Big News
A Year of Friendship, Growth, and Cheeseburgers: Melanie & Lianna’s Inspiring Match
Melanie and Lianna have been matched in our community-based program for a year now—and what a wonderful year it’s been! Their match recently hit the one-year milestone, and the bond they’ve built is something truly special.
Annual Spring Hike at Sherando Lake
Despite the chilly weather, our matches had a great time on a 1.5-mile hike around Sherando Lake, led by our amazing friends at the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club! Bundled up and full of energy, everyone enjoyed the crisp air, scenic views, and time spent connecting in nature. Big thanks to PATC for guiding such a memorable adventure!
The Value of Partnerships
Active collaboration with local schools, organizations, youth-serving entities, and businesses enhances Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge’s ability to serve area children and collectively leverage community impacts and resources. These strategic partnerships help fill service gaps effectively, ensuring our programming complements rather than overlaps with existing initiatives, making BBBSCBR a unique and essential contributor to our community's youth development landscape.
Mentorship in Action: Alan and Justyn’s Journey
Big Brother Alan and Little Brother Justyn's story is a powerful example of mentorship at its best. From their first nervous encounter to sharing exciting experiences like running races and trying Taekwondo, their journey has been all about growth, support, and building a meaningful friendship. Through their time together, they've witnessed the profound impact a mentor can have on a child’s life. Learn more about their inspiring journey in this Q&A.
Support BBBSCBR and the Charlottesville Ten Miler!
BBBSCBR is excited to be a secondary beneficiary of the 50th running of the Charlottesville Ten Miler on Saturday, March 22! The race is a community tradition that has benefited many nonprofits over the years, including us. In turn, we are spreading the word about registration and plan to support the runners on race day.
A Community of Support
2024 represented a year of renewal and growth for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge. We served 73 youth and made 24 new Matches (an increase of 41%), creating and supporting relationships central to the development of our Littles while equally benefiting their families, our Bigs, and our community.
Match Activity Ideas: Let’s Get Creative in 2025!
As our BBBS matches look toward this shiny new year of 2025, our staff is here to support you! Maybe your Little is into making things? Building models, arts and crafts or other hands-on activities.
Exploring Bright Futures: A Little Sister’s Journey to Virginia Tech and Beyond
For Little Sister Alaja, the future's looking bright! A high school junior with a passion for architecture, Alaja has spent the past year diving deep into her dream of becoming an architect. With her Big Sister Erin by her side, Alaja has been exploring college campuses to find the perfect fit for her goals. Together, they recently visited Virginia Tech to tour the campus and its renowned architecture school.
Magic on the Mall
Winter in Charlottesville is a season full of excitement, community spirit, and festive charm—all happening right on the Cville Downtown Mall! To help you make the most of this magical time, we’ve gathered a list of FREE events happening at the Downtown Mall, perfect for Bigs, Littles, and families alike. Wishing you all a warm and joyful season—happy holidays!
The Big Serve Makes a Big Impact
On October 19, BBBS hosted its inaugural pickleball tournament – The Big Serve. The morning started off chilly, but sunshine and the enthusiasm of 19 teams and a cadre of volunteers quickly warmed things up. The competition was friendly and fun with groupings for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced teams.
Serving Up Success: Meet the BBBS Matches Who Competed in The Big Serve
On October 19, 2024 at Darden Towe Park, we held our inaugural pickleball tournament, The Big Serve. Several of our matches came together for a day of fun and friendly competition.
Aaron Hark on the Power of One-to-One Relationships with BBBS
I’m a big believer in the power of one-to-one relationships. Thinking briefly about my own life, so much of my personal and professional growth has derived directly from those who were kind enough to give me the gift of their time. They taught me life skills that don’t come from a classroom. They offered business or professional guidance from their own experience. They helped me process challenging moments, and were by my side at times of celebration. Simply writing this reminds me how different my life would be today without each of them.
Celebrating One Year of Mentorship: Big Sister Shevya & Little Sister Azaria’s Pottery Adventure!
Over the past year, they’ve shared many fun experiences together, but their recent outing to Lazy Daisy Ceramics in Charlottesville stands out as a special one. This creative adventure, painting pottery, brought smiles and lasting memories for both Shevya and Azaria.
BBBS Fall Hike 2024: A Day of Nature and Community
We had an incredible time during the BBBS Fall Hike on the Frazier Discovery Trail! A huge thank you to Ranger Whitney for being our guide and sharing fascinating insights into the natural wonders we encountered along the way.
Be a Part of the Action – Join Us for The Big Serve
Learn about the different ways to get involved with The Big Serve. Join the tournament, volunteer, donate equipment or sponsor a match are just some of the ways you can be part of TBS.
Big Spotlight: Trick Bike Riding in Charlottesville!
Big Brother Adam and Little Brother Da'Moni have been matched through Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) for nearly four years, sharing a love for the outdoors and staying active. From hiking in Shenandoah National Park to their newest hobby—biking—the duo makes the most of their time together. This summer, they visited Charlottesville Community Bikes, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing kids in the Charlottesville area with safe bicycles and helmets.
Serving Up Success with The Big Serve
On October 19, BBBS will host its inaugural pickleball tournament – The Big Serve. Based on feedback from our Board of Directors, Matches, and community interest, BBBS opted to sunset the run/walk and Fall Fair events in favor of this fresh, new endeavor.
BBBS a CavFutures Foundation 2024 Champion of the Community
This summer, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge was ecstatic to learn it was one of 13 local non-profit organizations to receive $10,000 through the CavFutures Foundation inaugural Champions of the Community grant program.
Playing Ball and Changing Lives - Match Spotlight: Big Brother Andrew and Little Brother Egypt
Egypt and Andrew’s story began one year ago, August 2023. Since then, they have formed a remarkable bond. Egypt's mother has noticed significant positive changes.
Supporter Spotlight: Mark Lorenzoni
We are thrilled to shine this month’s Support Spotlight on Mark Lorenzoni, former BBBS Board Chair and a devoted supporter. For Mark, supporting BBBS is a family affair, and we are proud to call the entire Lorenzoni family our friends.