The official debut of Team Purple's video! I think it captures Alexa's spirit and the mission of the Boys & Girls Club!
Special thanks to Lynn Langston and Mike Cloonan for the camera work, and Alexa for the inspiration.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Team Purple's Video
The official debut of Team Purple's video! I think it captures Alexa's spirit and the mission of the Boys & Girls Club!
Special thanks to Lynn Langston and Mike Cloonan for the camera work, and Alexa for the inspiration.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Something To Believe In
There is something wildly significant about having people in our lives who believe in us. These people inspire us to chase our dreams and run after the seemingly impossible.
I distinctly remember the first time someone said to me 'you're smart, you'll know what to do'. There was an unforgettable power in those words. It gave me strength and courage. A striking reminder of the power I had inside that was forgotten.
I was recently reminded of this power at a fundraiser for my Great Big Kid campaign. I lost count of the number of people who believed in and supported me, giving of their time and money, because I represented the Boys & Girls Club.
It's no surprise. The Club has an unbelievable culture of believing in the kids it serves. The staff believe in the kids. The kids believe in each other. It's nothing short of impressive. Especially when considering their ages. Specifically the tweens and teens...they support each other and root for one another...not a common sight these days.
I see it every time I see Alexa. Her friends in the Club are eager to help her and want to see her win. The staff is the same. Her mom and family too. And it shows.
To watch an 11 year old girl be surrounded by people who believe in her is amazing and it's life altering. For both of us.
I distinctly remember the first time someone said to me 'you're smart, you'll know what to do'. There was an unforgettable power in those words. It gave me strength and courage. A striking reminder of the power I had inside that was forgotten.
I was recently reminded of this power at a fundraiser for my Great Big Kid campaign. I lost count of the number of people who believed in and supported me, giving of their time and money, because I represented the Boys & Girls Club.
It's no surprise. The Club has an unbelievable culture of believing in the kids it serves. The staff believe in the kids. The kids believe in each other. It's nothing short of impressive. Especially when considering their ages. Specifically the tweens and teens...they support each other and root for one another...not a common sight these days.
I see it every time I see Alexa. Her friends in the Club are eager to help her and want to see her win. The staff is the same. Her mom and family too. And it shows.
To watch an 11 year old girl be surrounded by people who believe in her is amazing and it's life altering. For both of us.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
The Campaign
One of the challenges I've come across is explaining what a Great Big Kid campaign is all about. There's a lot to it.
First, there's a mentoring component. There are 6 Youth of the Year candidates from Boys & Girls Club who are each matched up with one of six community leaders to mentor them through a judging and competition process to be named the local Youth of the Year.
Second, the six community leaders...called Great Big Kids, compete against one another to raise money for the club during the campaign. The winner is crowned on April 27th at the annual dinner celebration as the 'Greatest Big Kid'.
Along the way, each Great Big Kid decides upon distinct components to set their campaigns apart from the others: choosing a team color (ours is purple), a theme song, creating a video, developing entertainment/skit for the night of the dinner, and drives friends, family, and peer professionals to a voting site to raise their money. Each vote is $40. The goal is for each Great Big Kid to raise a minimum of $10,000.
Being asked to be a Great Big Kid is an honor and big responsibility. If you've never heard about a Great Big Kid campaign I hope this explanation enlightens you to the hard work and dedication involved! And I hope it inspires you to stay connected to see how my campaign develops and evolves throughout the process...it's bound to be GREAT!
First, there's a mentoring component. There are 6 Youth of the Year candidates from Boys & Girls Club who are each matched up with one of six community leaders to mentor them through a judging and competition process to be named the local Youth of the Year.
Second, the six community leaders...called Great Big Kids, compete against one another to raise money for the club during the campaign. The winner is crowned on April 27th at the annual dinner celebration as the 'Greatest Big Kid'.
Along the way, each Great Big Kid decides upon distinct components to set their campaigns apart from the others: choosing a team color (ours is purple), a theme song, creating a video, developing entertainment/skit for the night of the dinner, and drives friends, family, and peer professionals to a voting site to raise their money. Each vote is $40. The goal is for each Great Big Kid to raise a minimum of $10,000.
Being asked to be a Great Big Kid is an honor and big responsibility. If you've never heard about a Great Big Kid campaign I hope this explanation enlightens you to the hard work and dedication involved! And I hope it inspires you to stay connected to see how my campaign develops and evolves throughout the process...it's bound to be GREAT!
Friday, February 1, 2013
Alexa Is Spectacular!
She gave me a tour of the Club, we practiced her speech, and she showed me her school guard duties. What a natural leader!
We also talked about some ideas for our campaign. She loves the idea of incorporating bling and feathers. We're perfect for each other!!
Looking forward to seeing her again soon, working on her speech more, and continuing our journey!
PS. Dont' forget to register for our fundraiser on Thursday, February 21st, 5-7pm at 101 N. Michigan, 5th Floor, Downtown South Bend. Minimum donation is $100/person or $150/couple. Click here to attend!
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
You're Invited To The Campaign Kick Off Event!
Date is Thursday, February 21 from 5:00pm-7:00pm.
During this unique event, you'll get a tour of the private residences at 101 N. Michigan in Downtown South Bend (the American Trust Place building) while you support Boys & Girls Club of St. Joseph County!
Minimum donation to attend is $100/ person or $150/ couple. Cash, check or credit is accepted.
Click here to attend the event!
Hope to see you there!
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Getting Started!
I'm Tania Bengtsson and I'm a Great Big Kid for the 2013 Boys & Girls Club campaign! There are 2 major functions of a Great Big Kid: Mentoring and Fundraising.
On January 16th, I met Alexa! She's a Youth of the Year candidate and she's my mentee. Alexa is a natural leader and has a contagious smile. I'm looking forward to getting to know her better over the next few months.
Alexa is 10 and the Boys & Girls Club has made an incredibly positive impact on her life. She went from having average grades to getting all As. And she's taken on a few leadership roles within her school because of the confidence she's developed.
In her Youth of the Year essay, she states, "I am going to change the world one day, and I've already started with me!" Pretty advanced for a 10 year old!
There are 6 of us Great Big Kids matched with 6 Youth of the Year candidates. The Big Kid who raises the most amount becomes the Greatest Big Kid. A title I hope to hold on April 27th!
More information will be posted soon on how to support me and the program. For now, my plan is to introduce the campaign and have you get to know a little more about Alexa and the great work of the Boys & Girls Club.
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