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Program Statistics

Match Anniversaries:
New Matches:
Shannon Freeman & Camry
Rick Touey & Russell
Shannon Vanskike & Annalee
Brittany Jones & Aleah
Julie Humphrey Knutson & Izabella
Erik Jordan & Jacob
Don Karas & Mason
Stefanie Walberg & Sarah
Michael Grassle & Juystice
Terry Halverson & Jean-Luke
Venugopal Acharya & Sameer
Brad Tanis & Ian
Gilbert Castellanos & Zane
Scott Walberg & Nick
Heather Simons & Angela
Mike Miller & Gerald
Gail Wilczynski & Shawna
Nicole Mize & Amelia
Saman Saleem & Ally
Margie Wells & Callan
Lana Starrs & Zoe
Lori Bazinet &Taylor
Bob Rice & William
Jackie Hitchings & Emilie
Rose Morrison & Destiny
Ben Tillisch &: Mathew
Tiffani Reimers & Mariah
Dylan Redor & Luke
Madalyn Hemingsen & Serverin
Ariana Perez & Carlie
Gabby Schultz & Nicole
Mark Gross & Keegan
David Larson & Gideon 

1 Year:
Linda Daignault & Jacquelyn
Julie Castro & Mary
Shannon Criss & Dylan
Kay Young & Hailey
Herschel Leffler & Ronnie
Breanna Ousley & Lauren
Adam Cheyne & Caleb
Sandra Fisher & Tianna
Pat Johnson & Jill
Lynda Dill & Aaron
David Duane & Jordan 

2 Years:
Samantha Stoddard & Carley
Susan Carney & Alisha
Jackie Mintz & Victoria
Lynn Hollerbach & Safire
Jenette Finch & Jasmine  

3 Years:
Nathan Kaufman & Ethan
Tony Bates & Shawn
Mike Codde & Jared
LeAnn Heitzman & Anna

4 Years:
Rick Villa & Drake 

5 Years:
Grith Murphy & Marissa

8 Years:
Kevin Romer & Trevor

"Our mission is to help children reach their potential
through professionally supported one-to-one relationships."

What We Like About You - Quote of the Month

Russell & Rick

When we asked Russell how things are going with his new Big Brother, his immediate response was, "It’s SO good!" He’s really thankful because Rick has a really nice family and they’re having a lot of fun together!

Executive Director Good-bye

Big Brothers Big Sisters Executive Director Deborah Jones announced in September she will be leaving the organization January 14th, 2011, after over 22 years. Debbie came to BBBS in 1988 and served as a case manager and Assistant Director for almost 10 years before accepting the position of Executive Director in 1997.

Under her leadership, Big Brothers Big Sisters has grown from only 20 matches to almost 200 matches. "As I look back, I feel my biggest accomplishment was finding a way to reach more and more children in need of a 'Big Brother' or 'Big Sister' mentor. We've always stayed true to our mission to improve the lives of at-risk children through mentoring relationships. For me, it's always been about the kids."

A native of Minnewaukan, North Dakota, Jones graduated from the University of North Dakota with a B.A. degree in Social Work and Psychology. She moved to Northern California in the 70s and has been a resident of Placerville since 1985. Prior to reconnecting with her social work roots, she was a commercial lending officer with a major bank.

"It's going to be tough walking out the door for the last time," says Jones. "But, I feel good about leaving my successor with a wonderful staff and board and a legacy of serving children in need with passion and hard work."

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Start Something. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is well-known as a volunteer-based organization, but did you know that we are very much a donor-based organization? We have no county, state or federal funding and rely on the generous support of individuals, like you, to support and professionally case manage almost 200 mentoring relationships between at-risk youth and their mentors! This holiday season, won't you take a moment to make a donation to support the important work we do with children in at-risk environments in our own community?

$50 gift supports Mentor screening and background checks
$100 gift supports Mentor training and initial match startup
$500 gift supports a School-based Mentor Match for a year
$1,000 gift supports a Community-based Mentor Match for a year

Please give the "gift of a friend" this holiday season by clicking on the "Donate Now" button! Thank you for your generous support.

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White Christmas for Kids

The gift of giving was at the heart of the first "White Christmas for Kids" shopping event for children in need on December 4th, Dec 4th, benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters and CASA of El Dorado Children and families.

Many of the families we serve are experiencing financial hardship. Some parents are struggling just to provide basic needs like food and shelter, let alone gifts under the Christmas tree.

Kyle is among those who needed help. He is a single-parent with four school-aged children. Kyle has been putting a small amount of money into a savings account for the past year, designated for Christmas gifts for his kids, but recently had to withdraw all $450 to buy a new refrigerator.

Julie works part time, but she and her husband recently separated, leaving her to care solely for their three children. They recently lost their home and are now living in a fifth wheeler outside of town. "We don't even know if we're going to have a Christmas tree this year. Why should we if there's not going to be anything for the kids?" A few moms and dads, on the verge of tears, have exclaimed, "I didn't know how I was going to be able to do it this year!" Another parent cried, "Oh my gosh! He's going to be able to get those cargo pants he's been wanting!" One parent even revealed that her daughter has not had a new bra or a pair of shoes in over a year.

Each child received a $200 gift card at Target, with which to purchase new winter clothing, shoes, and personal hygiene products. The invitation to take part was a huge blessing and is making a tremendously positive impact in the lives of 90 of our kids most in need.

Special thanks to Vern and Cyndee Pierson, Waste Connections, Ken & Lielanie Steers & Family, and Target for sharing the wealth this holiday season and for helping make a BIG difference in the lives of youth and families in El Dorado County!

You can also view pictures by clicking here.

Ken & Lielanie Steers & Family

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Thank You, Vern & Cyndee Pierson

An elegant evening for two great causes took place at the 4th annual Snow Ball on Saturday, December 4th in El Dorado Hills, benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters and CASA El Dorado. Hosted by Vern and Cyndee Pierson, the event featured a black tie dinner and dance, with a "White Christmas" theme and the "White Christmas Shopping Event" was featured earlier in the day. Dave Bender, weather anchor for Channel 13, served as the Master of Ceremonies of the evening's festivities. Please click here for pictures of the event.

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Big Autumn Auction Thanks

The 8th annual Big Autumn Auction held September 25 at Blue Shield of California was attended by almost 200 guests. "Thanks to our wonderful sponsors and donors, this year's auction raised a record $40,000 to support our mentoring programs for at-risk youth," said event chair Dianne Deitchman. With guest host Dave Bender, channel 13 weather anchor, the event featured a chef-prepared dinner, testimonials from children and their mentor volunteers and a live and silent auction.

Special thanks to the following sponsors, volunteers and donors for their significant contribution to the success of the event:

Guest Host Dave Bender; Master of Ceremonies Dave Eggerton; Auctioneer Tim Madden, Chefs Hank Ferlini and Tom Anselmo; Platinum Sponsors: Blue Shield of California, AT&T, the Steers Family and Wells Fargo; Gold Sponsors: DST Output, IntelliQuote Insurance Services, Madrona Vineyards and Parker Development Company; Silver Sponsors: Kiwanis Club of Placerville, Minuteman Press and the Mountain Democrat; Bronze Sponsors: El Dorado Savings Bank and Thrivent.

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Franklin Templeton Investment THANKS

Franklin Templeton Investments raised over $5,800 for Big Brothers Big Sisters at their annual FTI golf tournament on September 25th. "We were very excited about being chosen as the charity recipient of FTI's golf tournament," said Kelly Seymour, President of the Big Brothers Big Sisters board of directors. "The funds generated by the golf tournament will be used to recruit, screen, train and match several of our waiting 'Littles' with Big Brother or Big Sister volunteers. We are very grateful to Franklin Templeton and their employees for partnering with us to help kids in need in our community."

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School Partnership

Carin Chumbley
William Brooks and
/ Buckeye Elementary Schools’ Counselor

Big Brothers Big Sisters has partnered with both William Brooks and Buckeye Elementary schools since 2006, with the help of school counselor Carin Chumbley.

"Having a strong relationship with school staff is important to the health and well-being of the students and their Big Brother or Big Sister School Mentors," said case manager Amber Henrichs. "Working with Carin is a joy and a lot of fun. She has a passion for the kids that really shines when I see her interacting with them!" Mrs. Chumbley refers students to the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program, helps with the initial matches between the students and their mentors, and continues to help support and monitor the mentoring relationships, in cooperation with the Big Brothers Big Sisters case manager.

There are currently over 20 active mentoring relationships at William Brooks and Buckeye schools. The 'Littles' look forward to seeing their 'Bigs' for their weekly one-on-one time together, which includes activities like sharing lunch, working on a project, arts & crafts, or just talking and playing.

The mentoring relationships at these two schools are beneficial and successful, in part, because of Carin's active support of the Big Brothers Big Sisters School Mentor program. Again, thank you, Carin!

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Serving the communities of Placerville, Camino, Pollock Pines, Diamond Springs, Cameron Park, Shingle Springs and El Dorado Hills, Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Dorado County is located in the city of Placerville.

Big Brothers Big Sisters 56 Main Street Placerville, CA 95667 (530)626-1222 www.mentors4youth.org

Make it Matter. Donate or Volunteer today!