Rockin' Singles in the City

Once again, we’re teaming up with the Big League of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas (BBBSCA) and Alice 107.7 to bring you a rockin’ good time and to raise money for the more than 800 boys and girls served by BBBSCA.

We’ve moved to a bigger venue, and this year, the Rev Room’s DJ will play your favorite oldies and contemporary music, so the dancing will begin earlier. The evening will include an auction featuring attractive professional singles and fantastic outings. The singles include AY Singles in the City — Tjuana Byrd, Gina Calhoun, Lisa Cingolani, Tim Lance and Cass Pierce — as well as Ryan Allen, an attorney; Holly Fish, a client services marketing director; Tye Herring, firefighter; Phillip Prater, firefighter; Jody Veit-Edrington, coordinator, North Little Rock School District; and others including Clint Stoerner, former Arkansas Razorback, former Dallas Cowboy and owner of Performax PTG.

"This auction has been a blast to work on. We have a group of amazing singles who did not hesitate to be auctioned off for Big Brothers Big Sisters.  That speaks volumes about the philanthropic nature of our community and state as a whole," said Lakethia Glenn, special events coordinator, BBBSCA. "People who attended last year are really looking forward to this event, and that's a great sign."

Auctioneer Thomas Blackmon of Blackmon Auctioneers will preside over the lightning-speed bidding for outings with our singles, which include great ventures, such as scuba diving and a spear fishing lesson and a hot air balloon ride.

Last year, with your help, we raised more than $15,000 to help BBBSCA further their cause.

"Our volunteers and Bigs give so much of their time to our Littles, we try to put together outings for them to enjoy. The money from Rockin' helps cover the costs for activities such as mini-golf, rock climbing, picnics, ice skating, movie outings ... many times this is the Little's first exposure to these activities. Big Brothers Big Sisters truly makes a difference in children's lives," Glenn said.

Big Brothers Big Sisters has nearly 400 affiliates nationally and in Puerto Rico and Guam. The organization has “roots dating back to 1904” when a New York city court clerk established Big Brothers and Ladies of Charity in the same city established Catholic Big Sisters. The two groups, according to bbbs.org, joined forces in 1977. Their goal is simple: to provide mentors, called Bigs, for children, called Littles. Research shows that Littles become more confident in schoolwork performance; get along better with their families; are 50 percent less likely to skip school and 37 percent less likely to skip class; and are 46 percent less likely to use illegal drugs.

BBBSCA is always looking for volunteers; adults who are 21 and older can serve as mentors or volunteer on the volunteer auxiliary on either the fundraising or activities committees. Mentors may serve in their community-based mentor program, meeting two or three times monthly, or school/site-based mentoring, meeting two or three times monthly at a school or youth center.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas works to positively impact the lives of Arkansas’ children and youth. They provide young people, ages 6 to 18, with one-on-one mentoring relationships with adults — professionals, community leaders, high school and college students and retirees — who want to make a difference in the lives of others, a difference in their communities and the future. Many mentors meet with their mentees once a week to eat lunch, play games, study, go on an outing or simply talk.

For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas’ programs, log onto bbbsca.org or call (501) 374-6661.