in 1998 Big Brothers Big Sisters approached a Little Rock bank to see if an employee would want to be on the organization’s board. Banker Debbie Knight was chosen.
“I immediately said yes because I was familiar with the work done by BBBS and knew the impact of positive mentors,” she said. And here she is, still on the board after 12 years.
“I would say that this year has been our most challenging year since I joined the board in 1998. We are just now feeling the huge impact caused by the recession and companies scaling back their corporate giving budgets,” she said. “We are battening down the hatches as all companies and nonprofits are doing to sustain during this difficult economic climate.”
A Big (adult mentor) plus a Little (child enrolled in the program) equals a match. BBBS of Central Arkansas has been making matches locally for over 40 years. What some people do not realize is that the local organization depends on local events, donations, grants, etc., to serve the children in its programs.
Toast & Roast, now in its 36th year, is the largest fundraising event for the central Arkansas office. It will be held Thursday, Sept. 9, at the Doubletree Hotel ballroom and will be roasting Jeff Hankins, president and publisher of Arkansas Business Publishing Group.
During Toast & Roast season, Knight can easily spend hours each week assisting with fundraising efforts. “Some of my duties as co-chair with Mike Rhoda can include selling tickets and tables, motivating staff and board, working on the program for the evening and assisting with public relations. There is a little break toward the end of the year, and then I gear back up to support the BBBS’ annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser in January and February by recruiting teams and sponsors,” she explained.
The money raised supports the site and community mentoring programs managed by the staff at the North Little Rock office. The site program pairs a positive role model, referred to as a Big Brother or Sister, with a child in school or after school. The Big Brother or Sister visits one hour a week and does a variety of activities on the school grounds during the visit, based on the needs of the Little Brother or Sister.
Renee Burks, CEO for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas, says anyone can be a part of BBBS because it is a donor- and volunteer-supported organization, and both ensure the success of the programs. Whether donating time or money or attending Toast & Roast, people who become involved with this organization help children reach their potential and get to be part of something big.
“I am a good fundraiser and recruiter for BBBS because I believe in what I am selling. I know the great work that this agency does day in and day out, and I can sell someone on why they should contribute their time or from their wallet. I promise you our community will be better for it,” Knight said.
What is your most marked characteristic? Sense of humor. I love to laugh and don’t even mind being laughed at. Just ask the team I work with. Life is better with laughter, even when it is at my own expense!
Sister to Sister
Who are your heroes in real life?
My parents. I lost my dad earlier this year to congestive heart failure. He truly showed me by his own life what it means to be a good person. I was not surprised to see the number of people at his visitation/funeral because I know the impact he made on everyone who came in contact with him. My heart still breaks, but I know I made him proud. And, as a parent, what more can we ask for than that from our children? My mom is the most optimistic person I have ever known. She approaches life with a glass-half-full mentality, and when life hit her hard this year, she got back up. Family is everything to her, and ‘mother bear’ would be an appropriate description of her in regard to her children and grandchildren!
Do you have a pet?
I have a snorkie (half Schnauzer and half Yorkie), and her name is Rainey.
36th Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Roast & Toast
Thursday, Sept. 9
6 p.m. reception and silent auction
7 p.m. dinner, live auction and program
DoubleTree Hotel
$150 per person
(501) 374-6661