Mentor Program Looks for Bigger Home

Leaders Want to Raise $1 Million for Big Brothers

CREST HILL -- The family of mentors and children in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties is growing. And, the agency says the old house it uses for its operations is just too small.

Big Brothers Big Sisters announced a campaign Monday to raise $1 million for a new base of operations.

Campaign leaders, staff members and supporters crowded into one of the rooms at the agency's current offices to talk about the growth of Big Brothers Big Sisters and its need for bigger quarters.

Campaign Co-Chairman James Roolf noted that the agency started small 35 years ago. But it now serves about 500 children a year.

"Will and Grundy counties are experiencing growth like they have never experienced before," Roolf said, adding that if everyone in the two counties donated just $1, the campaign would be close to its $1 million target.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties operates out of a converted house at 2323 Plainfield Road, Crest Hill. The agency, which started in shared space in an insurance office in 1972, has been at the existing offices for about 15 years.

Roolf was joined by fellow Co-Chairman Paul Gantzert in describing the good the agency does.

Big Brothers Big Sisters links up adult mentors with children who may need role models.

Gantzert also made a pitch for volunteers, pointing to his own experience as a mentor for two boys who have since grown to become working adults. The experience is good for the mentors as well as the kids, he said.

"I really couldn't be more proud of both Little Brothers," Gantzert said. "I've done a lot of things with them that I wouldn't have done otherwise."

The campaign received some early donations of $70,000 in state dollars secured by State Rep. Jack McGuire and State Sen. A.J. Wilhelmi.

Will County Executive Larry Walsh, a longtime supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Will County State's Attorney Jim Glasgow also joined in the campaign announcement.

"Children in this program truly believe in themselves because a Big Brother or Big Sister believes in them," Walsh said.

He said children in the program tend to do better in school, are less likely to use drugs and alcohol, and even get along better with their families at home because of time spent with mentors.

Those interested in contacting Big Brothers Big Sisters should call Chief Advancement Officer Bridget Domberg at (815) 725-4324 or visit the Web site www.bbbswillgrundy.org.

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A sign taped to the mirror asks occupants to keep the water in the sink running during cold weather. (Terence Guider-Shaw/Herald News Staff Photographer)

You can help

The campaign: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties is trying to raise $1 million for a new building.

Campaign co-chairs: James Roolf, Joliet president of First Midwest Bank, and Paul Gantzert with Gantzert Investment Co.

Capital Campaign Committee: Carroll Klotz, chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters' Fund Development Committee; attorney Laird Ozmon; Dr. Ernesto Tan; and Will County Executive Larry Walsh.

Who to call: Those interested in contributing can call Bridget Domberg, chief advancement officer at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties, at (815) 725-4324.

More information: Contact Big Brothers Big Sisters by phone at (815) 725-4324, or visit the Web site www.bbbswillgrundy.org.