A recent $50,000 donation from Ameren Illinois to Big Brothers Big Sister gave the agency a much needed infusion of money.
Left to right: Little Sister Erykah, Ron Pate, Ameren Illinois senior vice president, Operations and Technical Services and Big Brothers Big Sisters board member, Little Sister Keywanna, Richard Mark, Ameren Illinois president and CEO, Big Sister Pam Manning, Barbara Cempura, President and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois, Little Brother Ian, Gussie Reed, director, Division V and Big Brothers Big Sisters board member and Big Brother Rick Cavalier.
In a climate of dwindling federal funding for non-profit organizations, and virtually non-existent funds from the State of Illinois, donations from corporations and individuals are very important, said Barbara Cempura, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois. Companies have also turned to special events to fund operations.
The $50,000 donation means 50 Illinois children will be matched with a volunteer for one year, Cempura said. Volunteers help youths such as Erykah, a 16-year-old recent high school graduate, and future medical school student.
Erykah, pictured on the left above, has been matched with a big sister for eight years. She will be attending the University of Illinois-Chicago in the fall on a full scholarship, studying pre-med.
“Funding from supporters like Ameren Illinois help us change the lives of children like Erykah for the better, forever,” Cempura said.
The $50,000 donation was split among eight Big Brother Big Sister organizations in the Ameren Illinois coverage area. This year marks the third consecutive in which Ameren Illinois has donated $50,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters, Brian Bretsch, Ameren Illinois spokesman said.
“Ameren Illinois is proud to be a part of an organization that is truly making a difference in the lives of our youth and I am proud that Ameren Illinois is supporting this great organization,” Bretsch said. “This contribution is through our Ameren Cares program, which connects Ameren Illinois with communities and organizations through charitable giving and volunteering.”
Company employees also volunteer time with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Bretsch said. In addition to being big brothers or sisters, four Ameren Illinois employees are board members.
It will take many more contributions and fund-raising events to meet the needs of the organization, however. There are currently 145 children in St. Clair, Madison, Clinton and Monroe counties waiting for a mentor, Cempura said.
