Angela Reis 10/31/24 Angela Reis 10/31/24

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.

Angela Reis 10/24/24 Angela Reis 10/24/24

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.

Angela Reis 10/21/24 Angela Reis 10/21/24

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.

Angela Reis 10/16/24 Angela Reis 10/16/24

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.

Angela Reis 10/7/24 Angela Reis 10/7/24

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.

Angela Reis 9/23/24 Angela Reis 9/23/24

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.

Angela Reis 9/18/24 Angela Reis 9/18/24

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.

Angela Reis 9/10/24 Angela Reis 9/10/24

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.

Angela Reis 8/20/24 Angela Reis 8/20/24

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.

Angela Reis 8/18/24 Angela Reis 8/18/24

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.

Angela Reis 7/16/24 Angela Reis 7/16/24

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.

Angela Reis 6/17/24 Angela Reis 6/17/24

They're playing basketball! Big Brother Ben and Little Brother Kavion

Matched with BBBS since October of 2021 – Big Brother Ben and Little Brother Kavion have had a blast together! They have spent time together playing basketball and enjoying other sporting activities. Big Brother has also cheered Little Brother onward by attending his Little League baseball games and basketball youth team games. With Big Brother Ben having graduated from UVA and moving away from the Charlottesville area, both are celebrating the end of this successful match with our program – but looking forward to keeping connected for many years to come!

Angela Reis 6/3/24 Angela Reis 6/3/24

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge Announces Director of Philanthropy

Born and raised in Norfolk, VA, Sarah received her BA in Political Science from then Virginia Wesleyan College, now University. While getting her degree, she also started her now 30+ year career in the nonprofit sector, first as a work study and then a parttime staffer in the Office for Development and PR. As part of small team full of mentors ready to help her grow and explore the field, Sarah was introduced to alumni and donor relations, capital campaigns, data management, event planning, grant writing, public relations, strategic planning, and so much more.

Angela Reis 5/16/24 Angela Reis 5/16/24

BBBS Match Spotlight: Big Sister Linda and Little Sister Saliha

Big Sister Linda and Little Sister Saliha have been matched in our BBBS program for seven months, creating a strong bond through shared adventures in the Charlottesville area. Their weekly meetups often include hiking, attending local events, and participating in a variety of activities that the community offers. They especially enjoy the events sponsored by our program, often feeling like winners at these activities!

Angela Reis 5/1/24 Angela Reis 5/1/24

Exciting Developments in Our Teen Employment Program!

We’re thrilled to bring you the latest updates on our Teen Employment Program, which is making great strides towards empowering our Littles with invaluable work experience and financial literacy skills.

Angela Reis 4/24/24 Angela Reis 4/24/24

New Match Highlight: Welcoming Heather and Suzanna

We're thrilled to share exciting news from the Blue Ridge Bigs community! Yesterday, we welcomed a fantastic new match to our family, Big Sister Heather and Little Sister Suzanna. The introduction meeting, filled with smiles and laughter, took place at our local BBBS office, signifying the beginning of what promises to be a rewarding journey for both mentor and mentee.

Angela Reis 4/22/24 Angela Reis 4/22/24

National Volunteer Week Spotlight: Celebrating Big Sister Theresa and Little Sister Liz

In celebration of National Volunteer Week, we're shining a spotlight on one of our most heartwarming matches at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge: Big Sister Theresa and her Little Sister Liz. Since 2017, Theresa and Liz have shared countless memorable experiences, from leisurely outings to bookstores like Barnes & Noble to enjoyable dinners together. This week, we honor Theresa's dedication as a Big Sister and the significant impact she has made on Liz’s life.

Angela Reis 4/21/24 Angela Reis 4/21/24

National Volunteer Week 2024

This week, April 21-27, 2024, marks National Volunteer Week, a time dedicated to recognizing the selfless contributions of volunteers across the country. At Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge, we are taking this opportunity to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our Bigs and Board Members whose unwavering dedication and volunteer service are crucial to our mission.