(MADISON, Wis.) – Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Dane County is launching a bold new brand campaign, “It Takes Little to Be Big,” to challenge the myths and shift perceptions of mentoring. It also aims to demonstrate why now, more than ever, mentorship is critical to the success of kids today. During the six-week campaign, which will run from Feb. 1 to March 15, BBBS is looking to recruit at least 100 new volunteers “Bigs,” especially those from diverse backgrounds. Currently, about 200 children are on the waitlist for a mentor.

“We believe in the power and promise of youth, especially those in Dane County,” Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County CEO Sandy Morales said. “We want the community to know that serving as a Big doesn’t require much time or expertise. At the end of the day, it doesn’t take much to make an impact on a kid’s life.”
BBBS is kicking off the campaign with a happy hour event from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Lake Louie Brewing in Verona. The event will include drinks, snacks and raffle prizes.

To learn more, visit: https://www.bbbsmadison.org/be-big-now.

My name is Reette Thorns; I grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, where I was a foster kid
for most of my early adolescence. I graduated from what is now, ‘Vel Phillips Memorial’ where I was a star Track and Field athlete as well as a star basketball   player. I remained a top athlete in track and field for 3 out of 4 years on varsity in Wisconsin High School Athletics.

I am a student at Grand Valley State University where I compete in Track and Field and study Theatre. Here, I have been recognized as Student-Athlete of the week for having all A’s by midterms and remaining top 16 in the country for my sport in NCCA D2. I was in my first musical, ‘Rent’, with the Theatre department at Grand Valley.  Recently- I have been more focused on acting, singing and learning the guitar, prepared to take on a music minor in the early fall. I have been trying to step into the entertainment industry starting with music and singing. I was recently on the show ‘American Idol’ where I received an in-person audition and the Golden Ticket to Hollywood.

Since then, I have been writing music, taking vocal lessons, and practicing instruments as I begin to start my journey of who I am as an artist. My main goals are to focus on finishing out my degree in Theatre, starting my work in the music department and continuing to write music and produce it in the next year.