Big Brothers Big Sisters

Written By: Courtney Scarborough, Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC | Issue: December 2023

As 2023 comes to an end, taking this time to reflect on just how big of an impact Big Brothers Big Sisters has within the community, and Western North Carolina, is vital.

The year started off with a bang in January with the help of local artist Diane McPhail, and Bascom Deputy Executive (and Big Brother of the Year!) Billy Love, hosting our Bigs and Littles to create their Vision Boards and Goal Settings for the year.

In March, Arrowmont Stables hosted a wonderful Spring Ride that had our Littles working on their self-confidence skills as well as healthy coping skills. At the end of March, one of our biggest yearly events, Bowl for Kids’ Sake, saw everyone donning their best bowling shoes.

Many thanks to Jackson and Macon County Sheriff’s Office, International Friendship Center, Unidxs WNC, Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau, Jackson County Public Schools, Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Cashiers United Methodist Church, Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library, and many more!

In May, the International Friendship Center hosted Bigs and their littles at the Highlands Food Pantry as part of the Bee Kind Initiative.

In June, the Village Green in Cashiers hosted the Community Volunteer & Resources Expo with the event sponsor First Citizens Wealth Management.

June also hosted the 10th Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Croquet Tournament of the Plateau hosted at the Country Club of Sapphire Valley.

In August, the Highlands Aerial Park opened their ziplines to us for one of the most action-packed days that our Bigs and Littles are still talking about.

October saw our Littles stepping into the kitchen with our fabulous presenters, Uncomplicated Kitchen to bring “Mediterranean Sheet Pan Dinners: Start to Finish” to our Bigs and their Littles. Cashiers Ingles graciously let us take over a few aisles to teach Littles about buying fresh and affordable food. The Cashiers United Methodist Church lent us their full-size kitchen to teach Littles how to properly prepare fresh foods.

While looking towards 2024, we want to make sure to thank those who made our 2023 possible – Cullasaja Women’s Outreach, First Presbyterian of Highlands, Wade Hampton, Cedar Creek Club, Jackson County Community Fund, Macon County Community Fund, Mountain Findings, and Church of the Good Shepherd. We also want to thank our amazing Community Partners: International Friendship Center, Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library, Cashiers-Area Chamber of Commerce, The Village Green, First Bank of Cashiers, and The Bascom.