Big Brothers Big Sisters is planning an on-line auction to be held August 5-11 in conjunction with Everything But The House auction house (https://www.ebth.com). The auction will be conducted entirely online, but there will be a preview for the public to view items Saturday, August 10 at the Big Brothers Big Sisters office.

Our goal is to raise $20,000 to help match some of the 140 children on the waiting list with a Big Brother or Sister.  In order to reach our goal, we are seeking donations of items to be auctioned.

According to Everything But The House, these items sell well: 

·         Signed sports memorabilia
·         Gift certificates
·         Tickets to sporting events
·         Artwork
·         Art pottery
·         Mid century modern items
·         Vintage women's clothing, purses or costume jewelry
·         Fine jewelry
·         Women's luxury goods including designer purses
·         Golf outings
·         Sporting goods
·         Vintage books, author signed books, first edition books
·         Classic or antique furniture

All donations are tax deductible. If you have something you're interested in donating but aren't sure it's what we're looking for, give us a call, 513-867-1227 or 513-424-3397, email us at julie.dichtl@bbbsbutler.org or send a photo.

We have to complete our collection of items by July 1 so check out vintage items you may have stored away in the attic or other items of value you just don’t need anymore.   Maybe your business would like to donate an item of merchandise or a service that our bidders would enjoy.  Everything But The House has 35,000 followers nationwide so this is a great opportunity to promote your business.  We're not looking for garage sale type items but rather items that could be sold for $40 to $50 at minimum.  Your donation will help change the life of a local child for the better, forever!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butler County has provided one to one mentoring to children since 1968.  For 45 years we have helped children increase their social competencies, improve grades and achieve success in life. The BBBS branded mentoring program has been recognized for its effectiveness and has a strong record of empirical support.  

The Big Brothers Big Sisters program is on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) national registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices and we are also recognized as an “Exemplary” model prevention program through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.  Locally, we are a Certified Prevention agency by the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services.

In 2012 we served a total of 745 children.  We placed 615 children with a one- to- one mentor and served another 130 children on our waiting list which we call our Club of Unmatched Littles (COUL).  All of the children we serve are between the ages of 6-18 years old.   Some of their demonstrated risk factors include: 

·         56% are from single female parent homes;
·         17% are residing with non-parental guardians;
·         77% live at or below the poverty line;
·         15% are the child of an incarcerated parent;
·         70% have a family history of substance abuse;
·         11% have already had juvenile court contact;
·         41% are minorities; and
·         over 50% have a history of child abuse in their families of origin. 

There are currently 140 children waiting for a Big Brother or Sister.  We conduct a baseline survey for every child entering our program and we often find children are struggling with grades, having discipline problems and have no personal goals for their future.  The children whom we serve are living in some of the toughest environments in Butler County.   Having an adult who truly cares about them should not be a luxury or left up to chance.  They need a mentor who cares.

For more information about mentoring, contact Marvin Torres, 513-867-1227, or email marvin.torres@bbbsbutler.org