Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeastern Pennsylvania will hold their 36th Annual Telethon from 4-8 p.m. on March 27, and just like last year it will be a virtual telethon.

The BBBS needs public support for this year’s Big Drive to the Finish Telethon, according to Michelle Hamilton, the executive director of BBBS of NEPA.

“BBBS of NEPA serves 11 counties, including Monroe. We have been fortunate to have the outstanding support of partners throughout the community, and this year is critically important to continue in the organization’s mission,” she said.

The event was originally scheduled for Feb. 27, but the ongoing pandemic and scheduling conflicts made it impossible, she said.

It can be seen on Blue Ridge Cable Channel 13 and YouTube from 4-8 p.m. Local mentors will share their experiences of volunteering to help girls and boys throughout the region.

Hamilton said the past two years have been challenging in many ways for nonprofit organizations as well as people in Monroe County and other communities.

Every donation, big or small, will help BBBS of NEPA toward its goal for this year’s telethon, and all proceeds will stay in Monroe County to support mentoring programs for Monroe County youth.

“Each year, the funds raised during the telethon are invested in volunteer recruitment, supporting the match between Bigs and Littles and ultimately to defend the potential of our youth,” Hamilton said.

Being a mentor

Chase Mattioli moved back home to Pennsylvania two years ago. He had been living out of state for quite some time and had lost touch with his old friends here.

He said he thought volunteering somewhere would help him to make new friends and get out of the house.

After much thought, Mattioli decided he would like to become a Big Brother for BBBS of NEPA.

“I though of how lucky I was that I had a family and siblings growing up and not everyone grows up in a family environment.

“Especially if it is a single mom, raising a son, she probably works all day and doesn’t have a lot of extra time to do things with her son, and if there isn’t a male role model, it can make growing up harder,” he said.

Michael and his mom, Jen Kendrick, agree with Mattioli that there couldn’t be a better match anywhere.

The two of them kept in touch all through the pandemic by playing games online, and sometimes Mattioli would help with homework. Mattioli said he can’t believe he would ever get as excited as he is when he logs in to the portal to see how Michael did on a test or project.

“When his grade points go up I find myself shouting yahoo.”

The pair have built a very special bond. Both love to be outside and Michael turned his mentor on to hiking and Mattioli got Michael into rock climbing. They often go to the climbing gym to sharpen their skills. Even when Michael ages out of the program at around 14, the two of them said they are friends for life.

Michael’s mom wanted to tell others how Mattioli has enriched their lives.

“Chase is a positive role model for Michael, always encourages him to work hard to do his best in school. Chase monitors Michael’s grades and has spent time working on homework with him, and always encourages him to work hard. I am thankful that a program like BBBS exists and brought us together. We live only 10 miles apart, but otherwise we would never have met.”

How to get involved

Donations are being accepted online at BeABigMonroe.com or by calling 570-228-2303 during the telethon to pledge support. For every $50 donated, donors will be entered into a raffle to win a $100 basket of gift cards.

Big Brothers Big Sisters ensures that young people have someone in their corner, someone they can turn to during times like these. During the pandemic, Big Brothers Big Sisters continued to find innovative ways for Bigs and Littles to stay connected through virtual mentoring or one to one in-person mentoring.

BBBS of NEPA, serving Monroe County, expresses its gratitude to the Mattioli Foundation, the organization’s 2022 Empower Sponsor. There are opportunities for corporate sponsorships at varying levels that will provide an opportunity to be featured during the telethon.

Additionally, an online auction will be held to aid in the telethon fundraising efforts. The auction can be found at the following link: BiddingOwl.com/BigBrothersBigSistersNEPA.