Pickleball Players Rally for Big Brothers Big Sisters: This past Sunday, more than 100 pickleball players gathered at the pickleball courts in Falmouth, Maine, to raise funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine. This pickleball event drew players of all ages and skill levels, all eager to support the mentorship organization. By day’s end, hundreds of dollars had been raised to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters, an organization dedicated to fostering one-on-one mentoring relationships between adults and young people.
The tournament brought a sense of community and joy to everyone who participated, with a shared purpose that went beyond competition. “It’s about coming together and giving back.” said one of the organizers. With funds raised from registration fees and donations, the event was able to make a meaningful contribution to Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission.
The Impact of Mentorship Programs
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine aims to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people by pairing them with adult mentors, known as “Bigs.” This mentorship provides kids, or “Littles,” with role models who help build their confidence, skills, and outlook on life. As Eileen Veroneau Brown, the organization’s development and communications director, shared, these relationships can grow into lifelong friendships.
“At the beginning, she would ask, ‘Will you be doing this again next year?’ I said, ‘As long as you want me to be your friend, I’ll be your friend.’ She just started middle school, and so we just started meeting, and we’ll be friends forever.”
These bonds benefit the kids and mentors, providing a foundation of trust, guidance, and shared experiences that leave a lasting impact.
A Call for Volunteers
Beyond raising funds, organizers hoped the tournament would spark interest among attendees to become mentors. Currently, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine faces a pressing need for volunteers. The organization reports that around 50 children are waiting to be matched with a mentor, with 15 of them waiting for over a year. For kids in need of guidance and companionship, finding a Big Brother or Sister can be transformative.
This pickleball tournament aimed to spotlight this need and encourage more people to step up as potential mentors. Community involvement is essential for sustaining these programs, and the hope is that events like this will inspire more individuals to volunteer. The process to become a mentor is straightforward, and those interested can easily reach out to Big Brothers Big Sisters to learn more.
News in Brief: Pickleball Players Rally for Big Brothers Big Sisters
The Falmouth pickleball tournament showed how sports and community service can go hand in hand to make a difference. Whether through donations, volunteer work, or even spreading the word, there are many ways for people to support this cause.
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