February 2017: Big & Little Scoops

Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii's February's Newsletter

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Aloha Friend of Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawai'i,

It may be the shortest month of the year, but we sure packed a lot in this February! On Kaua'i we are preparing for the "Rock & Bowl" for Kids' Sake on March 4th - so far we've raised over $23,000...and counting! On Oahu we hosted our 2nd annual Match Makers Breakfast - watch how we surprised our 2017 State of Hawaii Big Brother of the Year. On Hawai'i Island we participated in the 4th Annual Big Game Golf Tournament and continue to host a Game Night in East Hawai`i on the third Wednesday of each month at Starbucks on Kilauea Avenue. A West Hawai`i Game Night is anticipated to begin soon. And on Maui we celebrated Valentine's Day at the Mentor Center and hosted an open house for parents to learn more about our programs.

Mahalo for reading, commenting, and sharing!

Dennis Brown
President / CEO
(and Hawaii's first "Little Brother")

MATCH-A-VERSARY

Congrats to Big Sister Lesley and Little Sister Jazzy
who celebrated their FOUR YEAR match anniversary on February 26th!

MATCH MAKER OF THE MONTH

The financial support from our Match Makers program goes such a long way. Not everyone is able to volunteer their time, but at any amount that is most comfortable for you, by becoming a Match Maker you can change lives for the better, forever. I don’t see it as just giving to an organization, I see it as providing our keiki with additional support and a brighter future with a friend by their side. It’s about making a difference. The keiki of Hawai’i are the leaders of tomorrow. By giving monthly, you provide us with the resources to reach more kids and changes more lives.”
- Kendra Chong | Resource Development Coordinator, Match Maker, Former Big Sister

ISLAND SCOOPS

Mahalo to all who attended our Match Makers Breakfast on Friday, February 24th! Nineteen people signed up to be monthly donors to support our keiki AND we shocked our Big Brother of the Year with this surprise video. Take a look!

Maui matches had fun in Maʻalaea searching, learning, and viewing many Humpback whales in their natural Maui marine habitat! It was an added bonus that we were driven around by our very own Big Brother Gabe! Mahalo to the Pacific Whale Foundation for generously donating passes to us again this year.

We welcome Little Sister Aries and Big Sister Sarah to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kaua’i ohana! The match has already been on their first outing -a hike in Koke’e! We look forward to hearing about all their adventures together.

The 4th Annual Big Game Golf Tournament was held at the Hapuna Golf Course on Sunday February 5th, raising $3,660 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hawai`i Island! Mahalo to our friends at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel for their continued partnership and to all who participated in this event! Mark your calendars for the 5th Annual tournament scheduled for Sunday, February 4, 2018.

MAHALOS

We hope that your Valentine's Day was as special as ours! We were privileged to have the National Honor Society from St. Anthony High School create and run valentine's-themed activities at the Mentor Center. Mahalo a nui to these students for the time and effort they made to put a little love in our hearts!

The Waiākea High School Student Government Association donated the proceeds raised at their annual Santa’s Workshop to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hawai`i Island! The Waiākea High School SGA presented us with a check for $2,000 at their annual Variety Show earlier this month. We are so grateful!

Richard Jack from Island Ladies / Gentlemen came to visit our Mentor Center to do an inspirational talk for our keiki! He spoke about how hard work will get you places no matter what background you are from...what a great lesson for us to learn! Mahalo a nui Mr. Jack!

Thank you to Hawai`i County Police Officer Matt Kaaihue, who commits to spending time with our Bigs and Littles at our school mentoring sites in East Hawai`i, helping them to recognize their value in their community and the contribution they can make to the overall well-being of Hawai`i County!

FEATURED EVENT

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kaua’i is excited to host the 8th Annual “Rock & Bowl” For Kids Sake on Saturday, March 4th. This event is nearly sold-out so those interested in supporting the annual event can do so by clicking the flyer below to help us reach our goal. All money raised stays on Kaua'i to support our keiki!