My Friends and Family,

I am participating in the Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta (BBBSMA) this year, because I am committed to helping children facing adversity succeed in school and in life. In the past, many of you have assisted me with raising funds as well as your prayers for mission and relief work in Haiti.  This year I am feeling led to focus our efforts much closer to home where we can see a local impact in the lives of so many young people for generations to come!

Last year, 92% of the children in the program came from low-income families, 81% qualified for free or reduced lunch programs at school, 74% lived in single-parent households and 44% had at least one parent who has been incarcerated.  Mentors work individually with children to overcome these challenges by actively promoting self-sufficiency and academic achievement.

In spite of these major risk factors, the impact of BBBSMA’s mentoring programs is extraordinary.  Of the children that participated in the program in 2015, 97% were promoted to the next grade, 94% increased their scholastic competence and 98% graduated from high school on time. Children in the program are less likely to engage in risky behaviors and 99% do not become involved in the juvenile justice system. 

A personal friend serves on the Board of Directors for BBBS have served as a Big Brother for many years.  In addition, one of our team members from last year is now a Big Sister as a result of this fund raising effort and is currently mentoring a little sister!  

Please help us make a difference in the lives of our future generations!  I have set a personal goal of $5,000.  So, please contribute to any extent possible to help me and my team make a difference!

I am proud to support this movement, which believes that all kids have value and the ability to succeed, regardless of their circumstances. Thank you for giving generously to support this life-changing program!

Sincerely,

Glen Stapleton