Big Brothers Big Sisters 2015 STAR Award Nominee
Big Brothers Big Sisters’ 2015 STAR Award nominee
Junior Leadership Committee receives Adult Volunteer Group nomination The membership of Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Junior Leadership Committee is small in numbers but huge in the impact they have made on the agency. This group of young professionals has consistently provided substantial results in their support for the organization.
The Junior Leadership Committee, which is led by Cody Allkins, was nominated for a STAR Award in the Adult Volunteer Group category by Big Brothers Big Sisters for their many contributions to the agency. “The Junior Leadership Committee members consistently create positive results by using their diverse skills and talents,” says Kathy Praedel, the agency’s partnership manager who works closely with the group. “Their professional backgrounds are diverse – from finance, management, realty, and manufacturing to retail, healthcare, law, IT, and staffing solutions – so, whatever the issue, someone in the group can always help or knows of someone who can.” Praedel continues, “This group excels by sharing their intellectual capital with Big Brothers Big Sisters. While each member offers unique and helpful advice, collectively they’ve developed a creative synergy that’s amazing!” Thanks to the Junior Leadership Committee, the agency has forged new partnerships, gained new financial sponsors and attendees for events, and extended social media reach. A few of the specific ways the group has helped Big Brothers Big Sisters are:
“This group will roll up their sleeves and volunteer their time whenever they are asked,” says Praedel. “Some people might not ‘connect the dots’ but the individuals in this group understand that their contributions will ultimately benefit a child in our community.” * What is STAR? STAR is an acronym for Sharing Time and Resources, and the awards are a partnership between Volunteer Kalamazoo and the Kalamazoo Gazette. The STAR Awards recognize the top volunteers in the greater Kalamazoo area each year. |
“The members of the Junior Leadership Committee have been a significant help to Big Brothers Big Sisters,” says Amy Kuchta, chief executive officer. “Whether we need a last minute volunteer to assist at an event or creative ideas for expanding partnerships, they consistently step up to help whenever we ask.”
