Big Brothers Big Sisters has successful 5th BIG Breakfast event at NKY Convention Center


More than three hundred people gathered at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center to hear stories about the importance and impact of mentoring, shared by leaders in the region’s construction industry.

This was the 5th annual BIG Breakfast event, hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati (BBBSGC). Thie agency pairs children in our community with adult volunteer mentors, with a goal that all children reach their full potential.
 
Building Futures panelists were Tim Steigerwald, President of Messer Construction, Michele O’Rourke, CEO of O’Rourke Wrecking, Bill Baker, Vice President and Managing Partner at MSA Design and Molly North, CEO of Neyer. The group talked about personal and professional successes and challenges, life lessons that set them on their path, and how they now make it a priority to mentor the next generation.

Bigs and Littles joined in the celebration. (Photo provided)

Ben Haenning and Kyle Shumate, co-chairs of the event and members of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati Board of Directors, led a team during a year of planning.
  
Haenning says, “I want to pay a special thank you to our panelists and sponsors who made this event possible. The sponsors contributed to funding 160 individual matches of Bigs and Littles, and our panelists had the opportunity to talk to an audience of over three hundred about mentorship and the impact it has had on their lives. The Big Breakfast is a special morning where giving, growth, and inspiration combine.” 

Jamie Smith, publisher of the Cincinnati Business Courier, led the lively conversation with Steigerwald, O’Rourke, Baker and North. Social Entrepreneur and Startup Advisor Rico Grant kicked off the morning with stories of his own, and wrapped the event by getting a quick video with the entire audience to share with his 12,000 Instagram followers, encouraging them to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters.
 
For the morning’s ‘Mission Moment,’ longtime supporter and Big Brother Jay Shatz took the stage with his (now grown up) Little Brother Andrew McLanahan and talked about how being part of BBBSGC was life- changing. Andrew shared details from challenges he faced growing up and how Jay encouraged him and inspired him to work hard and find a path to become self-sufficient.  Both credit the social work staff at the agency for guiding them through difficult times and offering advice, support and resources when needed.

Big Brothers and Big Sisters President John Heater encourages support for the agency. (Photo provided)

John Heater, President and CEO of BBBSGC, says the impact of the BIG Breakfast cannot be overstated.

“Annually, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati dedicates itself to spotlighting the significance of our mission within the region,” Heater said. “The BIG Breakfast serves as a multifaceted initiative, shedding light on the profound impact of our work, the continual demand for Big Brother and Big Sister Volunteers, and the essential financial support required to fulfill our mission.

This year, the community’s generosity allowed raised an impressive $240,000+, empowering us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families across our tri-state region, in all 13 counties we serve.” 

BBBSGC continues to recruit new volunteers, donors and other supporters.  To get involved with the agency, call 513-421-4120 or go to bigsforkids.org.   


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