4 minute read
Battle of the Creatives
Imagine a world where every child has that consistent relationship that fosters encouragement, growth and unwavering support. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma (BBBSOK) spends each day striving to provide those needs for children across Norman. BBBS, the nation’s most experienced mentoring organization, has helped countless children overcome disadvantages in life and find success for over 110 years, 52 years in Norman.
“Our driving force is mentorship and helping kids see their fullest and greatest potential,” shared Jeff Moody, Norman’s area director. BBBSOK in Norman hosts fundraisers throughout the year to raise awareness and bring in the funding needed to support the program in the area.
“I’m constantly dressing up in a goofy way or doing something crazy out of the box. I’m not afraid to do what it takes to get people to talk about us, whether it’s events or fundraisers,” Moody said. “I get to make a fool of myself every day for kids, and I’m passionate about it and love it so much. It’s the best job in the world.”
The local organization’s Lip Sync Battle fundraiser kicked off on Feb. 1 to help raise funds for the local mentoring pro-
Big Brothers Big Sisters sets the stage for success via lip syncing
gram, giving Norman’s “Littles” every ounce of support and resources they can get to prepare for their futures.
Individuals and teams set a fundraising goal. Once that goal is met, members must record and upload their music video to the site by May 11. Judging takes place the next day by celebrity judges: Stephanie O’Hara, Jennifer Baker and Mike Hosty, with special guest host and DJ, Jennifer Leigh.
Entries are encouraged to include kids, dance moves, costumes and/or pets in their creative music video, “something fun and entertaining that raises money for such a valuable and important cause,” Moody explained.
Other fundraisers include Elf Hot Chocolate deliveries, complete with customizations and appearances by “Buddy the Elf” himself, coming this November.
Big Movie Night, on Sept. 10, is another fan favorite and the team goes all out. Past Big Movie Night events have featured movie parodies merging major movie themes such as Jurassic Park, Star Wars and the Sandlot with the group’s mission and goals. The team makes every effort to impress, using everything from real helicopters and live bears to make the productions engaging and exciting for all involved.
Charcuterie for Big Night is another prominent event and will be happening on June 5. Tickets can soon be purchased on the BBBS Norman website and you can expect deliveries to be made in tuxedos and evening gowns to make the evening spectacular.
What can the community do to help?
Besides fundraising, Moody said that the two biggest needs right now are Little Sister applicants and Big Brother volunteers, especially Big Brothers of color. Volunteers must be 18 years or older, and children ages 6 and up may qualify as a Little.
The organization consists of two sides: the resource side, which is in charge of fundraising and recruiting and the programming side, which oversees the matching of volunteers with children and hosting events for them.
Moody describes the programming side as the real MVPs. Highly-qualified match support specialists provide the utmost care to their matchmaking, setting the Bigs and Littles up for success. BBBS hosts one-on-one mentorships, with a minimum 1-year commitment from volunteers because anything less has proven through studies to be detrimental. Short relationships are not typical it seems.
“Even when a child ages out of the program, that relationship 99% of the time continues to carry on,” Moody explained.
Matches can expect monthly check-ins the first year with support, such as training, virtual events and access to a game store.
“The number one thing needed to be a volunteer is to be consistent. Having this consistent mentor speaking with you and being with you and talking you through life helps these kids have a sense of future and recognize that potential,” he explained. “We call ourselves the ‘Defenders of Potential.’ A lot of kids have something missing in their life or don’t have parents around and need the extra support that we can give them to help them succeed. We are always looking for more Bigs, more Littles and more sponsors.”
Moody stressed that volunteers need not worry about having certain qualifications before signing up.
“It sounds like an undertaking as you’re changing a kid’s life. You don’t have to be perfect to be a Big because it’s all about little moments,” he encouraged. “‘Little moments, big magic’ is our motto. Little sprinkles of small moments add up to be a big thing.”
Some local establishments have established a partnership with BBBSOK in Norman to support those relationships. Ray’s BBQ and Color Me Mind Art Studio, for example, have special discounts for Bigs and Littles when they visit. More volunteer partnerships are always needed.
Due to Covid-19, pairs have gotten creative and will eat together on the sidewalk or join in on virtual trivia through Zoom. Slowly, groups will be able to return to meeting in-person more often.
Check out the organization’s new website, bbbsok.org/norman, and their Facebook page to stay up to date with the latest news and information about events and volunteer opportunities. – BSM
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