Indianapolis Indians Partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters

March 15, 2016 - For the first time, the Indianapolis Indians is partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI) in an effort to recruit 100 adult male volunteers in 50 days and raise awareness of the importance of mentoring. The campaign will run from March 14 and end on May 2, 2016. This yearly campaign was launched by BBBSCI in 2014 to meet the overwhelming need for male mentors. New this year, BBBSCI is offering exclusive sports-related perks to men who sign up and are matched with a Little as a result of the campaign. The Indianapolis Indians are serving as the Presenting Partner for the campaign and will offer exclusive perks to those matched during the campaign, along with appearances at BBBSCI events during the campaign. Courtney Roby, a graduate from Indianapolis North Central High and Indiana University and former Colts player and Saints Super Bowl XLIV champion, is serving as the Campaign Champion.

The March 14 campaign announcement took place at Victory Field and featured Bigs and Littles sharing their stories and received the opportunity to pitch in the underground batting cages and play catch in the outfield. Roby was there and advocated on behalf of mentoring and sign autographs for the Littles.

Nearly 450 boys in Central Indiana are currently waiting to be matched with a Big Brother in the program. The average wait time for boys waiting to be matched is one year due to the lack of male volunteers. The campaign is aimed at involving individuals and organizations of all kinds to participate or spread the word about the importance of mentoring. Through a wide range of community speaking events, social events, and awareness opportunities, the Big Brothers Big Sisters staff, friends, current volunteers and Board will be pounding the pavement to engage men as Big Brothers, Big Couples, and Big Friend pairs.

"Often times we hear from men that they are unable to volunteer due to time constraints. We are hoping that by offering men exclusive opportunities that are sports-related through this campaign, it will make it easier for them to get involved and see that spending 4-6 hours a month with a child doing activities they enjoy, will make a big difference in a child's life and the community," states Whitney Smith, Director of Marketing and Volunteer Engagement.

The Indianapolis Indians will provide a Knot Hole Kids Club membership to each match that is matched due to this campaign. Club membership invites kids to attend as many Indians games as they wish and also includes a club membership card and T-shirt. On Sundays the team's Kids Eat Free promotion is in effect and club members are invited to run the bases after the game.

"For the Indianapolis Indians and Victory Field to provide the backdrop where strong, positive mentoring relationships can be forged makes this partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana a wonderful fit," said Indianapolis Indians spokesperson Jon Glesing. "After all, enjoying a baseball game - its sights, sounds and smells - is commonly associated with summertime fun with friends and family."

Individuals interested in getting involved are encouraged to contact Whitney Smith, BBBSCO Director of Marketing & Volunteer Engagement, at: [email protected]/317-472-3705 or visit its website at www.bebigforkids.org.  

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana will serve 1,100 youth this year by proving them with mentors (Bigs). BBBSCI partners with parents, guardians, volunteers, schools, donors, and others in the community to be accountable for helping youth in our program achieve higher aspirations, greater confidence, educational success, and avoidance of risky behaviors. An affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and a United Way partner, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana is a non-profit organization that provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. To volunteer, donate or for more information, visit www.bebigforkids.org or call (317) 921-2201.