Program News and a Big Thank You from the Buddy Program

The Buddy Program strengthens our community by guiding and inspiring youth through mentoring.

July E-Newsletter 2011

Dear ,

The Board of Directors, Staff and I would like to offer another round of thanks for all those who came out to support our annual fundraisers - Boogie's Bash for the Buddies and Boogie's Diner 5-Mile Run. These 2 events account for over 60% of our annual revenue and we are pleased to announce that we hit our income targets due to your overwhelming generosity and support for these programs and our local youth. THANK YOU!

Danno & Kevin after paragliding!

For those of you who were not able to join us, we still need your support to continue our programs. We have a few, fabulous remaining auction items left for sale for 75% off. Please click here to view them and email rebecca@buddyprogram.org if you would like to place a bid. More importantly, please look for appeals in the upcoming months or feel free to donate on-line - www.buddyprogram.org.

Little Buddies believe in themselves because a Big Buddy believes in them. Evaluations prove that children with mentors do better in school and at home; and at a time in their lives when even small choices can change the course of their future, youth with mentors are more likely to avoid violence and substance abuse.

Only because of your continued support can the Buddy Program continue to serve over 600 youth in our community, inspiring and empowering them to succeed.

Warmest regards,

Catherine Anne Provine, Executive Director

A SPECIAL THANK YOU to the Little Nell Hotel for their generosity and for going above and beyond the call of duty to make this year's Boogie's Bash for the Buddies a tremendous success! We appreciate your support for the youth in our programs!

Wait List Little Buddy: Kareem H.

Age: 7

Hometown: Snowmass Village

Favorite outdoor activities: Rock climbing, playing sports, fishing

Favorite indoor activities: Woodworking, making model cars

Favorite food: Meatballs, pasta and veggies

What do you want to try with a Big Buddy? Snowshoeing.

"When I grow up, I want to work at an outdoor sports camp like my mom!"

The Buddy Program needs more Big Buddies for youth on the wait list from Aspen to El Jebel, especially in the Mid-Valley area. Schools, counselors and social workers are referring more youth to our services than ever before. Currently, there are over 40 youth on the wait list. Please call 970.927.1001 or 970.920.2130 today to find out how you can guide and inspire a young person in our community or click here to fill out an application.

Awarded Over $4,500 for Spring Scholarships For Youth

Earlier this summer, 56 Little Buddies were awarded up to $100 each to take part in different extra-curricular activities such as tennis, horse-back riding, basketball, swimming lessons, fly-fishing camps, golfing, soccer, piano and guitar lessons, hip hop, ballet, art classes, folklorico dancing, Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts, martial arts, babysitting training, and Driver Education, among other activities.

Research shows that youth who participate in extra-curricular activities are more likely to have better grades, higher educational attainment, as well as higher self-esteem. The Buddy Program is proud to have awarded so many scholarships for extra-curricular activities that decrease the chance for youth to engage in risky behaviors like drug use and encourage positive youth development.

Upcoming BP Events

Artist Reception for Ashley Collins' "True Power" Exhibit at Forre & Co. Fine Art Gallery on July 29 from 5:30 - 8:00p.m. All in support of the Buddy Program.

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Recruitment

Come visit us on Saturday, July 30 at the Aspen Farmer's Market, as the featured non-profit at the Mason and Morse booth. Thank you, Mason and Morse, for helping us spread the word about the impact of mentoring in our local community.

Join us at the Village Smithy in Carbondale on Sunday, August 14th from 10:00 a.m.- noon for coffee and muffins on the lawn and learn about our down-valley programs and opportunities.

EVALUATIONS SHOW: After Outward Bound in June 2011, Little Buddies are more likely to set realistic and achievable goals, feel proud of the things that they do, and feel comfortable talking with their Buddy. THANK YOU to our community for helping us make a positive impact in the lives of our local youth.