Press Releases--------------------------------------------- 8/26/08 “Day on the Monterey Bay Regatta,” an annual Santa Cruz sailing tradition, makes a big splash this year by raising more than $53,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County. The Santa Cruz Yacht Club teamed up with the youth mentoring program on August 17th for the 17th annual regatta. More than 300 people participated in the sailing race and hundreds attended the post-race festivities. “Day on the Monterey Bay Regatta” is the largest SCYC sponsored regatta. The race featured five divisions based on PHRF ratings. Shep Kett, a long time supporter of the event, took first place in the corporate division with the his yacht, “Ocatavia.” “The event was superb and the fundraising efforts reached new heights. We are very excited,” said Marie Cubillas, Executive Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County. “We thank the Santa Cruz Yacht Club, our sponsors and participants for supporting this fun community-based event. We are honored to have this sailing tradition support our youth mentoring efforts.” All of the proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County. For 26 years locally, and over 100 years nationally, BBBS has helped children and youth navigate the challenges of growing up by matching each with supportive adult role models. By making this event a tradition of good will, the SCYC has continued to support the work BBBS does for the community. To become a mentor or for more information on ways individuals, businesses and organizations can support mentoring in the community, contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County at 831-464-8691 or visit www.santacruzmentor.org.--------------------------------------------- 7/22/08 --------------------------------------------- 6/20/08 --------------------------------------------- 5/9/08 SANTA CRUZ, Calif. – Despite the troubled economy, the Santa Cruz community rallied to raise more than $108,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County. “Bowl for Kids’ Sake” is the annual bowl-a-thon for the non-profit youth mentoring program. The event took place in the last weekend of April and the final pledges are now being tallied. This year, 500 bowlers participated in the event hosted by the Boardwalk Bowl. Participants received hundreds of prizes and gift certificates donated by local businesses. All proceeds will go toward creating and supporting matches between caring adult mentors and at-risk youth in the local community. Marie Cubillas, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County, is excited by the outcome of this event. “The overwhelming support from local businesses, organizations, and individuals reflects the spirit of our community. Each year our bowlers and sponsors raise critical funds that support our mentoring programs for children,” Cubillas said. The major sponsors for this year’s “Bowl for Kids’ Sake” event were Boardwalk Bowl, Ow Family Properties, Bay Federal Credit Union, Comcast Spotlight, Comerica Bank, Granitrerock, Granite Construction, KWAV 97 FM, Jammin’ 97.9, Lumbermens, Plantronics, Register Pajaronian, Wells Fargo and Southwest Airlines. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County celebrates its 26th anniversary providing mentoring services to children in the county. Since 1982, the agency has mentored more than 3,000 children. For more information on how to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County, contact the agency at 831-464-8691 or visit www.santacruzmentor.org. --------------------------------------------- 4/15/08 SANTA CRUZ, Calif. – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County needs participants for their annual bowl-a-thon, “Bowl for Kids’ Sake,” on April 26th and 27th at the Boardwalk Bowl. Last year, 600 bowlers participated and helped raise more than $115,000. All proceeds go towards creating and supporting matches between caring adult mentors and at-risk youth in the local community. Marie Cubillas, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County, looks forward to reaching a new fundraising goal this year. “I would like to invite everyone to put together a team and join us for Bowl for Kids’ Sake. Each year our bowlers raise critical funds that support our mentoring programs for children,” Cubillas said. “And you don’t have to be a good bowler, just a good sport.” New to the event this year, bowlers can register online and collect pledges at www.santacruzmentor.org. Anyone can participate by forming a team of five bowlers or signing up as an individual. Each team member collects pledges to support Big Brothers Big Sisters youth mentoring programs. All proceeds from the event help Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County continue to make lasting, positive relationships between “Bigs” and “Littles.” For more information on how to get involved with Bowl for Kids’ Sake, contact the agency at 831-464-8691 or visit www.santacruzmentor.org. --------------------------------------------- 1/15/08 Board Members for Big Brothers Big Sisters act as ambassadors for the agency in the community and provide leadership and support through governance and fundraising. Lisa Spriggs moved to Santa Cruz County in 2006. She has a master’s degree in business administration and works for Granite Construction as manager of general accounting. “Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County is a great organization that really cares about children and helping them to grow and develop strong relationships,” said Spriggs. “The fundraising efforts are a lot of fun and I am excited to take part in the future activities.” --------------------------------------------- 1/10/08 As we recognize National Mentoring Month this January, Governor Schwarzenegger now designates “Mentoring Month” here in California. It is estimated that 15.1 million children nationwide are without mentors, which means there are numerous opportunities to positively shape the lives of youth. By being a strong role model, you can help a young person do better in school and fight off the temptations of gangs, drug use and other destructive influences. “In my own life, I was blessed to be mentored by wise and incredibly hard-working individuals,” said Governor Schwarzenegger in his proclamation. “It is my hope that every child in California can be guided by mentors who can bring out the best in them. To that end, I encourage all Californians to mentor youth by sharing their talents and experiences.” Big Brothers Big Sisters, the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the country, matches quality mentors with children primarily from single parent and low-income homes. In Santa Cruz County, more than half of children will spend part of their lives in single parent homes, and many families will struggle with the high costs of living. The local agency will serve over 200 children in the county this year. “We are always trying to increase awareness of the need for youth mentoring in our local community and the Governor’s proclamation will help that cause,” said Marie Cubillas, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County. “We want to urge individuals interested in becoming a mentor to contact us today. Your time and friendship will give a child a sense of belonging that will enhance every aspect of their life.” --------------------------------------------- 1/1/08 Last January, California Representative Susan A Davis brought the message of mentoring to Congress. “Research shows that about 15 million children across the United States are in need of a mentor and a good role model. It is crucial that we begin to reach these children,” said Davis. For Marie Cubillas, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County, the need for caring adult mentors for children in the community hits home. Big Brothers Big Sisters, the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization, matches quality mentors with children primarily from single parent and low-income homes. In Santa Cruz County, more than half of children will spend part of their lives in single parent homes, and many families will struggle with the high costs of living. The agency will serve over 150 children in the county this year. Berger credits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County with finding excellent adult mentors. “This organization works incredibly hard to ensure that the adults serving as Big Brothers and Big Sisters are the kind of people that a parent would want their child to be involved with," said Berger. "There are immeasurable benefits that a child can get out of this program. Most of them are intangible, having to do with self-esteem, relationship-building, and just plain happiness. I also feel that having a Big Brother has had positive effects that I have yet to discover.” BBBS of Santa Cruz County relies on new volunteers to keep the mentoring program moving forward. Dave Sieburg, Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County, encourages interested volunteers to contact him personally. "I have the amazing job of speaking with people who are excited to give back to the community," said Sieburg. "All of our volunteers bring a unique life story and background to the program and that diversity is what makes our mentoring so successful." To become a mentor or for more information on ways individuals, businesses and organizations can support mentoring in the community, contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County at 831-464-8691 or visit www.santacruzbbbs.org. --------------------------------------------- December 17, 2007 “We received many creative designs for the contest, and we congratulate Tina on her winning artwork,” said Marie Cubillas, executive director. “This year’s design celebrates the uniqueness of our community and captures the themes of bowling and mentoring. We look forward to seeing the logo on our tee shirts and promotional materials.” Cubillas also thanks all the artists who submitted designs for the contest. Distad’s design features surfing bowling pins that represent Big Brothers and Big Sisters matched with Little Brothers and Little Sisters. Distad won $200 in gift certificates from Palace Art and Office Supply and the opportunity to feature her design at the event in April. The agency’s annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake event will take place on Saturday and Sunday April 26 and 27, 2008 at the Boardwalk Bowl in Santa Cruz. The community is encouraged to participate in the event, organize a bowling team, and raise money to support more matches of children with Big Brothers and Big Sisters. All proceeds from the event will directly support Big Brothers Big Sisters youth mentoring programs in Santa Cruz County. |