News Releases

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass is proud to announce a new partnership with Lexmark International, Inc. to support mentoring programs for school age children.  In this unique partnership, Lexmark has committed $60,000 over three years to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass.  In addition to its financial support, Lexmark is encouraging its employees to serve as mentors for students at Deep Springs Elementary by providing volunteers paid time off one hour each week to meet with children at the school.

“Across Central Kentucky more than 400 children are waiting for a big brother or big sister. Lexmark's commitment to Big Brothers Big Sisters is more than just a generous financial gift,” said Joe Gomes, executive director of Big Brother Big Sisters. “Lexmark volunteers will further the mission of our organization by allowing us to expand our mentoring program to Deep Springs Elementary.”

The school-based mentoring program matches individual children with a caring adult volunteer who will serve as an advisor and friend on the student’s journey from childhood to adulthood.  School-based matches meet for one hour each week during the academic school year, working together on schoolwork, art projects, playing educational games or even sports activities.

“Our corporate citizenship philosophy is grounded in supporting education, the communities in which we live and work, and the interests of our employees.  We’re pleased to be able to support the Big Brothers Big Sisters program at Deep Springs Elementary because it matches all of these objectives.  Most importantly, it provides a tangible way to make an immediate difference in the life of a child,” said Tim Fitzpatrick, Lexmark vice president of corporate communications.

For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters or to find out more about the school mentoring program, contact Dale Suttles at dsuttles@bbbs-bluegrass.org.

ABOUT BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF THE BLUEGRASS - Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass is a non-profit agency that helps improve the lives of children primarily from single-parent families by matching them with a thoroughly screened and trained adult volunteer who will meet with them on a regular basis and serve as a trusted advisor and friend.   Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass will celebrate our 50th year of service in 2007, offering our community-based, school-based, and Escapades programs in 14 counties (Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Garrard, Jessamine, Lincoln, Madison, Mercer, Montgomery, Scott, and Woodford) and 28 schools in Central Kentucky.