A Free Event Celebrating the Impact of Local Youth Mentors
SHELBY AND DARKE COUNTY, OH – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County is proud to invite the community to its 2026 Kickoff Celebration! A meaningful and uplifting evening dedicated to honoring the power of mentorship and celebrating the incredible impact local youth mentors have on our community during National Mentoring Month.
Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026
Time: 5:30 to 6:00 PM – Hors d’oeuvres
6:00 PM – Program begins
Location: Newport Sportsman Club, 5801 Rangeline Road, Houston, Ohio
This is a FREE ticketed event. RSVP required.
Contact: info@bbbsshelbydarke.org or 937-492-7611
Celebrate the Life-Changing Power of Mentorship
As we begin a new year of building connection, compassion, and community, BBBS-SD invites everyone to celebrate the heart of our mission: life-changing relationships between Bigs and Littles.
The 2026 Kickoff Celebration will be a powerful reminder of the impact mentorship has on local youth. Whether you are already a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters or simply interested in learning more, this event offers an inspiring look at how mentorship changes lives.
Featuring Real Stories That Inspire
Last year, the match between Scott and Nate was named Big and Little of the Year for 2025. Their journey together became much more than mentorship, it became family!
From Nate catching his first fish and attending a Dayton Dragons game, to helping on the farm, celebrating birthdays, and attending community events, the experiences they shared created deep and lasting bonds.
“Scott has brought so much joy to my life. He’s the best BIG brother anyone could ask for, and I love him very much,” said Nate.
Scott and his wife, Barb, have welcomed Nate into their lives and witnessed his growth firsthand. “Our match has a lot of life yet, and we’re excited to see where the adventure takes us next,” Scott shared.
Nate’s mom expressed her gratitude, saying, “Scott has shown my son what it means to be a good man.”
Scott encourages others to consider mentoring.
“Get involved. Fill that void. Become a caring adult role model. Show up and be a Game Changer in a young person’s life. The time you give can make an everlasting impact.”
This January, we ask: Who will be named the 2026 Big and Little of the Year? Join us to hear their story revealed for the first time.
What You Can Expect
The 2026 Kickoff will include inspiring stories and opportunities to learn about:
Mentor and mentee experiences from our Lunch Buddies and Community-Based Programs
Pearls and Ties, the community impact initiative at Sidney Middle School
Previews of our major events for the year, including:
• Bowl for Kids’ Sake
• Duck Derby and Mini Carnival
Attendees will also have the chance to connect with BBBS staff, board members, volunteers, and partners in the community.
Make Mentoring Month Matter
January is National Mentoring Month, a time to celebrate the mentors who are changing lives and to inspire others to join the movement. The 2026 Kickoff Celebration is the perfect opportunity to honor the impact of mentoring and learn how you can be part of that impact.
Whether you are interested in becoming a Big, volunteering your time, partnering with the agency, providing financial support, or finding other ways to get involved, this event is for you. You’ll also experience firsthand how your support is helping to transform the lives of local youth.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County is a nonprofit organization committed to creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Through our Lunch Buddies and Community-Based programs, we empower local children by connecting them with caring adult mentors who help build confidence, resilience, and hope for the future.
To learn more, visit bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org or contact Executive Director April Brubaker at april@bbbsshelbydarke.org or (937) 492-7611.
Let’s Kick Off 2026 Together and Celebrate the Power of Mentorship.
Reserve your free ticket today.
Contact: info@bbbsshelbydarke.org or (937) 492-7611
