Last year's lucky winner Thomas Ahern of Landsdowne, PA, pictured at left, takes possession of his beautiful new 2000 Porsche Boxster!

Jersey Shore Big Brothers Big Sisters will raffle a 2001 Porsche Boxster, on Septmeber 1, 2001. Valued at more than $40,000, this fantastic convertible sports car can be yours when you purchase a raffle ticket for only $100!

Tickets are still available, but hurry, last year's raffle was a sell out. Click here for registration form and -- good luck!

 

Jersey Shore Big Brothers Big Sisters is a voluntary non-profit agency located in Atlantic and Cape May Counties, New Jersey. It is an autonomous corporation affiliated with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America. Jersey Shore Big Brothers and Big Sisters receives neither government funds nor financial support from Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America. The organization depends entirely upon donations and fund raising for its operating budget.

In 1965,The Big bBothers Association was founded to help fatherless boys. In the mid 1970s, the services expanded to include girls. In 1981, Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Atlantic County was granted full membership status with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America. The agency expanded its services in 1988 to include Cape May County, and it is now know as Jersey Shore Big Brother & Big Sister Services.

Big Brothers Big Sisters provides services to children and families at risk. These are children who may experience social, cultural, economic, personal, or educational difficulties if they fail to receive services like Big Brothers Big Sisters. There are at least 40,000 children in Cape May and Atlantic Counties who quality for the agency's services. Girls benefit from the agency's services as much as boys do; however, girls are often overlooked because it is the mother who usually remains as the parent or guardian, and additional female companionship is not deemed necessary.

To carry out its goals of advocacy and prevention services for children, the agency relies upon a voluntary board of directors, a small staff, and a cadre of dedicated volunteers. The board makes policy and ensures agency funding. The staff screens, interviews, and supervises the volunteers, children, and families. Approximately $1,350 in direct service staff time is required for each child/volunteer match because of the extensive screening necessary to ensure child safety. Volunteers commit three to five hours a week to serve as a caring friend and positive role model to the child. Minimum commitment is one year. Many matches, however, last a lifetime, with a Big Brother/Sister having the satisfaction of observing a little Brother/Sister maturation into a productive adult.