Turning Tragedy Into A Legacy

Rod and Loraine Bosse experienced a parent's worst heartache. Their daughter Jill (who was formerly a Big Sister with our agency) was tragically killed in an automotive accident.

Rather than turn their grief inward, the Bosse family did an amazing deed to honor the memory of their daughter. In 1987, The Bosses' started a scholarship fund. Each year, their benevolence continues to benefit six Littles enrolled in Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Today, BBBS awards funds from The Bosse Scholarship to Littles who have participated in our program. The Bosse scholarship provides supplemental funds in conjunction with an academic scholarship provided by Arby's to our former Littles.

In short, funds from the Arby's scholarship covers college tuition and funds from the Bosse scholarship cover incidentals, i.e. lab fees, books, etc. typically not covered by tuition.

To qualify, Littles must meet the following criteria:
· Demonstrate a financial need
· Maintain a 2.0 GPA
· Participate in our BBBS program a minimum of one-year

We are grateful to The Bosse family for their generosity to our program. "They are great people," says Carol Lee, CEO of BBBS, adding that scholarship recipients often become extended members of this philanthropic family.

Recently, the Bosses' made a $50,000 contribution to the scholarship fund, which will undoubtedly preserve the legacy of Jill, and make a difference in the lives of numerous Littles.  Their continued benevolence is great way to celebrate National Mentoring Month.