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Sonnentag Foundation Release

Sonnentag Foundation Board Member, Rebecca Sonnentag, introduces Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Wisconsin Board Member Mike Gosenheimer at the 2021 Golf Outing hosted by County Materials.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Wisconsin is the proud recipient of a $10,000 grant from the Sonnentag Foundation to continue our efforts serving youth facing adversity through mentoring.

The Sonnentag Foundation targets their support to organizations in cities where County Materials Corporation and County Prestress, LLC have facilities. One major focus for the foundation is supporting programs and projects that target underserved children and youth. They look for organizations that provide services and resources related to career and workforce readiness, financial literacy, entrepreneurship and leadership development, academic help, recreation opportunities, life skills training, STEM and youth mentorship –  all valuable programs that lead to self-sufficiency and independence. These resources are especially vital for at-risk youth. “We believe that empowering disadvantaged youth and their families makes a positive and lasting difference in our local communities.” (from the Sonnentag Foundation website)

County Materials raises funds to support groups like Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Wisconsin at their annual charity golf event, where they ensure that every dollar contributed goes directly to the charities supported by the Sonnentag Foundation. Since hosting its first charity golf outing in 2007, County Materials has raised more than $1.8 million for the foundation, continuing to help change people’s lives for the better in the communities where the company has locations. The Sonnentag Foundation supports more than 60 charitable organizations in four key service areas: Hunger & Homelessness Support; Military Personnel & Veteran Support; Sexual Abuse & Domestic Assault Services; and Mentoring & Skills Building.

Thank You Green Bay Packers Foundation


The Green Bay Packers Foundation recently awarded Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Wisconsin  a $4,000 grant. This grant is designated specifically for developing STEM/STEAM Youth Mentoring programs in partnership with area schools and technology businesses.

Our Board of Directors and staff want to publicly thank the Packers Foundation for their generosity and commit that we will be diligent in using their funds for its intended purposes.

If you would like to support our STEM/STEAM initiative by volunteering, please contact Craig Bergum, our staff person leading this effort, at cbergum@bbbs4kids.org.

BBBS of South Central Wisconsin Appoints Kurt Saterbak as Executive Director

Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Wisconsin announced today that Kurt Saterbak has been chosen as the new Executive Director. An experienced leader with extensive nonprofit consulting experience, Mr. Saterbak will succeed outgoing Executive Director Pam Carper, and will assume responsibilities on July 12, 2021. Mr. Saterbak has experience with Boy Scouts of America, as well as with Saterbak & Associates, his previous consulting firm.

“Kurt’s background in program development will help us expand our mission to provide one-to-one mentoring that will help the youth reach their full potential.,” said Edward Chady, Treasurer, Board of Directors. “With his vast experience in fundraising, we hope to expand our reach in the community and serve more youth.”

While at Saterbak & Associates, Mr. Saterbak successfully directed campaigns for capital projects totaling $48 million throughout the upper Midwest and Northeast United States. His consulting firm focused on family-oriented organizations and services, and was able to guide clients to develop initiatives focused on membership, special events, annual giving, planned giving, and corporate sponsorships.

“In his position at Boy Scouts of America, Kurt demonstrated skills with fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and staff management,” said Mike Gosenheimer, Secretary, Board of Directors. “In addition, Kurt’s previous consulting experience gives him deep insight into how nonprofit organizations operate, and I believe he will be a key player in the growth and continued success of the agency.”

Whitewater donut donation


On Thursday, August 27th, the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce, along with their members made a trip to deliver donuts to all the Whitewater schools as they started their back to school training days!

A great big Thank You goes out to all the teachers and staff for the hard work you do in keeping our children safe, happy and educated. Good luck with the new school year!

A message from Pam Iorio

When your mission is to ignite the power and promise of all youth, it is impossible to stand by when appalling acts threaten that promise.

We live in a country torn by our differences.

Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks to bring people together, to value each person and see differences as strengths that make each of us unique.

We live in a country where race and ethnicity have created systemic obstacles for people of color.

Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks to remove obstacles for all young people by connecting them with a mentor, a caring adult who can be in their corner.

We live in a country where intolerable acts by people in authority undermine our fragile social fabric.

Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks to build bridges of understanding. Our Bigs in Blue program seeks to create meaningful relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Where we see wrong, we must call it out.

Big Brothers Big Sisters will continue to promote love and the value and dignity of every single person.

It is the only way to bring about peaceful, systemic change.

Pam Iorio
CEO Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Covid-19 Update

Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Wisconsin is committed to the safety and well-being of our youth, families, volunteers, staff, and community. Therefore, we will follow the guidance of the CDC and public health officials as we move to reopen.

All BBBS staff will be available during regular business hours by their provided email. We will be sharing guidelines for our matches to follow to allow for in person meetings. Please reach out to our staff with any questions or concerns.

Our thoughts go out to all during this time of uncertainty.  We remain grateful for your commitment to Big Brothers Big Sisters and those we serve.

Thank you United Way of Walworth County

United Way of Walworth County issued a $500 check from the COVID-19 Community Response Fund to Big Brothers Big Sisters to help build activity packets which will be delivered in local “porch drops”. These packets will keep children engaged and give them something to share with their mentors via virtual connections.

BUY A PUZZLE, GIVE A PUZZLE


The mentoring organization pairs youth (called ‘Littles’) with caring adult mentors (called ‘Bigs’). Although Bigs and Littles can’t spend time together, they’re finding ways to stay in touch virtually. In an effort to send our Littles some joy at this time, Big Brothers Big Sisters is collaborating with acclaimed artist Jeff Rogers to design and produce a custom 200-piece puzzle, with the theme ‘Together’. The puzzle is inspired by our mission to defend the potential in all youth through our one-to-one mentoring programs, and the strength of what individuals can accomplish when they work together. For every puzzle purchased, one will be sent to the Little to enjoy with their families for free. Proceeds from the sale of the puzzle will support Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the country. Order your puzzle today.