BIGLITTLE NEWS

&Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County

Our 2009 BFKS will take place on March 28th. BFKS is a fun and easy way to raise funds for and awareness

of the youth mentoring programs provided by BBBS Mercer. Invite family, friends, co-workers, classmates,

etc. to join in. Information about bowling, organizing a team, or being a sponsor is available at our website

or by calling 609.656.1000.

Bowl For Kids Sake 2009

Learn more and register online at www.BFKSmercer2009.kintera.org

I wanted to let you how grateful we all are at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County for your support in 2008. For the third successive year, we were able to achieve a record level of growth in our programs, thanks to our volunteers, donors and dedicated sta� and Board of Directors.

I am delighted to report that we were able to grow our one-to-one mentoring program 40% in 2008. There were 532 children matched with a caring mentor (“Big”) who provides these children with guidance, friendship and advice, versus the alternatives of despair, drugs and dropping-out.

For 2009, we have set a goal to serve more than 600 children in Mercer County. The current economic times are challenging for everyone– including us – but we have so much to be grateful for this year. Thanks to you, hundreds of children have been given the guidance and tools to change their lives for the better.

Even more noteworthy, we measure the impact of the match relationship using a validated and reliable instrument designed by BBBS-National and

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S DESK | Susan Dunningthe United Way. Of the parents and mentors who completed the survey in 2008, the results show that of the children who participated in our program for a minimum of one year:

o 90% were more self-con�dent, o 82% had an improved sense of the future, o 77% improved their attitude toward school o 78% improved their academic performance, o 72% were more able to avoid substance abuse, and o 80% improved relationships with peers and 64% with adults.

On behalf of everyone associated with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County, including our sta�, our Board of Directors, our volunteers, and most especially, the many children we serve, I o�er you our profound thanks for your ongoing commitment to our mission.

Susan M. Dunning

INSIDETHIS

ISSUE

AGENCY WINS AWARDHamilton Twp. recognizes BBBS of Mercer County as the “Non-pro�t of the Year” for 2008. Read Sue Dunning’s remarks inside.

AUTUMN CULINAIRE RECAPEvent in October was a huge success, including food and wine tasting. John Franzini and Carmen Calvimontes were named the Greg Olsen Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year.

LUCKY SAFARI WINNERSix-day safari trip to South Africa is ra�ed o� at Autumn Culinaire event. Ra�e raises over $33,000. BBBS Mercer thanks generous support of contributors for making this possible.

OUR BIG STORYRead this issue’s touching story about one of our matches, Nakia & Diamond.

CAR RAFFLE Our annual car ra�e raised $58,000 to help fund our mentoring programs.

Building better schools, brighter futures, and a stronger Mercer County Winter 2009 Newsletter

The beautiful Greenacres County Club in Lawrenceville, was the scene again this October for our annual wine, beer, and food tasting event, Autumn Culinaire. Guests enjoyed menu samplings from over twenty of the �nest area restaurants as well as wine and international beer tastings sponsored by Glendale Liquors. The Meg Hansen Band entertained and guests had the opportunity to bid on fabulous Silent Auction items.

We were honored to have Mercer County Regional Chamber of Commerce President and BBBS supporter, Michele Siekerka, serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening.

Michele introduced long-time Big Brother and BBBS supporter and advisor, Dr. Greg Olsen, who praised our youth mentoring programs for the impact they make on our community. Dr. Olsen and his daughter, Krista Olsen Dibsie, then presented our annual Greg Olsen Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year awards to John Franzini and Carmen Calvimontes for their outstanding service to their Littles and our community. Congratulations John and Carmen!

Thanks to all who made the night so spectacular, especially our participating vendors who include the following: Anton’s at the Swan, Blue Point Grill, Cafe Nicole, Europa at Monroe, Glendale Liquor, Greenacres Country Club, Hamilton Grill Room, Lindt Chocolate, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Salt Creek Grille, Sotto Ristorante, Starbucks, The Blue Bottle Cafe, The Brothers Moon, The Ferry House, The Lawrenceville Inn, The Village Baker, Triumph Brewery, Wine Cellar Sorbet, and Witherspoon Grill.

Autumn Culinaire

This year BBBS Mercer had an extra special opportunity for our supporters: a chance to win a trip to South Africa for four people. The package included a safari at Singita Game Reserve, stays at Olsen Vineyards and Le Quartier Francais, a $2,000 gift card, South African Airway tickets and safari jackets from Beretta Boutique in New York. Thanks to the generosity of BBBS friend and supporter, Deborah Terhune, of New York City, who secured and donated much of this luxury trip package, we raised over $33,000 to support our mentoring programs. The winning ticket #2750 was pulled at our Autumn Culinaire event. The winner of this fantastic adventure was Sally Hall of Ponte Verde Beach, Florida. Have a great trip, Sally!

We thank Greg Olsen who provided the stay at his vineyards. And a special thanks to Big Brother Flint Lane and the employees of Billtrust who sold $10,000 worth of ra�e tickets, to Deborah Terhune who sold $8,600 worth of ra�e tickets, and to the many volunteer Bigs who sold books of tickets.

(Top) Greg Olsen, John Franzini & Krista Olsen Dibsie(Middle) Krista Olsen Dibsie, Carmen Calvimontes & Greg Olsen(Bottom) Silent Auction Room

Call of the Wild

BBBS Mercer’s 3rd Annual

Children Waiting for Big Brothers and Big Sisters Treated to Special Events Fox Rothschild employees once again provided a very special night at a Trenton Thunder game on August 29th for 19 very deserving children, all who are waiting for Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

Employees were matched one-to-one with a child for the night. Fox Rothschild provided bus transportation, a pre-game tour of the stadium, as well as food and special treats throughout the evening. “The children had a fantastic night and the bus ride home was �lled with smiles and laughter,” states Program Director, Kim Cody.

Our 13th Annual Car Ra�e was a great success this year once again o�ering a choice of six 2009 models from Mercedes Benz of Princeton and Open Road BMW. On September 27th at 9pm the winning car ra�e ticket, #115, was drawn at the Salt Creek Grille in Princeton’s Forrestal Village before a crowd of over 100 people.

Our winner, Gary Bruno, was not present but received a phone call a few minutes later from Executive Director, Sue Dunning. Gary chose a 2009 BMW 528i and gave it to his daughter. Lucky girl!

BBBS Mercer would like to thank everyone who supported the ra�e this year, especially Mercedes Benz of Princeton, Open Road BMW, Salt Creek Grille and NJ Manufacturers Insurance for helping us raise net proceeds of $58,000 to support our mentoring programs.

Again this year, Notre Dame High School played host to two of our favorite events: our Big/Little Halloween Party and our Winter Holiday Party. Students from the high school organized crafts, games, and activities for the Little Brothers and Sisters in attendance. Everyone enjoyed refreshments and dancing to music, once again provided courtesy of DJ T-Bone. The highlight of the Winter Holiday Party was, of course, a visit from Santa. Each Little lined up to talk to Santa and receive a gift.

“Each year these parties are a great opportunity for our Bigs and Littles to all get together, meet each other, and have fun,” said Executive Director, Sue Dunning. “We are grateful to the Notre Dame community for all their support to Big Brothers Big Sisters throughout the year.”

Hamilton Township’s Economic Development Advisory Commission recognized BBBS Mercer as the “Non-Pro�t of the Year” at their 33rd Annual Distinguished Achievement Awards Dinner on December 1st at the Nottingham Ballroom. Accepting the award for the agency was Executive Director, Sue Dunning, who attended the event with several sta� and Board members. “This is a great honor for our organization. We have grown by over 400% in the last three years and are pleased to be recognized by our own community for our work. We very much appreciate the

We have grown by over 400% in the last three years and are pleased to be recognized by our own community for our work.

“”- Sue Dunning

Executive Director, BBBS Mercer

BBBS Mercer Honored as Non-pro�t of the Year

Lucky Winner

Party Time | BBBS & Notre Dame

support of the Hamilton Township government and business community as we work to bring quality youth mentoring services to more children in Mercer County.”

Rider University fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, hosted a golf outing at Pine Creek on September 13, 2008 for 27 wait-listed children. The day of the outing, children were matched with the adults for a round of miniature golf followed by Subway sandwiches, Rita’s water ice, a ra�e, and each child received a gift bag to enjoy on the ride home.

A special thanks to Brian Monsen who did an exceptional job coordinating this event. We thank Fox Rothschild employees and Sigma Phi Epsilon brothers who gave so generously of their time and attention to make these children feel special.

“Little Moments, Big Magic”

OUR BIG STORY | Nakia & Diamond

Big Brothers Big Sistersof Mercer County535 East Franklin Ave.Trenton, NJ 08610

Visit us online at www.bbbsmercer.orgCall us at 609-656-1000from BBBS Mercer!

Happy New Year

BBBS of Mercer County Sta�Susan Dunning – Executive DirectorJacqueline Brendel – Director of DevelopmentKim Cody – Director of Community ProgramsPrema Ramroop – Director of School ProgramsTara Belford – Case ManagerJasmyne Bivins – Case ManagerNancy Cox – Case Manager/RecruiterJoseph Faulknor – Case ManagerBeth Lawrence-Gill – Case Manager Ariel Matos – Case ManagerDenise Ratti – Customer RelationsKatie Rice – Intern, Notre Dame HSStephanie Rosato – Student Recruiter, RiderRichard Sabatini – Student Recruiter, TCNJ

Board of DirectorsShawn M. Neufeld – PresidentMark A. Lockett – Vice PresidentFaustina Balthazar – SecretaryCarl E. Lockett – TreasurerEdward L. Benson, Jr.John H. BuschmanSara E. K. CooperCli� CramerChristopher FlorioRuby HofmannThomas J. Irwin Beatrice JonesStephen N. Klein, CPALindsay MartinJohn A. PuzioDebbie Runyon Marsha StoltmanLynne WildenboerLeon WilliamsJim Yadlon

Nakia is an African-American attorney from Trenton currently working in municipal government. Her father’s military career ensured that she attend many di�erent schools both here and abroad, before graduating from Trenton High. The �rst in her family to attend college, she earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Maryland and a Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School.

Did you have in your background a non-family member who was important to your development, like a Big Brother or Sister? No, not really, but I loved school and had great teachers who really took an interest in me. It’s embarrassing to admit, but in elementary school I used to cry on the last day.

Who introduced you to BBBS? I �rst heard about the program while in college, but I found the Mercer chapter of BBBS while searching a web-site for local volunteer opportunities when I moved back last year. While living in D.C., I served as a mentor in a program that helped kids prepare for college and really enjoyed the experience, so I wanted to get involved with something similar here.

Why did you think mentoring a child was something you’d like to do? I think it’s so important to cultivate the potential in children and provide them with positive reinforcement. If I wasn’t a lawyer, I’d be a teacher. I wanted to give back by being a friend to someone much like my younger self.

What sort of experiences have you shared with your Little Sister, from the most routine to the most unusual? Well, we both love to eat and to shop. We’ve made pizzas, hung out at the mall and played video games. She really enjoyed dining at a Chinese restaurant and drinking tea out of the little cups. Whenever she gets gift cards or money from her family she likes me to take her shopping. We do things that give us an opportunity to have fun, but we also talk about anything that might be going on in her life. I try to come up with fun things to do that don’t cost much and while I usually treat her, her grandmother always gives her some money when she knows we’ll be doing something that requires it. Our big summer outing was a trip to Madam Tussaud’s in NYC, where we took a ton of pictures with “famous people”. We had a great time.

What gives you the greatest satisfaction/pleasure about your relationship with your Little? Seeing a smile on her face and hearing the excitement in her voice when we do things together, knowing that I’m having a positive impact on her life. We have similar senses of humor, so it’s fun when we get each other laughing and cracking jokes.

How do you think your Little would answer that question? I think she would say that she enjoys our times together. On the days we meet up, she calls me early, excited and ready to go. She also seems very proud to introduce me as her Big Sister; she’s even told me that she loves me.

Visit us on the web at

www.bbbsmercer.org