By Jondi Gumz
Aimee Mangan, the new executive director at Big Brothers Big Sisters, expected to be busy organizing Bowls for Kids Sake, a fundraiser that brings in 25 percent of her budget supporting 68 youth and their mentors.
Then COVID-19, the contagious coronavirus showed up in Santa Cruz County, and the county health officer halted all gatherings to prevent the virus from spreading.
A picture Aimee Mangan sent to her Little Sister
Mangan, who has 22 youth on a waitlist and five full-time employees who recruit and train adults to be mentors and match them, decided to apply for Paycheck Protection Program forgivable loans for small businesses to cover payroll. Nonprofits are eligible too.
She turned to Santa Cruz County Bank, where she got help from banker Marshall Delk, who once was a “Big Brother.”
When questions arose on a Wednesday night, Delk twice called her to get things squared away and ensure the application was processed appropriately.
“They helped 1,600 businesses – that speaks volumes,” said Mangan, who is herself a Big Sister to a 16-year-old.
Big Brothers Big Sisters has adapted its mentoring techniques to the no-gathering restrictions. Some mentors stay in touch via cell phone, using apps to play a game together or doing yoga together with the Zoom app.
BBBS Staff and a Big Sister preparing for a Surprise Birthday Drive By celebration.
One Little Brother, living in a remote rural area and feeling lonesome on his birthday, was treated to a drive-by celebration by his Big Brother and the staff bearing signs, balloons and tokens good for Marianne’s ice cream.
“We wore our face masks,” Mangan said. “He shared how happy he was.”
The bowling fundraiser has been postponed until September. In the meantime, Mangan is entering the world of the virtual campaign.
She is planning launch the Big Night In, asking people to form teams and fundraise, donating the cost of a night out, if they can, with a Zoom dinner, happy hour or trivia night, whatever works for their group.
There will be weekly drawings online and a virtual wrap-up June 30.
Granite Construction and Superior Foods, two companies with teams in the bowling fundraiser, have bought into the concept.
“That made us feel good,” Mangan said.
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For information, visit www.santacruzmentor.org