ISHPEMING -- Bowling is one of the many things they do together. Jayne and 13 year old Cheyenne are members of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program of Marquette and Alger Counties.
"Being a big sister is a very rewarding experience. It's a lot of fun, you get to help a child in the community, and you get to do a lot of great things that you probably normally wouldn't do in your everyday life," said Jayne Letts, Executive Director of BBBS in Marquette and Alger Counties and big sister to Cheyenne.
The program asks volunteers aged 16 or older to spend a minimum of four to six hours a month with their little brother or sister. The mentoring experience normally lasts a year, but can go for longer. The program seeks to benefit children, but the experience is mutually positive.
"The biggest benefit is the impact of the friendship and the measuring of the child.It's so beneficial and it can be proven, the benefits, in the outcomes of the mentoring relationship," added Letts.
"We do a lot of new things that I've never done, like I've never rock climbed," said little sister Cheyenne Stanbrough. Rock climbing at NMU was what the pair did most recently.
Cheyenne and jayne do many things together, like swimming, shopping, and bowling. Later in April, they'll be bowling to raise money. It will be the 21st Annual Bowl for Kids' Sake fundraiser. It will be held at Country Lanes in Ishpeming on April 21st and Superior Lanes in Marquette from the 26th to the 28th. Teams of five can register online and each individual is asked to donate $75. The money will be used to help run the program and to recruit volunteers.
"We do this event for one reason, and that's to help us match more kids in Marquette County with a big brother or sister," said Letts.
To become a big brother or sister in Marquette County, call 906-475-7801 or visit their website. You must be at least 16 years old. There is an application process involved that includes a background check and a home interview.
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