Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Kosciusko County will hold its fourth annual BIG Ride Aug. 1.
According to a press release from the organizations, the event provides riders with the chance to enjoy the open air during the 100-mile round trip ride throughout Kosciusko County starting at Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Warsaw location, 1603 N. Detroit St., with a send-off by nationally-known guitarist, Kevin Kyle, as he plays his rendition of The National Anthem preceded by a Color Guard by the JROTC.
The state police-escorted motorcycle ride will return to Big Brothers Big Sisters’ location where the party begins and a lunch of hot dogs and pulled pork sandwiches is available to riders. People can enjoy door prizes, live music by local rock band Hotline, a raffle, bake sale and kid’s activities — all while giving back to the community.
The cost is $20 for a single rider and $25 for a rider with passenger. All money raised from this event stays in Kosciusko County to support the mentoring of local at-risk children. This money is used to directly and professionally support both current matches and create new matches within Kosciusko County.
The fourth annual BIG Ride event is an opportunity for current “Bigs” and “Littles” to have fun and for community members to support local mentoring and learn more about how people can make a difference in the community through mentoring.
According to “Big” Laster Boggs, “Nothing compares to the rumble of motorcycles gleaming in the sun gliding over the black pavement. It’s the Big Ride for Kids’ Sake, but it not about the ride—it’s about the big difference you can make in a boy or girl's life in Kosciusko County. It’s about making big moments in their life they will never forget. It’s about you and your big heart coming together for a cause that can change the life of a ‘Little’ in such a big way.”
In Kosciusko County, more than 2,000 children live in single-parent homes and approximately 16 percent live in poverty, according to the release, which says that having a mentor is statistically proven to help these children break the cycle. Children in Big Brothers Big Sisters’ programs are 46 percent less likely to use illegal drugs, 89 percent more likely to do better in school, 42 percent more likely to earn a college degree and 33 percent less likely to commit physical violence, the release states.
To learn more about how to support the children in Kosciusko County, to sign up for the BIG Ride or to volunteer just a few hours a month, contact local Big Brothers Big Sisters representative Trina Hoy at 574-551-6386 or via email at Trina.Hoy@bbbsnei.org