and Sam
Matt Ray and Kadyn
Julie Wilharm and Hailey

Three Years:
Dan Daly and Jake
Jerrilu Leach and Briana
Steve Schmitt and Quinton

Six Years:
Bob Claassen and Antonio

Eight Years:
Frank Thompson and Ashanti

Nine Years:
Sherry Etringer and Tru
Joanne Koweil and Quaynisha



Thursday, October 2, 2014