February 2025





IN THIS ISSUE:


  • Black History Month
  • Mentoring Makes a BIG Impact
  • Bowl for Kids' Sake
  • Arizona Charitable Tax Credit
  • Board Spotlight

“We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” – Barack Obama

Happy Black History Month We're committed to making a difference in the lives of young people and fostering strong, positive relationships. Join us in celebrating the richness of our differences and working towards a more just and equal society. 📣 Calling all community champions! This Black History Month.

Become a Big Today!

Mentoring Makes a BIG Impact!

Measuring impact is at the heart of how we work at Big Brothers Big Sisters. Our approach is clear - measure, learn, improve, and repeat. Together, we're building a movement that changes lives today and strengthens society for generations to come!



We are excited to share groundbreaking research from a longitudinal economic study titled, "The Long-Term Impacts of Mentors: Evidence from Experimental and Administrative Data" confirming that mentoring delivers real, measurable economic outcomes.

View Full Report

Bowl for Kids' Sake - LEGO Edition!

Do you enjoy having fun, making a difference and getting FREE stuff! Then Bowl for Kids' Sake is for YOU!


Enrolling teams now and scheduling Bowl party sessions for March 21st, 22nd and 28th! This year's theme is LEGO!


Participation is simple! Sign up online, share your personal fundraising link and come out to your scheduled bowl party. Enjoy 2hours of play, food, drink, prizes, music and more!


And if "bowling" isn't your thing don't worry. It’s not about the game played, it’s about defending the potential of our youth and clearing the path to their biggest possible future!


For more information about fundraising and sponsorship contact Veronica Saiz at veronica@soazbigs.org

Register to BOWL!

Arizona Charitable Tax Credit

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a Qualified Charitable Organization. Donations made prior to April 15th, 2025 can be still be applied to your 2024 State Taxes!


Donate up to $470 if you file single or up to $938 if you file jointly on your Arizona tax return.


YOU DECIDE how your Arizona tax dollars are spent, so keep them right here in Tucson and help ignite the potential in the lives of children in need.


EVERY DOLLAR HELPS ignite potential in youth through one-to-one mentoring with a caring adult.


EVERY GIFT, large and small, is appreciated and put to good use where needed most.

DONATE

Board Member Spotlight

“I enjoy speaking to people and educating them on what Big Brothers Big Sisters stands for!”


  -Yvonne Davis, 2025 BBBSSA Advocacy Board Member

Yvonne Davis is the Treasurer of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Arizona’s Advocacy Board. Yvonne is the Assistant Vice President for Risk and Controls at Citi. She has served on the Advocacy Board since 2024, however she has been a long-time advocate for the agency.


           Yvonne grew up in West Palm Beach, Florida before moving to Tucson, Arizona where she has lived for 24 years. Yvonne holds an associate’s degree in business management and is currently pursuing her bachelor’s at the University of Arizona. She is majoring in Communications and minoring in Public Relations.


           Yvonne was first introduced to Big Brothers Big Sisters through her employer, Citi. Well before joining the board, Yvonne was a fundraiser and participant in many agency events. She continues her advocacy, making herself available to represent the agency at community events. Yvonne was drawn to the Advocacy Board because she values mentorship and community involvement.


           When asked how she would respond to someone interested in supporting and being more involved with the organization, Yvonne replied, “Big Brothers Big Sisters is a great organization with ample opportunities to mentor and guide young people. You will fall in love with the mission and enjoy the community involvement through volunteerism”


           Yvonne is big on family and friends, especially enjoying time spent with her nieces and nephews. She enjoys traveling and trying new things. Yvonne is social and full of life. She loves karaoke sing-alongs and eating sushi!

“I am looking forward to experiencing firsthand the positive impacts mentorship has on the youth of Southern Arizona.”


- Anna Collins, 2025 BBBSSA Board Member

Anna Collins is a new member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Arizona’s Board of Directors. Anna is a Senior Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis for Leidos.

 

           Anna is a native Tucsonan. She attended Northern Arizona University where she earned a bachelor’s in public administration.

 

           Anna was first introduced to Big Brothers Big Sisters through family members. She has been a Bowl for Kid’s Sake donor and participant in the Big Gala. Anna chose to join the board because she was drawn to the opportunity to be a part of an organization that makes a positive difference in the community.

 

           When asked how she would respond to someone interested in supporting and being more involved with the organization, Anna replied, “Consider the positive impact of helping just one child and how that can multiply by supporting an organization that has an outstanding mission, prominent outreach to the community and a well ran team. If you're looking for something to give you a sense of purpose and community, volunteering will help satisfy that desire”       

 

           Anna and her husband Jake share two rescue dogs, Roxy and Coco.  Family is very important to Anna. She also makes time to travel and get outdoors. Enjoying hiking and camping. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Arizona


supportus@soazbigs.org www.soazbigs.org


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