The Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri and a number of long-time investors announced that they have personally pooled together $250,000 in St. Louis and $25,000 in Cape Girardeau to create the “Big Believers” Challenge Fund.  The Board of Directors hopes to attract new donations and increase gifts from existing donors with the fund. 100% of the funds raised will ensure that Little Brothers and Little Sisters are successfully matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister mentor.

Scott Zajac, Chairman of the Board said, “We understand people are concerned about the current economic climate but it is more important now than ever before that we encourage our young people to stay in school and out of trouble.  As a Board of Directors, we are pleased to be joined by our long term supporters to create this pool of funds. All of us are “big believers” in the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters and hope others will join us in serving more children. At the end of this economic storm we must rebound with children and families who better understand the importance of an education, have a strong sense of personal responsibility and are ultimately prepared to enter our nation’s workforce. ”