Youth mentor volunteers from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County and their “Littles” recently enjoyed a Youth Day Fishing Derby and cookout at the home of Mike Meyer, of Fort Loramie, thanks in part to the Shelby County Bassmasters. Throughout the year, local fishermen participate in bass tournaments where a modest portion of their entry fees go toward the purchase of individual rods and reels for children who participate in the Fishing Derby.
Funding and supplies were made possible by The Sons of American Legion in Piqua, Kiwanis Club, Wagner’s IGA in Minster, Al’s Place Pizza, Mulleys Outwest Drive thru, Russ Michael, Mike Myers, Vicky Tipps, Spillway Bait & Tackle, Sidney Foodtown, Playtex Cooperation and Dannon Cooperation.
Jennifer Bruns, Executive Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County, stated, “The Fishing Derby is not only Bigs & Littles but also Big Brothers Big Sisters’ staff’s favorite event. The Bassmasters always do such a great job in organizing this event. The kids in our program don’t always get the opportunity to partake in fishing, so by having this event, it exposes them to the all-American hobby known as fishing. The fact that they get a fishing pole and gear to take home is icing on the cake.”
Monthly group activities, such as the Fishing Derby, are offered at no cost to the agency’s Big & Little matches. It is suggested that Bigs meet with their Littles at least twice a month to offer support, serve as a positive role model, and provide a mentoring relationship. Match activities can be scheduled around a volunteer’s calendar and offer a fantastic way to have a positive impact on youth in our community.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a non-profit, United Way partner agency. If you would like to become a youth mentor and help defend the potential of one of the children on our waiting list, please call 937-492-7611 or 937-547-9622 or go to www.bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org for more information.
Photos: Little Sister, Chloe Long daughter of Tiffany Vonderhuevel of Brandford with her catch of the day; Little Brother: Zane Draving grandson of Cheryl Wolaver of Sidney getting some tips on fishing from a Shelby County Bassmasters member.