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| Go Big !!! |
 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston (BBBS) has named Houston Rockets Guard Mike James as its first celebrity spokesperson in an effort to encourage more of Houston's men to become Big Brothers. As spokesperson, James will appear in the non-profit agency's “Go Big!” recruitment campaign. He will also offer scholarships to his basketball camp for “Littles,” donating tickets to several Rockets home games this season, and will help the agency in its fundraising efforts as well.
“We are excited to have Mike James on our team,” said Marian Davenport, BBBS President and CEO. “Mike's work with children is well-known, and it is a perfect fit with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the impact we have on the children of Houston.”
In radio and TV advertisements, Mike urges Houston's men to step up and “Go Big” by becoming Big Brothers. James feels it is his responsibility as a professional athlete to set an example for the youth in his community and his peers by giving of his time and resources to a cause that benefits the city of Houston.
“When I learned that the waiting list for mentors for African American boys numbered in the hundreds, I was shocked,” James said. “I know how important mentoring is to these kids. We've got to get more men involved. They need to know it is not a huge commitment - just four hours a month. You don't have to be rich or have a degree, just be willing to spend quality time with a kid that needs a Big Brother. I'm here to spread the word - to make a difference.”
As a youth growing up in the tough streets of Amityville, New York, James has firsthand experience of the negative elements that African American males face, and that has been the catalyst for his involvement in the program.
Currently, the agency has more than 1,100 children waiting for a volunteer mentor. Almost 800 of them are little boys.
“Many of the boys on our waiting list just need a Big Brother to spend some time with,” Davenport said. “It's not about money or drastically changing your life. Just about four hours a month is all it takes to make an impact.” |
 In addition, BBBS has launched a new website for the "Go Big Houston!" recruitment campaign. Click here to view www.gobighouston.org. |
Big Brothers Big Sisters |
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