Big Brothers Big Sisters -- big helpers
Daniele Loomis Rostan

SOUTHEAST SOURCE
Daniele Loomis Rostan

When I think back over the years, I am struck by all of the adults who have had an influence in my life. Not just my own parents, but also friends' parents, teachers, Girl Scout troop leaders, soccer coaches and many, many more. Adults, perhaps even unknowingly, have helped shape my life and the person I have become.

I consider myself to be very fortunate to have had so many positive role models over the years. Despite being grown up, I continue to find many wonderful mentors. Through interacting with people from various organizations, I am reminded that even in adulthood, there are still opportunities for growth and development.

We are fortunate to be in a community where there seems to be an abundance of adults willing to take on the responsibility of being a role model. Parents quickly volunteer to coach their children's sports teams or lead Scout troops.

Parents come together to coordinate car pools for after-school activities. They chaperone school activities and keep a watchful eye on not just their own children, but others, as well.

Knowing that positive role models make a big difference in children's lives, the members of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester work tirelessly to provide additional mentorship for children in need. Through fun, engaging activities, Big Brothers Big Sisters has positively affected the lives of many youths in our area.

While the organization focuses on matching "Bigs" with "Littles," there are many other opportunities for individuals to become involved to help positively impact the life of a child. Involvement can either be several times a year, such as with the COUL (Club of Unmatched Littles) program or at special one-time events.

One such activity is Bowl for Kids' Sake. While the event is not about the bowling, but about the kids, the bowling is a lot of fun, too. At least according to University of Rochester graduate student Jim Fryer, who attended last year.

"Bowl For Kids' Sake was fantastic! Most of my grad student friends had no idea how much they enjoyed bowling. Everyone ate a lot of free pizza, drank free beer, took home at least one free T-shirt, and two of my teammates even won door prizes. We're definitely looking forward to coming back in 2007," Fryer says.

The event will again take place at Clover Lanes, 2750 Monroe Ave., in Brighton. Due to the incredibly enthusiastic response, participants now have three event times to choose from: Feb. 17 at noon or 9:30 p.m. and Feb. 18 at noon.

There are no fees for the services the organization provides. Proceeds from the event will remain local to help kids in this area.

"Money raised in a community is targeted to increase service in that community — reaching more kids in need of a mentoring relationship with caring adults," says Tim Ferguson Sr., outreach specialist for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester.

Most kids in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program are from 6 to 16 years of age. They are at an age when positive mentors can make a big difference, a difference lasting a lifetime.

Ferguson adds that he has learned "the importance of having positive role models in a child's life. This organization is important to me because this is my home. This is where I raise my son and where my family lives."

To register for Bowl for Kids' Sake, call Ferguson at (585) 442-2250, ext. 113, or go to the Big Brothers Big Sisters Web site at www.BeABig.com. Links to the registration forms allow anyone to get started with just a few simple clicks.