Big Brothers Big Sisters of Midcoast Maine

2011-09-22T16:14:00.000-07:00

Damariscotta

2010-11-27T19:27:00.000-08:00

Online bidding for the Damariscotta auction is now closed.

Owls Head

2010-11-20T09:39:00.000-08:00

Online bidding for the Owls Head auction is now closed.

Camden

2010-11-20T09:35:00.000-08:00

Online bidding for the Camden auction is now closed.

Belfast

2010-11-20T09:34:00.000-08:00

Online bidding for the Belfast Wreath Auction is now closed.

“Community Matters More”

2010-01-27T12:43:00.000-08:00

Vote for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Midcoast Maine Today!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Midcoast Maine has been selected as one of 48 Maine non-profit organizations nominated to participate in Bangor Savings Bank’s “Community Matters More” Campaign.

The Bank chooses six non-profits from eight regions of the state, and each of these nominees receives a $1,000 grant. Ballots are made available to the public, which then votes for up to three recipients per region. Then, after all the votes are tallied (March 2 is the deadline), the top vote getter in each of the eight regions will receive an additional $5,000 grant from Bangor Savings Bank. All told, the Bank will provide $100,000 to 68 non-profit organizations!

You can help BBBSMCM by voting for us in the Midcoast Region on the enclosed ballot. Simply check off “Big Brothers Big Sisters of Midcoast Maine” and return the ballot to any Bangor Savings Bank office (Beflast, Camden/Rockport, Rockland, Searsport, Unity if you live within the Midcoast) . Anyone can vote, so we encourage you to make copies of the ballot and give them to your friends, family members, customers and colleagues -- encouraging them all to vote for BBBSMCM. You can even send out an email to everyone in your address book and encourage them to vote online by going to www.communitymattersmore.com.

Please cast your vote today and help us garner enough votes to win in the midcoast region! Remember – One vote per person and voting ends March 2. Thank you for your support!

January is National Mentoring Month

2010-01-07T07:49:00.000-08:00

Big Brothers Big Sisters Needs Support to Help

More Kids Beat the Odds

In recognition of National Mentoring Month, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Midcoast Maine is calling on not only volunteers, but donors as well, to provide support for thousands of children who need mentors. Big Brothers Big Sisters is the nation’s largest donor-supported volunteer network of long-term mentors for youth, providing matching, screening and ongoing support for “Bigs,” “Littles,” and families. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Midcoast Maine is one of the network’s nearly 400 agencies helping about 255,000 Littles succeed in and out of school.

National Mentoring Month is spearheaded by the Harvard Mentoring Project of the Harvard School of Public Health, MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership, and the Corporation for National and Community Service. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is a lead partner.

“Our priority and what differentiates Big Brothers Big Sisters is our commitment to providing long-term mentoring, resulting in proven positive educational and social outcomes, improving kids' chances to succeed,” said Alex Gaeth, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Midcoast Maine. “Donors enable Big Brothers Big Sisters' quality staff, backed by proven support systems and structures, to provide ongoing support for "Littles," their families and "Bigs," from before each match is made, throughout the course of the mentoring friendship.”

Independent research finds Littles are more likely than their peers to have better school attendance and improvements in behavior -- avoiding violence and illegal activities -- and they are more likely to have stronger relationships at home and elsewhere.

Boys disproportionately represent Littles ready to be matched with Bigs. This month, with emphasis on mentoring, the organization is expecting a surge in volunteers. The hope is that donations will come in as well, so that all Bigs and Littles who are ready to be matched can begin a long, successful mentoring match, supported by Big Brothers Big Sisters professionals who are committed to helping vulnerable children beat the odds.

Lincoln Academy Student Recognized for Outstanding Volunteer Service

2009-10-29T09:35:00.000-07:00

By John Maguire

Donald (Big) and his "Little", Brandon

Donald Cundy, a junior at Lincoln Academy in Newcastle, has been a Big Brother since his freshman year. He is being honored for his outstanding volunteer service with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Midcoast Maine at the WCSH 11th Annual Teens Who Care Award Ceremony next month.

The ceremony, hosted by WCSH-6 News Center’s Lee Nelson and Sharon Rose, will take place at the Portland Museum of Art on Mon., April 13.

The six student winners each receive $2000 scholarship funds from Maine Education Services and Maine Community College System (sponsors of the event) and were chosen out of 44 nominated volunteers.

The six winners are Daniel Ault of Brewer, Donald Cundy, Patrick Diamond of Scarborough, Morgan Mitchell of Southport, Alexandra Morrow of Lebanon, and Jordan Sanford of Shapleigh.

Tossing Around a football in back of the Great Salt Bay School in Damariscotta with his 12 year-old pal, Cundy clearly has fun. The two smile and laugh, share jokes and chat amiably.

The LA student has been bound to a wheelchair since age four when he was struck by a vehicle, but this doesn’t slow him down.

According to a WCSH-6 press release, Cundy is also an Assistant Scout Leader for Troop 228. Cundy reaches over to pick up the spongy football, which is wet from having landed in puddles left by melted snow and hurtles it back to his younger friend.

He comes to GSB School every Tuesday afternoon to hang out with his “Little,” Brandon Jewett. Cundy recalled having someone to look up to as a young person and aspired to give back and joined the program to become a “Big.”

“When I was in the first grade, I thought it was the coolest thing to have an eighth grader hang out with me,” he said.

According to Alex Gaeth, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Midcoast Maine, Cundy is a committed volunteer.

“He’s got a great outlook on life,” Gaeth said, adding that the student’s positive attitude rubs off on those around him. “He’s got a wicked sense of humor.”

Gaeth went on to say that Cundy is not concerned with what other people think, but cares more about what he can do for others. A former Big Brother himself, Gaeth said teenagers have it tough. Often feeling they are too young to offer the world anything, he said the students in the program learn they have a lot to offer.

Speaking of the award Cundy is to receive, Gaeth said, “He’s very deserving of it.”

As the press release states, NBC affiliate WCSH channels 6 and 2 will present short documentary-style video clips of each winning student at the award ceremony.

The video profiles will air during a following televised Teens Who Care Special. The station will also televise 30-second public service announcement clips of the students throughout May and June.

This story originally appeared in the Lincoln County News

13th Annual "Bids for Kids" Wreath Auction

2009-10-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

Jordan proudly displays his goodie-filled wreath from Mike's Place.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Bath Savings Institution and Postal Center USA, to all of our volunteers, and to all of our bidders for making this years' Bids for Kids Wreath Auction a success!

Best Friends

2009-10-02T16:12:00.000-07:00

Bob (Big) and his “Little,” Nate, a Community-Based Match

"My Big Brother is my best friend"

-Nate, who was matched with Bob in the Community-Based Mentoring Program last summer

Nate, a Little, from Bristol:

Last summer I was matched with Bob, a Big Brother, and we do something together every weekend. We go to the movies, fairs, hike, snowshoe, fish, kayak, volunteer at the animal shelter and lots of other neat stuff. It's terrific.

I spent Thanksgiving and Christmas at my Big Brother's home and have become close to his whole family. Recently on my birthday he and his wife took me to a real nice restaurant. They have encouraged me to do well in school and answer lots of questions for me. They are like the family I never had. My Big Brother is my best friend. When I get older I want to be a Big Brother and help some boy through tough times just like I was helped by Bob and his family.

Bob, a Big, from South Bristol:

When I retired after 31 years of college teaching (and many years as a Boy Scout leader), I decided that I would like to continue to be involved with young people. I began as a volunteer math tutor at the local school. When I learned about the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, I thought that I would like to give it a try. I was matched with a fifteen year old boy, Nate, who was basically an orphan. I was somewhat wary at first as I didn't know what to expect. The relationship has developed in to something special for both of us. We are together every Saturday or Sunday and I take great pleasure in seeing how happy he is. One of the great joys was watching him catch his first fish- a 35" inch striped bass.

My wife and I have both become close to my 'little' and he is like one of the family. My son who is 23 also joins us for some of our activities. He and Nate have become good friends as well. I believe we have had a very positive effect on Nate's attitudes about life. He is more optimistic and open. He's now talking about college and a career in animal care. He's a fine young man who just needed some kindness and encouragement. Because of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program he's received both.

BBBS Welcomes Cathy Hardy

2009-10-02T10:44:00.000-07:00

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Midcoast Maine is pleased to welcome Cathy Hardy to the team as the new Special Events Coordinator. Cathy comes to Big Brothers Big Sisters with a wealth of experience in development within the Midcoast community. In her new role, she will help raise funds for the critical mentoring programs through the annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake event and Bids for Kids Wreath Auction, as well as by writing grants. “Cathy has helped a number of other local organizations grow tremendously over the years and we know that having her on our team will mean more kids will have access to the positive role models they need to grow up and lead happy, healthy lives,” states Alex Gaeth, Executive Director.

Most recently Cathy held the position of Director of Development and Community Relations at the Owls Head Transportation Museum, where she managed fundraising events and campaigns, marketing and wrote grants. Prior to that, she excelled in similar arenas as the Director of Community Relations and Development at the Pen Bay YMCA. Her experience also includes serving as the Executive Director of the Camden-Rockport-Lincolnville Chamber of Commerce. She serves her local community as a member of the Lincolnville Select Board, and is excited about the opportunity to improve the lives of youth through BBBS’ proven mentoring programs. “I’m delighted to be working with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Midcoast Maine and look forward to helping them gain additional exposure and recognition in Knox, Waldo and Lincoln Counties. I’m also eager to work again with the business community and build new relationships to benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs. I strongly believe in their mission and I’m looking forward to working with their team of energetic and caring professionals. I also encourage anyone who would like to help kids in the mid-coast area to consider volunteering at Big Brothers Big Sisters,” says Hardy.

Walter Guptill, President of the Board of Directors, states “I have known Cathy for many years and I am delighted to welcome a person of her character and qualifications to our team. Cathy’s strong ties to the midcoast community and professional accomplishments will surely translate to great things for our organization and more importantly I am confident that the youth of Midcoast Maine will benefit too.”

To find out how you can help the team at BBBS of Midcoast Maine change the lives of our local youth, either by volunteering or donating, contact us at 593-0380, stop by our new office at 16 School St., Suite 201 in Rockland, or email bbbs@midcoast.com.

Brevetto Kitchen & Wine Bar

2009-09-18T09:56:00.000-07:00

Took place on September 14th, 2009. Portion of the proceeds benefited BBBSMCM.

Search

2009-09-09T23:06:00.000-07:00

Our Sponsors

2009-09-09T16:34:00.001-07:00

To find out how your business can gain great exposure and help change lives as a website sponsor, email Alex today.

Bath Savings Institution

Postal Center USA

Become A Big

2009-09-09T16:33:00.000-07:00

Suzy (Big) and her "Little," Mara, a Community-Based match

"Mara and I share a life. She has become one of the most important young people in my life, which is saying a lot since I have six fabulous grandkids. I am sure that we will continue to be 'special friends' for many years to come." - Suzy

"Becoming a Big is fun and simple. In fact, our volunteers often say they get more out of it than their Littles. Simply send me an email with your name and contact information and I will be glad to tell you more about how you can become a Big and CHANGE A CHILD'S LIFE!"

Our Schools

Recruitment Sites

If your school is on this list, and you’d like to help a child by becoming a Big, email Casey today.

If you are 18 and older, and want to help out a local youth through the Community-Based Mentoring Program, email Alan today.

To learn about other opportunities to positively change a life, please click here to learn about becoming a School-Based Mentoring Program Coordinator.

Newsletters

2009-09-08T12:14:00.000-07:00

Read our newsletters

School-Based Mentoring Program Coordinator

2009-09-08T11:29:00.000-07:00

Sarah, Karen and Amy, School-Based Program Coordinators, assisted by Adam, a Little from Warren Community School, accepting their Bowl for Kids' Sake Trophies.

School-Based Program Coordinators (SBC) act as the eyes and ears of the Agency. They are screened, trained volunteers that aid in the healthy development of Bigs and Littles friendships and help ensure child safety during the weekly program. They maintain a close relationship with the School-Based Mentoring Program Manager and are in constant communication with the Agency. They provide valuable insight into the everyday ups and downs of Big and Littles relationships that help BBBSMCM staff to provide the most effective professional match support.

To find out how you can change lives as a Program Coordinator, email Casey today.

Board of Directors

2009-09-08T11:06:00.000-07:00

Serving on the Board of Directors is a great way to help shape the future of the Agency and positively shape the future of our local youth. Through fundraising, oversight and planning, the Board of Directors helps the agency live the mission to help youth in Knox, Lincoln and Waldo Counties reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with measurable impact.

Meet Our Board of Directors

President Walter Guptill Owner, Cruise Planners/American Express Travel, Nobleboro	Vice President Shawn Doll Senior Vice President, Bank of America, Rockport
Treasurer Terry McPhetres BBBS of Midcoast Maine Founding Member, Newcastle	Secretary Ray DeGrass Plant Manager, Dragon Products, Co., Rockport
Mark Deblois Principal Nobleboro Central School	Kate Todd Vice President Operations Project Manager, Bank of America, Winterport

Emeritus Members

Bill Michaud
Former Executive Director,
Friendship, ME

Carol Schell
LCSW, Nobleboro, ME

If you would like to learn more about changing the lives of youth through serving on the Board of Directors, email Alex today.

Our Partners

2009-09-08T10:33:00.000-07:00

We want to thank our community partners for their generous support over the years and future commitment to our mission.

United Way of Midcoast Maine
www.uwmcm.org

United Way of Eastern Maine
www.unitedwayem.org

United Mid-Coast Charities
www.unitedmidcoastcharities.org

Unity College
www.unity.edu

Unity Foundation
www.unityfoundation.net

Bank of America
www.bankofamerica.com

Maine Community Foundation
www.mainecf.org

Hannaford Charitable Foundation
www.hannaford.com

2010 Bowl for Kids' Sake

2009-09-08T10:12:00.000-07:00

Bowl For Kid’s Sake is our most exciting and largest annual fundraising campaign. It takes funding from the community to provide our quality mentoring programs free to those who need them and Bowl For Kids’ Sake helps us do just that.

Join the fun this year by grabbing your friends, family or co-workers, getting pledges and bowling for free, on us! Past prizes included: 42” Flatscreen TV, Nintendo Wii, iPods, $500 to Dow Furniture, Weber Grill, Savings Bonds and certificates to local restaurants, merchants and more.

Please email Alex for information on how you can help.

How it works:

The Basics:

Gather up four or five friends, family or co-workers and form a team.
Call us at 593-0380 or email Alex to reserve your day and time of bowling and we’ll send you pledge sheets.
Collect $50 and you’ll get a free hour or bowling on us as a thank you. Collect $100 and you’ll also be entered into our prize drawings as another way of saying thanks.
Each additional $100 you collect will earn you another entry in the prize drawing (ex: $300 raised = 3 chances)
Come to the bowling alley, have a blast and bowl a strike for our kids!

Past Champions:

Who says you can’t have a little competition raising funds to support your favorite community organization? Each year businesses and organizations compete to see who can raise the most money.
Congratulations to our past winners!

L to R, Casey Martin (BBBSMCM), Sarah Howe (Unity Elementary School Program Coordinator), Adam Berry (Warren Community School Little), Karen Dodge (Warren Community School Program coordinator), Amy Joy (Warren Community School Program Coordinator, Alex Gaeth (BBBSMCM)

Bowl For Kids’ Sake Matchmakers:

A Matchmaker is an organization or individual who raises at least $1,000 through Bowl For Kids’ Sake pledges. This means that on their own, they raised enough money to support one match and change a life forever. A big thank you to our past Matchmakers!

2009 Bowl for Kids' Sake

2009-09-08T10:08:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to the winners of this year’s trophies:

Top Small Business:	Postal Center USA, Newcastle
Top Mid-Sized Business:	King Eider’s Pub, Damariscotta
Top Large Business:	Bank of America, Belfast
Top Team:	Camden National Bank, Waldoboro
Top Bowler:	Danny Jackson, Camden National Bank, Waldoboro
Top BBBSMCM Team:	Kaytlyn Pierce/MacDougal School
Top store with 5 or more teams:	Hannaford, Camden; Shaws Supermarkets, Wiscasset

Congratulations to our 2009 Bowl for Kids’ Sake prize winners:

Nintendo Wii Game System courtesy of Cruise Planners/American Express Travel:
- Lori Vaughn (Bank of America)
$250 Gift Certificate from Dow Furniture:
- Roxanne Neal (Damariscotta Bank & Trust)
Grill Zone Grill from Ames True Value Supply of Wiscasset:
- Danny Jackson (Camden National Bank, Waldoboro)
$100 Savings Bond from Wiscasset, Newcastle and Boothbay Savings Banks of Maine:
- Heather Huisman (Bank of America)
$100 Savings Bond from Wiscasset, Newcastle and Boothbay Savings Banks of Maine:
- George Sawyer
iPod:
- Rachael Brown (Camden Hills Regional High School)
2 Camden Snow Bowl One-Day Ski/or Snowboard Packages:
- TJ Mack & Jazmyn Cushman
Big Brothers Big Sisters Door Prize: - Shirley Kelley
$10 Gift Certificates to Darby’s in Belfast:
- Travis Smith and Jason Lincoln (Bank of America)

A huge thank you to this year’s Bowl for Kids’ Sake Matchmakers. Your support means so much to the kids in our community.

Bowl for Kids' Sake

2009-09-08T09:44:00.000-07:00

Now Planning for Our 2010 Bowl for Kids' Sake

Click here for information on our 2010 Bowl For Kids' Sake and how you can participate.

2009 Bowl For Kids' Sake

2009 Trophy and Prize Winners, Matchmakers and Sponsors

We are excited to report that over $50,000 was raised during the 2009 Bowl for Kids’ Sake, which took place from March 5th through June 12th.

Thank you to all our sponsors; to Oakland Park Lanes in Rockport, Point Lookout Bowling Center in Lincolnville, and Spare Time Lanes in Brunswick; and to the over 500 bowlers, 120 teams, and 20 volunteers for making this year’s event the most successful ever!

Click here for pictures from our 2009 Bowl For Kids' Sake.

Bowlers Kaytlyn Pierce, a Little from McDougal School, and her sister Zoe all decked out and ready to bowl in their Bowl for Kids' Sake t-shirts.

Sure looks like a strike! Way to go!

Justin Hagar and his son Aiden getting all set to make a strike
for the kids in our community!

A "high 5" from one of the 50 Bank of America teams.

Program Events

2009-09-08T08:58:00.000-07:00

Marshall, a School-Based Little at MacDougal School, climbs the rock wall at the Penobscot Bay YMCA, site of this year’s Program Celebration

Program Celebration
Our Program Celebration is held annually to celebrate the commitment of our Bigs and Littles and the great memories they have created over the year. This spring event is held at the Penobscot Bay YMCA and after dinner and awards, matches can swim, rock climb, play basketball, soccer and dodgeball, use the play gym and even take a swing or two at the piñata.
Summer Events
Several events take place in the summer to provide Community-Based matches a chance to meet other matches and so School-Based matches can stay in touch when school is out.

Just another friendly game of soccer...Littles vs. Bigs!

This year’s events included swimming, wiffleball, bouncehouses, frisbee, lunch, snowcones, slip n’ slides, fishing and much more. Thanks to the Unity Field of Dreams, Camden Snow Bowl, and Damariscotta River Association for great venues for matches to share in these great experiences!”

How To Make A Donation

2009-09-04T16:22:00.000-07:00

Contact Alex at 593-0380 to discuss great opportunities to change a life or send your tax deductible donation to:

BBBSMCM

16 School St., Suite 201

Rockland, ME 04841

Credit and debit card donations are currently accepted via phone (593-0380). Online giving options will be available very soon.

Individual Giving

2009-09-04T16:19:00.000-07:00

Megan (Little) from Nobleboro Central School having a blast bowling with her Big Sister Emily at this year's Bowl for Kids' Sake event.

"I loved getting to know my little and creating a special friendship.

I have seen my little open up to me and have had so much fun working and playing with her. She's so creative!"

--Emily (Big)

In order to provide quality mentoring programs, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Midcoast Maine requires annual financial support from the community. We have thorough screening processes, tons of activities for matches to utilize to build friendships, and professional staff that screen, train, and support our Bigs and Littles as they work to develop healthy relationships.

Although it costs an average of $1,000 annually to create and professionally support each match, BBBS offers programs to those who need them free of charge. It is through the support of the community and foundations that we have been able to change so many young lives over the past 30 years.

You can feel great about your gift because with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Midcoast Maine, you know it will make a Big difference in the life of a local child.