In this episode of Meet Houston Missions, we meet Mark Martin, the Vice President of Community Engagement for Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star--an organization that aims to build relationships between mentors adults, and children in grades K through 12 that will empower the little brothers and sisters to reach their full potential in life. They do this by screening and training big brothers and sisters, matching them with little brothers and sisters with similar interests and/or goals, and placing them in one of three mentor programs that best suits their needs.

 History

Big Brothers Big Sisters was founded in 1904 by a court clerk who saw kids in the criminal system and decided there had to be a way to give them a positive influence to show them a better way. The organization grew beyond kids in the legal system to kids all over the United States with a need for mentoring in their lives.  In 1977, A merger with Big Sisters led to the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America that continues today and has local divisions across the United States.

Big Brothers and Big Sisters Lone Star – Greater Houston

Big Brothers and Big Sisters Lone Star – Greater Houston came to Houston in the 1950s and has helped thousands of mentors and youth pair up.  The mentors provide a safe outlet for conversation, guidance, and friendship that for many last a lifetime.

Opportunities to Get Involved

There are several fundraising events and volunteering opportunities for individuals and businesses to get involved. You can learn the full details of these events by visiting the website and selecting “Events” from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. Each of these events has sponsorship opportunities, fundraising opportunities, and the opportunity to participate either individually or as a sponsor team.  These include:

• Swing for the Kids Sake—An annual golf tournament to raise funds and awareness for Big Brother and Big Sisters Lone Star.
• Bowl for Kids Sake – A team bowling tournament where your private or corporate team raises funds and participates in a bowling tournament. 
• Pickleball for Kids – For those into Pickleball, this is a great opportunity to build your team and compete at the extravagant Houstonian Club.
• Corn Hole for Kids – Another creative and fun fundraiser team opportunity.

Each of the above events allows people to form teams and raise money through donations and sponsorships of at least $1,000.00. Those teams then meet and compete for a great time and a great cause.

The Annual Gala

If you prefer to get dressed to the nines and celebrate as a way of raising support and awareness, An Evening for Potential is the event for you.  This annual Gala and afterparty is a great opportunity to get dressed up for a fancy dinner and a great cause.  

Event Space Rental

As a unique way of raising funds, Big Brothers and Big Sisters Lone Star-Greater Houston also offers the use of its event space.  Boasting a comfortable 250-person seating space or 300 standing, this space is perfect for weddings, lectures, ceremonies, reunions, anniversaries, and other events. A full kitchen for catering and a balcony overlooking downtown Houston make this space perfect for any nice occasion.

Contact:

To learn more call 713-860-8226 or visit:
 https://bbbstx.org/greater-houston/. 

Mark Martin
 Vice President of Community Engagement 
 Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star - Greater Houston
 1003 Washington Ave.
 Houston, TX. 77002
 Email: Mmartin @bbbstx.org

The Simmons and Fletcher Local Podcast is presented by Simmons and Fletcher, P.C.