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Hightower PALs Partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters

Student group partners with BBBS in Fort Bend County to learn about how non-profit agencies raise dollars.

MISSOURI CITY, TX (February 21, 2008)  The Hightower High School PALS group is partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston (BBBS) to learn how the nonprofit agency benefits the children of Fort Bend County and raises money to fund its programs. The first project they have taken on is to put together teams of volunteers to raise money for the mentoring agency’s “Bowl for Kids’ Sake” event in Fort Bend County. The event will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2008, at the Emerald Lanes, 9307 Boone Rd., Houston, from noon – 2:00 pm. The event is one of the agency’s biggest fundraisers.

“Being able to help raise money for kids is important because it allows us to give back to our community which is one of the main goals of our organization,” said Lauren Johnson, Hightower High School senior. “I have learned that this process of raising money and working with volunteers is difficult and time-consuming, but realizing the lives that can be changed gives us the motivation to continue.”

The PALs group, or Peer Assistance and Leadership, is also learning first-hand about how non-profit agencies operate.

“Being partnered with Big Brothers/Big Sisters has been an eye-opening experience,” said Hightower teacher Jackie Sena, the PALS advisor. “Both students and staff at Hightower have been really supportive.  It has been a wonderful experience to be able to give our time and talent back to our community.”

All money raised by the Bowl for Kids’ Sake event will help BBBS match children considered at-risk with adult volunteer mentors – a relationship that changes lives.

“Mentoring has a big positive impact on kids,” said BBBS Fort Bend Branch Manager Avice Chambers. “Our Big Brothers and Big Sisters set examples for their Littles. They become positive role models. The mentoring relationship gives kids the confidence they need to succeed and reach their full potential – and that helps our entire community.”

PALS was paired with Big Brothers Big Sisters through the YIP, or Youth in Philanthropy, program of Fort Bend County, a collaborative effort by The George Foundation, Fort Bend ISD, and the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce to involve students in non-profit organizations.

The Hightower PALS group will also get a chance to meet some of the children of Fort Bend County who are waiting to be paired with a mentor on Saturday, February 23rd when they host a “Big for a Day” event at Hightower High School. During the “Big for a Day” event, children on BBBS’ waiting list will be paired up with a PAL and take part in various activities. 

Media Opportunities:
What: “Big for a Day” Event
When: Saturday, February 23, 10am – 12pm
Where: Hightower High School Commons, 3333 Hurricane Lane, Missouri City
Photo/interviews: PALS students mentoring “Littles” enrolled in BBBS program who are waiting to be matched.
Onsite contact: Avice Chambers, cell: 832-978-1330

What: Fort Bend County Bowl for Kids’ Sake
When: Saturday, March 1, 12pm – 2pm
Where: Emerald Lanes, 9307 Boone Rd., Houston
Photo/interviews: Bowling teams from local companies and high schools bowling for BBBS
Onsite contact: Rosalind Moore or Avice Chambers

For more information contact:
Rob Walter
Marketing and Communications Director
rob.walter@bbbs.org
(713) 860-8216
Cell: (713) 894-9043
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About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston
                Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston creates successful one-to-one mentoring relationships for all local children and teenagers who need and want them resulting in better schools, brighter futures, and stronger communities for all. Our mentoring relationships have a measurable impact on children. A national study found that children in the BBBS program are less likely to skip school, less likely to try drugs and alcohol, less likely to use violence to solve problems, and are more likely to get along with their families. In 2007, BBBS served 2,300 children in the Greater Houston area. For more information about how we are changing what it means to grow up in our community, head to our website, www.gobighouston.org. BBBS is a United Way Agency.