Celebration gaps Big Brothers Big Sisters fundraiser
By Kyle LoJacono
Staff Writer
When John and Karen Eagle became Daniel’s mentors eight years ago they had no children of their own, but that did not stop them from developing a relationship that impacted them all.
“My parents infused in me to give back to the community,” said John, who spent time on the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Tampa board of directors. “I got started with BBBS 12 years ago first at one of the bowling events and later I was recruited to the board…As I learned more about it I knew I wanted to become a mentor.”
Karen had no experience with BBBS before meeting John.
“Once we got married we had a family focused life and we wanted to help a little one,” Karen said.
John, 41, and Karen, 38, have been married for eight and a half years and began mentoring Daniel when he was 7-years-old.
“I know the program works for the kids,” John said. “Daniel is a big 15-year-old kid, but he always comes up and gives us a big hug when we see him. We’ve formed a relationship with him that has made all of us better.”
Karen said they grew up with both parents and neither needed outside guidance, but felt the need to help those who do.
“They’ve been a lot of help for me, especially with school,” Daniel said. “They also help with family problems and things like that…It’s nice to have a place to go to talk about things that are bothering me. It’s amazing.”
Daniel now lives with his grandmother and sees the Eagles about two times a month. BBBS of Tampa, which covers all of Pasco, Hillsborough and Polk counties, does not want the last names of any of the children in the program released for their protection.
“Sometimes the mentors are the only stable thing in the child’s life,” said De Anna Sheffield Ward, chief development officer for BBBS of Tampa Bay. “When a child is in a difficult family situation having someone they can trust is so important.”
Sheffield Ward said children can be matched with a mentor, also known as “bigs,” from age 5 to 12. The children can stay in the program until they turn 18 or graduate from high school.
While the program is free for the “bigs” and children involved, it costs BBBS about $1,000 to pair a mentor and kid. Sheffield Ward said the money goes to background checks, training for the “bigs,” ongoing support for the match and supervision. The cost drops to about $500 the second year.
John explained they decided to mentor Daniel as a couple. Those who join together receive the same training as single mentors.
“I wasn’t comfortable unless we did it together,” John said. “People should know it’s an option because a lot of people see the commercials and think they have to do it by themselves.”
To help pay for the cost of matching children with mentors, BBBS of Tampa started Bowl for Kids’ Sake events each spring.
“How it works is mentors can become team captains and recruit four to six of their friends to join the team,” Sheffield Ward said. “The captains then encourage the team members to get pledges from people and the goal is for each team to collect $1,000. That way we can match another child with a mentor.”
The next bowling event is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 24 at Pin Chasers of Zephyrhills, 6816 Gall Blvd.
“The bowling is really a celebration at the end of the drive for donations,” Sheffield Ward said. “Everything is free, the bowling, the shoes, the food, and it’s all to have a good time after the successful drive.”
Sheffield Ward said the teams will still collect donations until June 1. Last year there were more than 70 bowlers at the various Pasco bowling events, which brought in $11,000. The goal for the Pasco drives this year is $17,000 and the overall target for 2010 is $225,000.
The Eagles recently adopted their first child, 1-year-old Evan. Together Daniel and the Eagles formed team Eagle, which has raised $800 as of April 15.
“Doing the bowling is really cool because it’s fun and I feel like I’m helping in a way,” Daniel said. “…BBBS is awesome for kids that need some help. It’s a perfect program and I want to be a mentor when I grow up.”
For more information on Bowl for Kids’ Sake, visit www.bbbsfl.org.
