UAlbany Recognizes Big Brothers Big Sisters Volunteerism at Sunday's Men's Basketball Game

Albany, NY - During National Mentor Month and in honor of volunteer dedication and commitment, the University at Albany Department of Athletics is pleased to extend a thank you to the agencies Big Brothers and Big Sisters (mentors) and Little Brothers and Little Sisters (children) with a gift of two free tickets to Sunday's basketball game with America East Conference-rival Vermont (Jan. 10). Tip-off is 4:00 p.m. Following the game, student-athletes and coaches will meet with the group. All Little Brothers and Little Sisters that attend will receive a giveaway.

In 2009, thanks to over 700 volunteer mentors and thousands more community supporters, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region will have helped over 700 children. The investment of dedication and time helps hundreds of vulnerable children reach their potential. Research shows that a relationship with a Big Brother or Big Sister (mentor) helps children stay in school, stay off drugs and alcohol, and improves relationships with their peers, parent or guardian. Capital Region children matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister made the following gains in 2008:

**85% showed improved self-confidence
**83% improved their academic performance
**78% improved their relationships with their families
**94% improved or (positively) maintained their ability to avoid delinquency

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region expects 2009 results to be similar based on its track record. The organizations need community involvement. "Our work is made possible through extensive collaboration and support from numerous community partners including schools, businesses, colleges, community organizations, private foundations, government agencies and elected officials," states Natasha Pernicka, Big Brothers Big Sisters Chief Executive Officer, "Most importantly, we credit our success to the thousands of local volunteers who mentor children, serve on our Board of Directors and committees; and organize activities and participate in our fundraisers."

For more than 40 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has provided life-changing friendships and experiences to children of the Capital Region. Today, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region is proud to serve more than 700 children annually from Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer and Saratoga counties. For more information, contact their office at 862-1250 or info@bbbscr.org or visit their website at www.bbbscr.org. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region is a 501(c)(3) private, not-for-profit organization with the following mission: to make a positive difference in the lives of children, primarily through professionally supported relationships with caring mentors and assist children in achieving their greatest potential as they grow to become confident, competent and contributing individuals.

Paw Prints: Sunday's UAlbany-Vermont basketball game will be televised on Time Warner Cable (TW3) ... Rodger Wyland and John Quattrocchi will handle the broadcast ... Fox Sports Sports, 980 AM's broadcast begins with the pre-game show at 3:45 p.m., with Greg Tobben calling the play-by-play.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information