Save the date for Bowl for Kids' Sake, Saturday, Nov. 5.

Start thinking about who your teammates will be for this popular bowling tournament! This year's event promises to be the best yet, as we have some special surprises in store. Stay tuned for more information! 

Dear friends,

It's an honor to serve as your new executive director. As a resident of
El Dorado County for 20 years, it's incredibly gratifying to help the people of my community.

I joined Big Brothers Big Sisters because I believe positive adult role models have the ability to help shape a child's future, providing them guidance and support during the crucial years when they're deciding who they want to be. There's an old saying; "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." I believe this wholeheartedly. Unlike organizations that can only help people once things turn badly, we are a true prevention agency with the chance to help before problems begin.

I come to Big Brothers Big Sisters with 15 years of experience in the non-profit arena. I look forward to putting this experience to work for our community.

Our office is abuzz with activity! We have a wonderful, dedicated staff and some new volunteers. Everyone is enthusiastic and full of ideas. It's a very exciting time!

One of my top priorities is to increase our ability to help even more children and their families. As an organization that relies solely on our community's financial support, we're going to broaden our message to reach more donors and sponsors. Once we have the financial means to expand the program, we will reach out to more children and their parents, and recruit more adults to serve as big brothers or sisters.

We've got some work to do!

Please join me at the annual Big Autumn Auction, Saturday, October 22. Everyone is welcome and I'd love to meet you all.

If you have any questions about our programs, events, or sponsorships, have a child in need of a big brother or big sister, or may be interested in volunteering, please give me a call at (530) 626-1222.

Sincerely,

Judy Knapp

40

That's how many kids got a full year with a big brother or big sister thanks to last year's Big Autumn Auction.

50

That's how many we hope to help from this year's auction.

Together, we can make it happen.

Join Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Dorado County for the annual Big Autumn Auction Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 5:00 pm at Blue Shield of California 4203 Town Center Blvd., El Dorado Hills.

The festivities include a delicious gourmet dinner, decadent desserts, and wonderful local wines. Meet some of our local "Bigs" and "Littles", mingle with our staff, donors and sponsors, and experience the Big Brothers Big Sisters impact on our community. And let's not forget the exciting live and silent auctions and raffle prizes! 

• Vacation packages 
• Original artwork 
• Local wines 
• Gift baskets  
• Adventure trips 
• And much more!

Tickets are $45 per person or $80 per couple.

Please call (530) 626-1222 or visit our Web site to purchase tickets and secure your reservation.

Advance tickets are required so hurry before they're all gone!

Checking out the auction items at last year's auction

Fortunately, a school counselor referred Susan to Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Dorado County.

Susan was matched with her Big Sister Michelle, in September, 2010. That friendship continues today. Michelle has been a positive and consistent role model in Susan's life, and Susan is flourishing. She feels optimistic and has stopped her self-destructive behavior. She is working to improve her grades and build friendships. Knowing there is somebody she can trust who provides her the guidance she so desperately needed has made a huge difference in Susan's life.

Susan is not her real name, but her story is real. And there are hundreds like it right here in El Dorado County. Because of generous supporters like you, Susan and many other children in our community stand a better chance in life. Thank you for your continued support.