FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Upstate
Receives $40,000 Grant from Greenville Women Giving

GREENVILLE, S.C. (May 12, 2011) – Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Upstate, in a ceremony with several other Greenville County nonprofits at the Gunter Theatre,  was presented a $40,000 grant from Greenville Women Giving on May 11, 2011. Greenville Women Giving grants are funded by the collective giving of its 386 members who each contribute $1,000 annually to the grant pool.  These donations are awarded in their entirety to the local charities selected by the membership. Organizations must be located in and provide services in Greenville County, South Carolina.  The intent of Greenville Women Giving is to award grants that have the potential for high impact and significant positive change in the community. 

“Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Upstate expresses our sincerest thanks to Greenville Women Giving for their tremendous support of our program,” said Terry Hypes, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Upstate. He added that the funds will be used to help fund 100 new matches of mentors with at risk young people in Greenville County during the next 12 months.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest, and most effective youth mentoring organization in the U.S. It has been the leader in one-on-one youth services for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people. Nationwide Big Brothers Big Sisters serves 255,000 children ages six through 18, in all 50 states. The local affiliate has served the Upstate area since 1970 and in calendar year 2010 served more 630 youth in Upstate South Carolina and 400 in Greenville County.   Area children mentored by BBBS demonstrate dramatic improvement in school performance, attitude, confidence, and hope for a better future.