2025 BIG Raise

We’re looking for passionate, purpose-driven individuals to join our BIG Raise Committee, a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign happening throughout October in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry.

As a committee member, you’ll play a vital role in raising the funds that make life-changing, one-to-one mentoring possible for youth right here in our community. It’s a meaningful way to make an impact, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.

If you’re ready to use your voice for something BIG, reach out to Keely Telfer at 843-212-7968 or keely@bbbslowcountry.org. We’d be thrilled to have you on board!

Tidal Wave Charity Day: Benefiting BBBSL

We’re excited to team up with Tidal Wave Auto Spa for Charity Day on Friday, September 19th! Stop by their North Charleston location between 10 AM–5 PM and get your car washed while giving back—half of all single wash sales will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry to help us match more youth with passionate mentors who can change their lives.

Our team will be there all day, along with partners like Charleston EMS and the American Red Cross Blood Drive bus. It’s a fun, easy way to support local youth and drive real impact in the Lowcountry.

📍 Event Details

  • Date: Friday, September 19th
  • Time: 10 AM–5 PM
  • Location: Tidal Wave Auto Spa – 8081 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC 29406

Match Success: Scott & KJ

Antoinette wanted a Big for her son KJ so he could build self-esteem, be around a positive male role model, and have someone to help guide him in the right direction. She describes KJ as very social and outgoing, deeply passionate about the things he loves—like drawing and building—and always determined to be the best. He’s talkative, loves to laugh and joke around. Since being matched with his Big, Scott, Antoinette has noticed many positive changes: “He’s said more positive things about himself lately, has more self-confidence, and tries new activities every time he is presented with something,” like ziplining, visiting an aviary, and taking swimming lessons with Scott. She’s excited to see what’s next for KJ, who now dreams of working for Boeing or becoming an engineer. She even recalls the day her car started smoking—KJ guessed the issue was the brake caliper, and it turns out he was right! She looks forward to all the new experiences KJ and Scott will continue to share together

KJ was most excited to get a Big “so I could do more fun activities!”—and that’s exactly what he’s been doing. He loves playing Roblox, going outside, drawing, making stop-motion videos, being in the water, and being a big brother at home. He’s also a fan of older cars, especially Bugattis. Since being matched, KJ says Scott has helped him grow more confident by encouraging him to try new things—especially swimming. One of his favorite memories so far is visiting the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier at Patriots Point, where he learned about history and saw old ships and planes. Another highlight? Driving through downtown in a Lamborghini. KJ is excited for a great school year, making good grades, and “making new friends, trying to reach out and find others that I belong with.” He’s looking forward to all the new adventures still to come with Scott!

Scott was inspired to become a Big after hearing how his daughter’s boyfriend, a firefighter, helped kids during the holidays. With more free time now that his daughter is grown, he felt called to give back. Remembering a newspaper article he read years ago about BBBS, he decided it was time to volunteer. Since being matched with KJ, Scott says, “I think that he has really come out of his shell around me—I’ve seen him get really open with me about a lot. I feel I’ve brought him some stability and some experiences he wouldn’t normally get—like ziplining and swimming.” He’s proud of the confidence KJ is building as he continues trying things he was once nervous about, including when JK bravely went on the zipline. Scott describes KJ as kind and friendly: “He’s a great guy, sweet, and really kindhearted.” They bond over their shared love of cars, airplanes, and computer/VR games. One of Scott’s favorite memories is when he accidentally poured coffee on his pancakes at IHOP, thinking it was syrup—something KJ still teases him about! For Scott, being matched with KJ has been deeply rewarding, and he’s so glad he made the decision to become a Big.

Be a Voice for Mentorship – Join the Volunteer Outreach Committee!

Our Volunteer Outreach Committee (VOC) is the heartbeat of BBBSL’s outreach. From community events to personal connections, VOC members help recruit both Bigs and Littles, ensuring every child who needs a mentor can find one.

VOC Members:

  • Share BBBSL with friends, coworkers, and community groups
  • Represent BBBSL at local fairs, festivals, and school events
  • Bring creative ideas for connecting with families and volunteers

All are welcome to get involved! Every voice helps us grow.

Ready to join? Reach out to kimberly@bbbslowcountry.org for details.

September Resource Update

As we enter September, we’re focusing on back-to-school support to help Littles start the year strong. Be on the lookout for an email from us at the end of this month with a Back-to-School Toolkit featuring:

  • Tutoring and homework help resources
  • Community events for families and matches
  • Practical tips for Bigs and Guardians to support Littles during the school year

If you have any questions after receiving the email, please reach out to your Match Support Coordinator, Dana or Avery—they’re here to help!

At BBBSL, we encourage our matches to participate in free or low-cost activities, and we aim to provide one free match activity each month. Please note: space is limited at these events, so we recommend Bigs sign up as soon as their Littles confirm they can attend to ensure their spot.

September Safety Focus

Back-to-school season brings new routines, environments, and transitions. This month, take a moment to talk with your Little about what to do if a stranger talks to them at school. Ask your Little:

  • What would you do if a stranger tried to talk to you at school?
  • Is there a trusted adult at school (teacher, counselor, principal, front office, security) you can go to for help?

Encourage them to think about how to respond: keep personal information private, don’t engage, leave the area and go to a safe place with friends, and tell a trusted adult right away. Having a simple safety plan can make a BIG difference in helping your Little feel secure and supported.

Welcoming Our New Members + Updates

Please join us in celebrating Jaymes McCloud, our new Board Chair, and welcoming new board members Austin Bruner (Charleston International Airport) and DiShawn “Shay” Parnell (James Hardie). We’re grateful to have them on board as we advance our mission to ignite the potential of youth across the Lowcountry.

August Match Activity Recap: Whirlin Waters

Our matches soaked up the fun at Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark this August! From splashing in the wave pool to racing down slides, it was an afternoon filled with bonding, laughter, and great memories.

This outing gave our Bigs and Littles the perfect chance to enjoy time together in a relaxed setting while strengthening the connections that make their relationships so special. Days like this remind us that mentorship isn’t just about guidance—it’s also about creating joyful experiences that Littles will carry with them for years to come.

A huge thank you to Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark for welcoming our matches and helping us make this day unforgettable!

September Observances

September is Big Brothers Big Sisters Month, a nationwide celebration of the transformative impact of mentoring. All month long, agencies across the country honor the Bigs who dedicate their time, energy, and heart to guiding young people, as well as the Littles who inspire us every day with their resilience and potential. It’s also a time to recognize the families, donors, and community partners whose support makes these one-to-one matches possible. Together, we celebrate mentorship as a proven way to ignite potential and build stronger communities.

This month also includes several other observances that align with our mission:

National School Success Month reminds us how vital it is to ensure youth have the tools, encouragement, and support they need to thrive academically. Mentors play a key role in helping Littles set goals, build confidence, and celebrate achievements.

National Suicide Prevention Month calls attention to the importance of mental health. Bigs provide a trusted presence, listening ear, and consistent encouragement that can make a life-changing difference for young people navigating challenges.

Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15, celebrating the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Mentorship honors and uplifts each child’s unique identity and background, fostering pride and belonging.

National Good Neighbor Day on September 28 highlights the value of community connection. BBBSL thrives because of the volunteers, donors, and partners who step up as “good neighbors,” investing in brighter futures for youth across the Lowcountry.