National Partnership Aims to Boost Mentor Recruitment Through Media
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) has announced a significant partnership with Horizon Media, the world's largest media agency. This collaboration, formalized on October 7, 2026, is designed to utilize the power of media to raise awareness about the critical need for youth mentors nationwide. Horizon Media is set to donate over $15 million in media placements to amplify the urgent call for more Americans to become mentors. This initiative comes at a time when a significant percentage of U.S. teens report not always receiving the social and emotional support they require, according to a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report. The partnership aims to address this gap by inspiring a broader audience to engage with the organization's mission.
The collaboration between BBBSA and Horizon Media underscores the growing recognition of media's role in social impact. By harnessing the extensive reach and expertise of a leading media agency, Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks to connect with potential mentors who may not have previously been aware of the organization or the profound impact mentorship can have. The donated media will be strategically deployed to highlight the urgent need for mentors and showcase the transformative power of these relationships in the lives of young people facing various challenges.
Community Events Highlight Mentorship's Impact Across Regions
Beyond national media efforts, local chapters of Big Brothers Big Sisters are actively engaging their communities through diverse events. In Fort Wayne, Indiana, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana celebrated its ninth annual Black Business Card Party on Saturday, October 23, 2026. This event provided a platform for professionals to network and learn about emerging technologies while also spotlighting the success of mentorship. The story of Big Brother Brad and Little Brother Kaimari, whose mentorship began in 2008, was highlighted, demonstrating the long-term impact of the program. The event also recognized individuals and families for their contributions to philanthropy, with Sedricka Epperson, Dr. Mulokozi Lugakingira, and The McGee Family receiving SPARK awards. The Black Business Card Party was specifically created to identify more mentors for both minority entrepreneurs and children in need of role models.
In Central Ohio, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio hosted its annual “Evening of Impact” fundraiser on Thursday, October 21, 2026, at Vitria on the Square on the Ohio State University campus. This event brought together over 275 business and community leaders to celebrate the organization's mission and raise funds to support its mentorship programs. ABC 6 anchor Rodney Dunigan served as the emcee, emphasizing the importance of positive role models in shaping young lives. The evening also served to acknowledge the individuals and community partners who are instrumental in fostering meaningful relationships between young people and caring adults. The funds raised are dedicated to supporting mentorship initiatives for children throughout central Ohio.
Sports Partnerships Extend Mentorship's Reach
Sports organizations are also playing a key role in supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters. The Indianapolis Colts partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana for a Community Tuesday event at the Fowling Warehouse in downtown Indianapolis. During this event, children from the program, accompanied by their mentors, had the opportunity to interact with Colts players. Jim Patton, a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, shared how the event helped his mentee, who is typically reserved, open up and engage enthusiastically with the players and the activity of fowling, a sport combining elements of football and bowling. This initiative highlights how community events involving sports figures can create memorable experiences and strengthen the bond between mentors and mentees.
In motorsports, NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion Richard Gadson continues his meaningful work with Big Brothers Big Sisters. For the third consecutive year, Gadson hosted groups of Bigs and Littles from Big Brothers Big Sisters at the Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex. This provides young people with a unique opportunity to experience professional drag racing firsthand, fostering connections and creating lasting memories. Gadson's involvement extends beyond just hosting, as it has become a significant part of his championship-winning career, demonstrating a deep commitment to the organization's mission. Separately, the South Carolina Stingrays, an ECHL hockey team, in partnership with Charleston International Airport, donated $3,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry. This donation stemmed from proceeds of a game-worn jersey auction following the 2025-26 season, showcasing a continued commitment from sports franchises to support youth mentorship programs.
Strategic Planning and Local Support Drive Mission Forward
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada (BBBSC) has launched its Federation Strategic Plan 2027–2032, a comprehensive roadmap designed to unify, innovate, and lead boldly in addressing the complex issues facing young people today. The plan acknowledges the challenges of growing up in an era of mental health concerns, social isolation, rapid technological change, and economic uncertainty. It emphasizes the crucial role of intentional mentoring in helping young people navigate these complexities. In 2025, BBBSC, through its network of over 80 local agencies, supported more than 31,000 young people with the assistance of over 17,000 volunteer mentors.
These national and regional efforts are complemented by ongoing local support. For instance, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona continues to engage the community in its mission. While specific recent events were not detailed in the provided notes, the organization's presence signifies the consistent, localized efforts required to sustain and expand mentorship programs. The overarching theme across all these initiatives is the collective effort to ensure that young people have access to the support and guidance of caring adult mentors, thereby fostering their development and success.
What This Means
The recent activities and announcements surrounding Big Brothers Big Sisters indicate a multi-faceted strategy to address the growing need for youth mentorship. The significant media partnership with Horizon Media signals a concerted push to broaden awareness and recruit a larger pool of mentors nationwide, leveraging the reach of mass media. Simultaneously, the array of community and sports-related events, from business networking parties to professional sports interactions, demonstrates a commitment to engaging diverse segments of the population and creating tangible, positive experiences for mentees. These localized efforts are crucial for building community support and identifying potential mentors within specific regions. The strategic plan by BBBSC further emphasizes a forward-looking approach, aiming to adapt and innovate in response to the evolving challenges faced by young people. The consistent involvement of sports teams and businesses highlights the broad societal recognition of mentorship's value and the collaborative spirit required to sustain these vital programs.
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