IMS, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana To Recruit 500 Bigs
March 14, 2023 | By Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI), in partnership with Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), officially announced March 14 a volunteer campaign to recruit “500 Bigs by the Indy 500.”
BBBSCI launched its “500 Bigs by the Indy 500” campaign March 1, which shares the urgency and demand for more mentors needed in our community. With only 75 days to go until the 107th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and more than 1,400 young people in Central Indiana waiting for mentors, BBBSCI and IMS are working together to recruit 500 potential “Bigs” from March 1 through May 28, the day of the Indy 500.
“IMS believes wholeheartedly in the benefits of connection, growth and understanding between a mentor and mentee,” said Penske Entertainment Senior Vice President Allison Melangton. “Through this partnership, we hope to recruit enough mentors to get the waiting list down to zero.”
“Our hope is that more people will realize how rewarding it is to be there as a mentor for a young person – to encourage them, connect them to opportunities and benefit from knowing them,” says Darcey Palmer-Shultz, CEO of BBBSCI. “It is no small thing that, while they are gearing up for Indy 500 season, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is doing just as much to give back to our community. When we shared the need, there was no hesitation to help – and we are grateful and excited to make a difference together over these months.”
Being a mentor, or “Big,” through BBBSCI requires a one-year commitment to be matched with a mentee, or “Little.” Bigs and Littles meet four to six hours per month, and together, they enjoy activities provided by BBBSCI and their partners or find activities within their community. To learn more about becoming a Big, visit www.bebigforkids.org/volunteer.
Since the campaign launched, BBBSCI and IMS have recruited more than 70 potential volunteer mentors. To learn more about BBSCI and the 500 Bigs by the Indy 500 campaign, visit www.bebigforkids.org/500by500.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana is based in Indianapolis and serves youth and families who reside in Marion, Hamilton, and Johnson counties through one-to-one mentoring relationships with adult volunteers. The Big Brothers Big Sisters vision is that all youth achieve their full potential. To fulfill that vision, the mission of BBBSCI is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. This year, BBBSCI will defend the potential of local youth through 1,200+ mentoring relationships. To volunteer, donate, or for more information, visit www.BeBigForKids.org or call (317) 921-2201.