PHEAA's Partnership Continues with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region
Harrisburg, PA (January 3, 2007) - As 2007 begins, PHEAA looks back on another successful year of partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region.
This partnership began in September of 2003 and continues today on several different levels. PHEAA is a long-time participant in the "Bigs In Schools" School-based Mentoring Program. PHEAA employees take advantage of their lunch hour two to three times each month to visit their "Littles" who attend the Ben Franklin School. The pairs visit, playing games, reading, working on homework and school projects or just chatting.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region and its programs have become better known to the community via PHEAA-sponsored television announcements, introducing available children who are in need of a Big Brother or Big Sister. These spots, which began airing over the summer, have already helped to match 25 new pairs of "Bigs" and "Littles".
PHEAA also supported their 25th Annual Picnic held on Saturday, September 16 in Pleasant View Park, Mechanicsburg. Both "Bigs" and their "Littles" look forward to this yearly event filled with games, giveaways, prizes, food and fun.
"We are a community-minded organization," said Dick Willey, PHEAA President and C.E.O. "Our employees are active in their communities and they bring that mentality to work every day. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region is a wonderful organization, working to make a difference in the lives of children who are in need of special attention. We're proud to have such a longstanding relationship with them and look forward to the future - helping children together."
"We are appreciative of the support and generosity that PHEAA has shown for Big Brothers Big Sisters," said Jill Troutman, Vice President of Development and Communications. "PHEAA has joined with us to invest in the children of the Capital Region, by helping them reach their full potential. Their commitment in our partnership allows us to serve more children, which contributes to brighter futures, and better schools and communities for all of us."
Employees of PHEAA also take an active personal role in Big Brothers Big Sisters. In addition to two sub sales, a candle sale and two dress down events, where employees pay a small fee for the privilege to dress casually for the week, employees also collected money for Big Brothers Big Sisters through the Bowl for Kids' Sake event. PHEAA was the largest company bowl contributor at last year's event, raising $16,790. The bowlers hit the Red Crown Bowling Lanes again this May to try to beat their previous record. In combination with the aforementioned fundraisers, PHEAA employees collected $27,489.94 in support of the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. A check for that amount was presented to the organization by PHEAA at the annual picnic.
The two organizations look forward to continuing their successful partnership in 2007 - working to help children find self-confidence and support through caring friendships.