The impact of COVID-19 has caused many nonprofit organizations to make changes on how they help the people they serve, and to become more creative in their fundraising efforts.

Michelle Hamilton, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeastern Pennsylvania, knows that firsthand.

“We have been impacted severely due to the pandemic in different ways, Hamilton said. “Programmatically, it has been difficult for some matches to continue as the pandemic forced matches to quarantine, to not be able to see their match, some matches ended. Although many matches did continue to meet virtually or remained in contact via phone or text during the year.

“Once restrictions were lifted, matches began to meet in person with BBBS guidelines that were set per the CDC recommendations. Everyone had to be creative on how to maintain their match relationship. BBBS offered many virtual activities for the matches such as a virtual scavenger hunt.

“The other area of impact has been on our ability to fundraise and to host the annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake which usually has raised over $150,000 per year. Not being able to meet in person and have this activity indoors was the main reason BBBS did not host the event. Instead, the agency decided to plan other events that were either virtual or took place outside and people were able to practice social distancing. We held a Quiz for Kids’ Sake virtually which was an online trivia night in April of 2021 and we had a new event, Cornhole, in Monroe County in 2020.”

Two upcoming fundraising events for Big Brothers/Big Sisters are the fifth annual golf tournament, and the all-new Rhythm & Wine Festival.

The golf tournament will be held July 22 at The Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available. The entry fee is $125 per golfer registering as an individual, or $475 per foursome registering as a team, which includes lunch, a barbecue dinner and 18-hole round of golf. A $40 barbecue dinner only option is available. Registration and payment must be complete by July 1.

Register at beabigmonroe.com or visit the Big Brothers/Big Sisters website, www.bbbsnepa.org, and look under the “Events” tab for a link to a registration form. Tournament will follow the guidance and recommendations from the CDC.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of NEPA will hold their first Rhythm & Wine Festival on Aug. 28. Come join us and the area’s most prestigious Wineries, Cideries, Breweries & Food Vendors the area has to offer along with live music, all nestled in on the grounds of the beautiful Moonlite Drive-In, 1190 Shoemaker Ave. in West Wyoming. Tickets are $40, which includes a souvenir festival glass; wine, cider, and brew sampling; access to food trucks and vendors; and live music. A shuttle bus is available. Tickets are now on sale at www.bbbsnepa.org, under the “events” tab.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeastern Pennsylvania began in Luzerne County in 1974. Last July, after about six months of work, BB/BS of the Bridge became BB/BS of Northeastern Pennsylvania.