A Message of Thanksgiving
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
At this time of Thanksgiving, as we look back at 2018, we are grateful. The past year has truly illustrated that there is little we can’t do when we come together with a common mission – that of helping more children achieve their dreams of success. In 2018 our Bigs, Littles, parents, staff, board members, donors and community partners came together in a Big way to help the agency achieve great things. As a part of our BBBS family, you really outdid yourselves.
Thank you.
Throughout the year, we’ve seen the enthusiasm for our mission grow in specific, measurable ways. Our Giving Society has grown to almost 100 members. Attendance at the 2018 Ice Ball Gala was at an all-time high, and raised an unprecedented amount of money for the agency.
The results of such great participation? A change in the most important number of all, a decrease in the number of children on our waiting list. At 700 just two years ago, the number is around 300 – 350 today.
It’s thanks to you that we’ve seen these changes.
Consequently, we’re excited about the upcoming year and about the new opportunities that lie ahead. We have created a new website that will improve communication with our matches and families, and expand our connections and relationships within the Austin community.
In addition, we have a new look! BBBS launched a new brand this fall with a more modern, dynamic style that emphasizes the urgency and importance of our mission. The new look is designed to increase public awareness of our work and to re-establish BBBS as the leading mentoring organization in the United States.
With a new look and new tools come even more opportunities… opportunities to recruit more Bigs, to serve more kids, and to further increase our impact.
I am thankful for these new, exciting challenges.
Most of all, however, I’m thankful for all of you and your support. There are amazing people connected with our agency who are making a difference in our community. BBBS supporters, board alumni and former Bigs, Laura and Kyndel Bennett, were recently honored as recipients of the Outstanding Philanthropist award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Austin Chapter (AFP). The award is presented to an individual, couple or family with a proven record of exceptional generosity who, through direct financial support, has demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable responsibility, and whose generosity encourages others to take philanthropic leadership roles in the Greater Austin community. The Bennetts have given, and continue to give, so much to our work and we’re excited about the recognition they have received.
Together, the future is bright and the possibilities are endless. I am thankful for the opportunity to work alongside you as we take BBBS and its mission to the next level.
Warm Wishes,
Brent Fields, CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas
