Contributed by Amy Lalor
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska is a one-on-one mentoring program. Our local office in Wasilla matches youth in the Mat-Su with positive adult mentors.
In a world of causes, we make a difference by creating professionally supported, one-to-one matches for kids who want to realize their full potential. You don’t have to create potential, you just have to defend it. Our purpose is to clear the path to a child’s biggest possible future.
Our Vision: All youth achieve their full potential.
Our Mission: Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth
One-to-one matches between Bigs and Littles truly empower youth and strengthen our community. Each match between a Big and a Little is special. Each has its first match meeting, its own obstacles to overcome, and ultimately its own outcomes and impact.
Brady and Beau are a local match here in the Mat-Su. They were matched two years ago, these two hit it off from their very first match meeting. They get together 2 to 4 times a month to do things they both enjoy. As a personal trainer and motivational speaker through his business, Fearless Fitness, Brady enjoys staying active just like Beau. This match loves playing basketball together, working out, and going on hikes. Sometimes they just get together to play board games or simply hang out. No matter what they do together, just spending time together is what matters.
Beau comes from a big family and having an additional positive adult he can spend time with 1-to-1 is something he looks forward to. Over the past two years, Beau has grown from a quiet and reserved boy to a young man who has learned to really let his personality shine through. This Mat-Su match was recently chosen to be featured in our statewide campaign to inspire other men to consider applying to volunteer as Big Brothers.
We have a really big need right now in the Mat-Su for Big Brothers! We have over 20 Little Brothers waiting to be matched or enrolled in our program. You don’t have to be a super hero to be a Defender of Potential, you just need be you! Share a little bit of time each month doing the things you enjoy with a local youth. For more info or questions visit our website www.bbbsak.org or give us a call here in Wasilla at (907) 376-4617.
We are able to provide these services here in the Mat-Su in part thanks to community support.
Join us in Defending Potential right here in the Mat-Su by running, walking, or just making a donation to the 3rd annual Dream Big 5K, 2019!
Early Bird Pricing through August 7:
Kids/Youth $10
Adult (18 & up) $25
(Stroller Riders Free)
This will once again be a mostly paved, flat course through the heart of Palmer, with the start and finish line at the Downtown Palmer pavilion. Great location for seasoned runners or first timers alike!
This year’s Dream Big 5K will be the weekend after the Alaska State Fair. It’s a great way to get outside and stay active for the whole family! Ribbons will be awarded to all finishers.
Papa Murphy’s Palmer will once again be providing FREE PIZZA at the finish line to all 5K participants. Mat-Su Bigs, Littles, and their families will also be joining us at the finish line for pizza and fun for our annual picnic.
Register at Runsignup.com by searching Dream Big 5K or use this link directly: https://runsignup.com/Race/AK/Palmer/DreamBig5KFunRun
Find us on Facebook: @BBBSAKMATSU and our event page Dream Big 5K 2019.
