On Sunday, June 4, the agency presented several prestigious awards to volunteers for their outstanding contributions to the agency and to the community. Howard Goldwasser, long time board member, past chair of the recruitment committee, former Big Brother and 2006 co-chair of the Bowl for Kids' Sake committee, received the Mel Schulman Humanitarian Award. Established in 1994, this award is presented each year to the member of the board who best exemplifies Mel Schulman's dedication to the welfare of the children in our community. Erin Campbell was presented the 22nd annual Warren J. Heldman Volunteer of the Year Award. Established by the grandchildren of Mr. Heldman, president of the agency from 1926-27, a signer of the original Articles of Incorporation, and an active Big Brother, this award honors an outstanding volunteer whose friendship has made a significant impact on the life of a child. Jordan Wayne received the Betty R. Goldberg Community Service Award. This award, established in 1999 in honor of past Executive Director Betty Goldberg, recognizes the good deeds and acts of kindness performed by a Little. For the past three years, Jordan has volunteered at the Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education at Hebrew Union College and also served as a Buddy with Special Olympics. Certificates of appreciation were also presented to Lori Lipp, Herb Crown, Heidi Leeb, Scott Rubenstein, Stefan Eckert, Jeremy Harris, Chase Kohn, Roland Kuebler, Dave Paolo, Sarah Reddish, Krista Rismiller, Christine Timmins and Susan Zimmerman. Jennifer Manning also received special recognition for her work in the Yavneh "Bigs in School"program.

On April 2, hundreds came out in support of the agency's annual "Bowl for Kids Sake" community day at Madison Bowl. As a special treat, Coach Mark Dantonio, UC Head Football Coach and honorary event chair and members of the UC football team participated in the bowl-a-thon and joined in the festivities. Everyone enjoyed bowling with UC football players, live entertainment from Sparkle the Clown, a raffle and of course the live broadcast by MOJO 94.9, the event media sponsor. Most importantly, the agency raised more than $20,000 in support of at risk children in the greater Cincinnati area.
Lisa Hacker, event chair for the 2007 "Bowl for Kids' Sake" has already begun planning next year's exciting community day.

Thanks to all of our corporate sponsors, team captains, bowlers and everyone who came out in support of our kids!

Big Brothers/Big Sisters Association invites all matched Bigs & Littles and unmatched Littles to a riverboat ride on the "Belle of Cincinnati." The Bell of Cincinnati boards at 3:00pm and sails from 3:30pm-4:30pm. There will be fun, snacks, socializing and sailing. Bring your little brother or sister and meet other matches. Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Gretaer Cincinnati will be joining us. We'd love to see you there!

The BB Riverboat Ride is generously sponsored by Dr. Osher. For more information or to RSVP e-mail info@bigbrobigsis.org or call 761-3200.

Seven and a half years ago, Erin Campbell volunteered so she could be a “role model and make an impact on a young girl’s life”. This year Erin has been a big sister for 7 1/2 years; at the time of the match Katie was only 6 and now she is 14.

Throughout their relationship, Erin has given Katie the opportunity to have experiences that she might not have had and has provided her with a healthy role model.

Katie has learned to ice skate and rollerskate, along with many other first time experiences. A few years ago, Erin took Katie to work for a “Take your Child to Work Day”, so that she could experience a working environment and learn more about careers.
A couple of years ago, with her Little’s mother’s permission, Erin even set up a college fund account for her Little Sister at a local bank. Each year, instead of buying Katie birthday and holiday gifts, Erin makes a contribution to her college fund. Erin has always taken an active role in her Katie's academic performance;recently she took her to Ohio State University so she could learn more about the field of veterinary medicine.

When her Little’s mother was first going through the interview process to get a Big Sister for her daughter, mom expressed the hope that we would find a Big Sister with “patience, energy, moral character and good values”. Erin has offered not only this, but has shown genuine concern and caring for her Little Sister.