The BIGUpdate

November 2012

Message from the CEOIn honor of the spirit and tradition of giving thanks at this time of the year, I would like to offer a special thank-you to so many who have supported the mission and vision of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona.

We are grateful to our Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Little Brothers and Little Sisters who remind us every day of the beauty and the power of mentoring relationships. We are thankful for our many volunteers who give of their time and expertise to help us in so many ways. We can’t thank our generous donors enough for their support of our goals and objectives.

And I would like also to say a special thank you to our tremendous group of dedicated and professional staff members who work so hard, often behind the scenes, to ensure that the organization continues to provide young people in our community with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better.

And since this is also traditionally a season of giving, I encourage you all to read the newslet-ter or visit our website at www.bbbsaz.org to learn about the many ways there are for you to continue your support of the organization. I thank you all for your past support and look forward to working together in the New Year!

Interim President & CEORobin Hanna

Donate Today: The Arizona Working Poor Tax CreditThe State of Arizona offers a tax credit to organizations providing assistance to the work-ing poor. This provision allows individuals to take a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for a donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona.

Taxpayers filing as “sin-gle” and “head of house-hold” status may claim a maximum credit of $200. Taxpayers who file as “married filing joint” may claim a maximum credit of $400. In order to claim your tax credit you must itemize your deductions and complete Arizona tax form 321.

For more information about the tax credit and filing instructions, please visit the Arizona Dept. of Revenue. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona does not offer legal or tax advice. Always consult with a qualified, licensed professional regarding all legal or tax-related issues.

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BIGthanks!Our 2012 Paul’s Car Wash Sponsors

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Paul’s car washCommunity raises $136,00 for Big Brothers Big Sisters program!Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona is proud to announce $136,000 was raised during Paul’s Car Wash in October! Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, corporate donors and generous community members, our agency is able to continue serving our 2,000 current matches and grow our programs in 2013!We would like to thank everyone who donated, volun-teered and supported our agen-cy. We had so much fun and we can’t wait to do it again in 2013!

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Big Tip of the Month: November

Allowing your Little to learn more about your traditions is a wonderful idea! This allows your Little the opportunity to learn about new perspectives and see differences in a positive light. In addition, sometimes around the holidays it is exciting to think about introducing your Little to family who may be in town. However, please be reminded of our ground rules that state outings should be limited to you and your little as often as possible. Be certain that you discuss any outings that involve other individuals with your Little’s parent or guardian and your Program Specialist.

I am interested in having my Little participate in some of my holiday celebrations. Is this okay?Q:

A:

Get in the holiday spirit and support BBBSAZ!

Buy tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com | keywords: Story Tellers

Join us for a free movieDreamworks’ The Rise of the Guardians

Please Join Us!

When: Saturday, Dec. 8

Where: Harkins Christown at 1620 West Montebello Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85015

Time: Doors open at 8:30 a.m. and the movie starts at 9 a.m.

Sign up on the Think Big website at www.bbbsaz.org/thinkbig

All Bigs and Littles are invited to attend our annual holiday movie event courtesy of Bob Hockensmith! Please save the date and come out for a

morning of fun!

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For the second year, Littles from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) Site-based program had the unique opportunity to visit the Mesa Commuity College (MCC) campus with their Bigs who are current students and are part of the Inter-tribal Student Organization (ISO). Littles enjoyed Indian tacos for lunch prepared by the Bigs and participated in a campus scavenger hunt. The group divided into two teams and completed scavenger hunt tasks such as visiting the Financial Aid office, asking an MCC student about his or her college ex-perience and visiting the American Indian Student Center. The scavenger hunt was a fun and interactive way for Littles to learn more about MCC. Bigs were able to point out their classrooms to the Littles and share their own college experiences. The campus visit was an effort by BBBSAZ’s Native American Mentoring Initiative in partnership with the Lehi Boys & Girls Club and MCC’s ISO group to encourage high school graduation and the pursuit of higher education among our Native American youth through a firsthand experience.

Salt River programtakes trip to college

Photos by Stephanie Allen

By the numbers . . .Current

Active MatchesTotal

Youth served

1,172 1,458

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Celebrating Match Milestones!

Nadia and Deshanae3 years

Jeffrey and David1 year

Angel and Gina9 years

Jorie and Kayle2 years

Stephanie and Eveline1 year

Stephanie and Kenzie4 years

New Matches

95in October!

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Bigs & Littles cook up fun at Different Pointe of ViewEight lucky matches received hands on instruction from two of the best chefs in the Valley as part of cooking classes hosted by The Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs resort. Bigs and Littles have the opportunity to learn how to make a healthy and low cost meal with the help of Chef Anthony and Chef John of the Different Pointe of View restaurant. We thank the Pointe Hilton and both chefs for generously donating their time and resources for this wonderful event!

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With great gratitude and appreciation we thank you for your support.

May your blessings be bountiful during this holiday season.