Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County

06/17/2026

60 years of impact, powered by an incredible community.

As we count down to our Dream BIG Gala and celebrate this milestone anniversary, we want to extend a huge thank you to the local businesses and organizations fueling our mission.

Today, we’re shining the spotlight on our Silver Sponsors! Their generous support directly funds mentor recruitment, sustains life-changing Matches, and allows us to serve even more children and families across Dane County.

Van Horn Automotive, Fire Fighters Local 311, Strand Associates, Baird, Associated Bank, JH Findorff, Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin, Calls On Call, Ascendium Education Group, Wipfli, JP Cullen

06/16/2026

Our team had a wonderful day at the Johnson Financial Group Golf Outing at Blackhawk Country Club yesterday!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn more about our program and the growing need for mentors. We're grateful to Johnson Financial Group for their support and for helping us share the power of mentorship with so many community members.

06/15/2026

When we think about infrastructure, we often think about roads, buildings, and technology.

But there's another kind of infrastructure that helps communities thrive: human connection.

Mentorship is the social infrastructure that supports young people as they build confidence, navigate challenges, and pursue their goals. It strengthens the impact of investments in education, workforce development, and mental health by ensuring young people have someone in their corner.

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4eJ7lk3

06/12/2026

After graduating college, Lily was looking for a way to give back to her community. What started as a volunteer opportunity became a seven-year mentoring relationship that changed both her life and her Little's.

As we celebrate 60 years of mentorship, we're proud to launch our Alumni Ambassador Program and reconnect with former Bigs like Lily, who continue to champion the power of mentorship.

Read the full story in the Fitchburg Star here: https://bit.ly/4fJGcyr

In the months after graduating from college, Lily Comp felt as her schedule became less busy. It was a sudden change from her life as a student, where she says she almost always had somewhere to be, and different opportunities were constantly laid out for her.

06/11/2026

Matched in 1979. Still celebrating together 47 years later.

When Cheryl and Sue were first paired up, they had no idea they were starting a lifelong bond. Fast forward nearly five decades, and they’re still celebrating side-by-side, starting with their favorite annual tradition: our Dream BIG Gala.

Join Cheryl and Sue on July 24th as we celebrate 60 years of life-changing mentorship and connection.

Save your seat: https://bit.ly/4vy3Jak

06/10/2026

Happy Two Year Match Anniversary to Big Sister Kris and Little Brother Cory!

"Kris and Cory have been an absolute pleasure to work with," says their Match Support Specialist, Stevie. "Their Match often reminds me of the mentors I had when I was younger and the meaningful impact those relationships had on my life."

One moment that has really stayed with Stevie came from a conversation he had with Kris while reflecting on her Match with Cory. Kris shared that she had asked Cory what he thought about their outings and time together. She was surprised by his simple response: “It's nice being able to get out of the house.”

While it may have seemed like a small comment at first, Kris realized in that moment that what mattered most to Cory wasn't necessarily what they were doing; it was the opportunity to spend time together. For Stevie, it was a powerful reminder that sometimes the simplest moments can have the greatest impact.

"Whenever I see Kris and Cory at events, they always take the time to say hello, and it's clear how much they enjoy spending time together," Stevie shares. "I consistently see them laughing, engaging with one another, and connecting with other Matches."

Congratulations to Kris and Cory on two years of friendship and mentorship!

06/09/2026

Seven Matches spent the evening connecting at our recent Match & Mingle event, where Bigs and Littles rotated through a series of speed rounds to get to know other Matches through fun questions and conversations. They shared their goals, hobbies, and favorite things to do together, discovering just how much they had in common.

The fun continued with team games, new connections, and, of course, pizza. One of the best parts of the evening was seeing many Matches stick around after the event ended to keep playing games and spending time with the new friends they made.

06/08/2026

We join our community in mourning the loss of Michael Johnson, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County.

While our organizations serve young people in different ways, we share a common goal: helping children reach their full potential, strengthening families, and building a brighter future for the people we serve. Michael’s leadership, vision, and dedication to that work created a lasting legacy.

Our thoughts are with Michael's family and loved ones, as well as the entire Boys & Girls Club organization, during this difficult time.

06/05/2026

Amanda was matched with her Little, Tien, in the late 2000s, and they’re still close today, more than 15 years later. Tien is now 23 and a recent Madison College graduate, and Amanda says she considers her family.

Over the years, they’ve stayed very connected, talking and texting regularly, getting together for birthdays, and keeping up their Christmas baking tradition.

When Tien was younger, they focused on school support, advice, and community involvement. As she got older, it became about doing life together - going to libraries, grabbing coffee, exploring downtown Madison, and trying local spots like Ian’s Pizza at Garver Feed Mill. They’ve also taken trips to places like Chicago and the Dells.

One especially meaningful moment: Tien was in Amanda’s wedding in 2017.

This is what long-term mentoring relationships can look like: steady, real connection that lasts well beyond our program.

06/04/2026

We're excited to be part of the Madison Night Market on Thursday, June 11!

Stop by our table near the Overture Center to learn more about how mentoring helps young people in our community. Whether you're interested in becoming a Big, enrolling a child in the program, volunteering, or simply learning more about our mission, we'd love to connect with you.

This month's Night Market theme is Celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride, and we're proud to join in honoring inclusion and belonging.