July 2025

From The CEO

The dog days of summer are here, and we’re fully taking advantage before the cooler weather swoops in!

We just had another wonderful, successful Point 5K and are gearing up for a summer picnic. See below for more information about both. 

Meanwhile, work behind the scenes continues to expand current programming, and (believe it or not!) efforts to prep for this fall’s school-based programs will be starting up soon.

As always, thank you so much to our donors, grantmakers, Bigs, Littles, parents/guardians, event participants, Board of Directors, Advisory Council, and staff! We just couldn’t do all this great work without you.

Warm regards,
David Beturne, CEO

Community Spotlight

Westfield Starfires

Thank you to Westfield Starfires! Another great community partner, the Starfires are regular donors to our Brews Bites & Bids auction. And recently, they ran a special game night with a Star Wars theme and made BBBSWM the recipient of all raffle proceeds! 

Looking for something fun to do? Check out their schedule and grab tickets for the next game! You’ll be supporting a sports team based right here in our own backyard.  

Featured Match

Big Sister Lydia & Little Sister Trinity

“It was Trinity herself that inspired me to be her Big. I already knew her from church because we both volunteer. I noticed right away that she’s an awesome young lady and so mature for her age. I get so much out of being matched to her. She’s just such a strong person. No matter what is going on in her life, she always comes in with a smile. We’re going to be together forever!”

How did these two meet? Click here to read the rest of the story!

New June Matches

  • Little Maya & Big Sarah
  • Little Izabella & Big Janniveth 

Match Anniversaries (April-June)

2012     

Little Jordan & Big Jason

2014     

Little Colin & Big Timothy

2016     

Little Jayzanna & Big Kimberly

2017     

Little Jayden & Big Patrick

2018     

Little Yarielis & Big Allison

Little Alexcia & Big Joan

2019     

Little Hayden & Big Nikcole

2021     

Little Jonathan & Big Stephen

Little Matthew & Big Connor

Little Sophia & Big Katelin

2022     

Little Felix & Big Brian

Little Genesis & Big Elizabeth

Little Ryan & Big Carmelo

Little Alondra & Big Tanya

2023     

Little Aysha & Big Keneil

Little Scarlett & Big Melanie

Little Manuel & Big Jose

Little Neal & Big James

Little Hadley & Big Alexander

Little Avionna & Big Rebecca

2024     

Little Clarity & Big Anna

Little Angelus & Big Branden

Little Na’Main & Big Antonio

Little Leilany & Big Cassidy

Little Julia & Big Meri

Little Rhaven & Big Jazmine

Little Amelie & Big Anna

Little Kiarah & Big Colleen

Little Willene & Big Brianna

Little Savannah & Big Kathleen

Little Eyva & Big Jessica

25 Years = 25 New Volunteers?

In honor of our CEO’s 25th anniversary with BBBSWM this month, we’re issuing a special challenge: recruitment of 25 new volunteers! 

With more than 100 kids on our waiting list, there is just so much potential for BIG impact in our community. If you’ve been waiting for a sign that it’s the right time to volunteer, this is it!

Click here to learn more!

success at the POINT 5k

THANK YOU!

With the help of so many members of our community, this year’s event raised $5,000.

As you can see in the photos, our 1/2 mile course (with a personal pirate escort) was tons of fun! As participants pillaged (or just kindly accepted goods from) our vendors, summer vibes were everywhere–from the music in the background to the fun games strewn about the center of the course.

As always, thank you to our corporate sponsors, participants, volunteers, and everyone else who played a role in this BIG success!

Sponsors

Join us at The PIcnic?

Man flipping burgers on a grill

One of our favorite events of the year is just weeks away!

Community-based matches and waiting list families, join us for a fun little BBQ and time to soak up some summer sunshine (or you can hang out under the pavilion and play games!).

At this event, there is something for everyone! It’s our way of saying thank you so much to our volunteers and families.

2025 Event Information
Saturday, August 16th
11 am to 2 pm

Mittineague Park
Westfield Street
West Springfield, MA  01089

Click below to RSVP (by August 8th), and you’ll receive an email confirmation with directions.

Sponsors

lEADERSHIP prOFILE

Jason Dominick, Advisory Council

Where do you work and what is your role there?
The Emerson Group – Sales Manager

What inspired you to get involved with BBBS?
Providing a positive role model and mentorship to young people. 

What is your vision for the future of BBBS?
Expanded reach to meet the needs of all children who seek our assistance.

What do you love most about being part of the western MA community?
We’ve got it all – Mountains, lakes, trails, four seasons!

What are some of your hobbies and things you like doing in your free time?
Run, Mountain Bike, Golf, Ski

Staff Milestones

Birthdays

July 10th: Abbe Bresciano, Program Supervisor
July 12: David Beturne, Chief Executive Officer

Anniversaries

July 1: David Beturne, Chief Executive Officer (25 years)
July 18: Adam Lafield, Development Manager (3 years)