Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago

Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago's mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Partnering with parents/guardians, schools, corporations and community organizations, BBBS carefully pairs children (Littles) with screened volunteer mentors (Bigs), and monitors and supports these one-to-one mentoring matches throughout their course.

Our dear friend Akesh Yelavarthy passed suddenly on April 3 at the age of 30. Akesh was the friend who got his friends off our couches and out into the world. Because of him, we went to games, we traveled, we saw live music, we spent time together. We have set up a special fund within Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chicago Match Enrichment fund where Bigs can apply to take their Littles on special programs that embody Akesh.

Akesh truly was a light in this world. We are devastated for his family, friends, and coworkers who had the opportunity to experience his vibrant personality and feel his compassion. Due to the global pandemic, we cannot come together to honor and send him off just yet.

When the world emerges from this global lockdown, though Akesh will be gone, we want to keep his spirit alive. His closest friends came together and decided we could do this by supporting an organization doing meaningful work in Chicago, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago (BBBS Chicago).

We are asking people to donate and/or volunteer as a mentor to help ensure that Akesh’s passion, love for life, and profound concern for others live-on across Chicago forever. We created a special program within BBBS Chicago's Match Enrichment Fund where Big’s can apply to take their Little's on special programs that truly embody Akesh (Cubs Games, Drum Lessons, Snowboarding Classes, Fine Dining, Slam Poetry events, Art Lessons, FitBit's for Running, and much more).

A few numbers to keep in mind:

1) Mentorships typically last 1 year but often go longer
2) It typically costs $250 to match a Big and Little
3) It typically costs $2,000 to sustain the match over the course of the year

Let Akesh be a reminder to us all to always give back, say I love you, and spend time with those we love.