IMS, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana to recruit 500 Bigs by Indy 500

Submitted by IMS

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI), in collaboration with Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), announced March 19 a volunteer campaign to recruit “500 Bigs by the Indy 500.”

From March 19 through May 25, the day of the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, BBBSCI and IMS will work together to share the need and urgency for more mentors in the Central Indiana community. With over 1,200 young people who are waiting for a mentor in Central Indiana, BBBSCI and IMS are looking for 500 community members to step up and take the first step to become a mentor.

“IMS is excited to partner with BBBSCI yet again to connect more kids with impactful mentors,” Penske Entertainment Senior Vice President Allison Melangton said. “We understand the importance of connection within our community, and we hope to bring more people together through both racing and mentorship this season.”

Said Darcey Palmer-Shultz, CEO of BBBSCI: “There is no city that rallies around their community like Indianapolis, and we are so grateful to IMS for collaborating with us again to give back to our community. Mentorship is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to change the trajectory of a kid’s life. With so many young people asking for another supportive person in their corner, we know that Central Indiana will show up to make sure that every child feels seen, appreciated and valued.”

BBBS has been a leader in mentorship for 120 years, and BBBSCI has served this community for 50-plus years. BBBSCI uses evidence-based mentoring experiences that show that mentorship is good for young people, good for the economy and good for society:

• Good for Young People – In the long term, adults who’ve had a positive mentor experience greater health benefits, reduced isolation, and live longer lives. People who have experienced mentorship are:
  • Two times more likely to be involved in and hold leadership positions;
  • 41% less likely to engage in substance abuse; and
  • Two times more likely to enroll in post-secondary education.
• Good for the Economy – Mentorship plays a crucial role in bridging capital and fostering upward economic mobility with evidence showing that creating economic connectedness in childhood leaders to higher income in adulthood.
• Good for Society – Mentoring builds stronger social connections across diverse groups, leading to a more connected society across socioeconomic, racial and geographic lines.

Being a mentor, or “Big,” through BBBSCI requires a one-year commitment to be matched with a mentee, or “Little.” Bigs and Littles meet four to six hours per month, and together they enjoy activities provided by BBBSCI and their partners or find activities within their community. To learn more about becoming a Big, visit www.bebigforkids.org/volunteer.

To learn more about BBBSCI and the 500 Bigs by the Indy 500 campaign, visit www.bebigforkids.org/500by500.