RIVERSIDE Calif. – Nov. 1, 2024 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire (BBBS OC/IE) marked 10 years of creating and supporting impactful mentoring relationships in the Inland Empire with a special celebration held Thurs., Oct. 17, 2024, at the headquarters of OctoClean in Riverside, Calif. The event raised more than $100,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters programs that ignite the power and promise of the next generation.
The event was kicked off with welcome remarks by the evening’s host and emcee, Scott Carlson, Regional Deputy Director of Development for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Empire.
The Big Brothers Big Sisters’ office in the Inland Empire opened with fewer than seven employees and fewer than 300 Big/Little matches. Carlson recognized three early champions and ongoing participants in the organization’s efforts in the IE: Liz Hurtado, Director of Compliance & Office Management; Marina Uriarte, Senior Regional Director of Programs; and
Jennifer O’ Farrell, who served as the BBBS Inland Empire Executive Director for most of the past 10 years and is now with the Healthy Valley Foundation. Generous donors such as Erik Anderson were responsible for significant financial contributions that have been instrumental in driving growth.
Since those early days, the organization has grown to 34 employees and touched the lives of more than 4,400 youth, shaping futures and changing the narrative for countless families in the IE community.
“From humble beginnings to a decade of impact, Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs have paved the way for countless success stories across the Inland Empire,” said Sloane Keane, CEO of BBBS OC/IE. “We are very pleased to honor that journey as we continue on a bold path to an even brighter future.”
Other key highlights of the evening included:
- U.S. Congressman Mark Takano (D-CA 39) on his gratitude to mentors, volunteers and supporters. He also emphasized the role of mentorship in building resilient communities by helping youth from underrepresented groups thrive academically and emotionally. He concluded by encouraging a focus on the future, staying involved and inspiring others to become mentors.
- Tom Caparole provided a personal perspective on his experiences as a mentor with the organization for over 25 years, serving as a Big Brother to three consecutive Littles.
- Dr. Tim Gramling, Vice President of Diversity and Dean, Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business, California Baptist University, on the value of mentorship.
Capping the evening was the presentation of a proclamation from the office of California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Thurmond recognizing 10 years of impact in the IE.
The birthday bash was held to commemorate the 10th anniversary milestone alongside the community of champions who have made the Big Brothers Big Sisters programs possible. The event also included casino tables, live music and tacos.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of OC/IE currently has 20,033 alumni, with 3,906 youth served and 101,723 volunteer hours logged in fiscal 2024. In terms of tangible results, 98% of participating youth graduate from high school on time, 87% pursue higher education and 95% show socio-economic growth.
Volunteering with BBBS of OC/IE is a unique opportunity to guide, support and inspire a young person. A diverse selection of programs offers various ways to get involved, including one-to-one mentoring, Sports Buddies, High School Bigs and Workplace Mentoring.
There is currently a waiting list of BBBS OC & IE Littles to be matched with a Big for mentoring, and the organization is actively seeking volunteers. Learn more at www.iebigs.org.
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About Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and Inland Empire is a non-profit organization that matches underserved youth and young adults with mentors to improve outcomes like growth
and development, education, social and economic opportunity in our community. It is the largest youth mentoring organization in California, working closely with other BBBS agencies in the state and across the nation. Learn more at www.iebigs.org.