Big Brothers Big Sisters was recently a big winner on the popular game show "Deal or No Deal" on NBC. Coleen Fowler of Woodbury, Minnesota, was a contestant on the show last Friday and decided to "pay it forward" by sharing a portion of her winnings with friends in need. Deal or No Deal followed her example and searched for a corporation that would match her winnings and give it to a children-focused charity. Comcast agreed to match the contestant's winnings by making a contribution valued at $176,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
Big Brothers Big Sisters was chosen because it is a favorite charity of the show, and one of its producers and a model are Big Sister volunteers. Comcast was happy to step up to the plate when approached by Deal or No Deal.
"Deal or No Deal provided me a once in a lifetime opportunity," said Fowler. "Not only was it fun and exciting to be a contestant, but it was personally so rewarding to take part in the gift of giving. I was deeply moved by the generosity of Comcast to match my winnings and make such a substantial donation to an organization as wonderful as Big Brothers Big Sisters of America."
"We were delighted to match Ms. Fowler's winnings as a donation to help further the great cause of Big Brothers Big Sisters," said Charisse R. Lillie, Vice President of Community Investment at Comcast Corporation and Executive Vice President of the Comcast Foundation. "This contribution is an extension of our national partnership with the organization including cash and in-kind contributions as well as Comcast employee participation in Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship programs."
"What a great way to showcase the important work that Big Brothers Big Sisters is doing for children. It demonstrates that giving can be fun while making a powerful impact in the lives of others," said Judy Vredenburgh, President and Chief Executive Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters. "This contribution, along with Comcast's entire commitment to our organization, will strengthen our outreach efforts, expand our programs, and help us to continue to provide a high level of support and service to children and communities."
Big Brothers Big Sisters helps vulnerable children break negative odds. We rely on donations to help recruit volunteers and reach more children. Funding is used to conduct background checks on volunteers to ensure child safety; and provide ongoing support for children, families and volunteers to build and sustain long-lasting relationships. Our service is proven to reduce children's risk of skipping school, behaving violently, using drugs and alcohol, and falling victim to other negative cycles. Big Brothers Big Sisters and our network of supporters recognize the hardship, pain and challenges children in too many communities confront. Our movement is relevant and there is an urgent demand for what we achieve. Headquartered in Philadelphia and with nearly 400 agencies across the country, Big Brothers Big Sisters serves more than a quarter million children. Learn how you can join the movement to change how children grow up in America by going to BigBrothersBigSisters.org.