In 2009 Heels and Hills began its partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Great potential was seen in the partnership of two non-profit organizations that both encourage and empower others. With more than 1,000 runners at the 2009 Hills and Heels event, Big Brothers Big Sisters received a total of $5,000 in fundraising proceeds. As Big Brothers Big Sisters partnership with Heels and Hills continues to grow, more local, at-risk youth can become encouraged and empowered by a positive, adult mentor.

While at the Big Brothers Big Sisters' Heels and Hills reception, Angie Zimmerman, the first runner up in the competition, spoke about her experience with Big Brothers Big Sisters along with her son, who is a Little Brother in the program.  

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the nation's preeminent youth-service organization. With a century of experience in matching volunteer Bigs with children, Big Brothers Big Sisters has the model and method for making these relationships strong, fun, and happy. Our service is based on our volunteers. Big Brothers and Big Sisters are, most importantly, friends to children. They share everyday activities, expand horizons, and help their Littles to experience the joy in even the simplest events. Within these little moments lies the big magic of the relationship between a Big Brother or Big Sister and their Little.

Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring can help children overcome the challenges of poverty, dangerous neighborhoods and poor school performance. The national average cost to recruit, screen, match, and support a year-long relationship between a Big Brother or Big Sister and an at-risk child is roughly $1,000.

We make a profound social impact and the challenge is daunting:

• The 12.9 million children living below the poverty level (in 2003) face the risks of poor academic performance and negative attitude toward school, reduced concern for others, a diminished sense of autonomy, and increased juvenile delinquency.
• The 27% of children living in single-parent homes (in 2003) are significantly more likely to use drugs, become gang members, be expelled from school, and be committed to reform institutions than those living in two-parent homes.

For more than 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has provided one-to-one mentoring that works magic in these children's lives. Little Brothers and Little Sisters are:

• 46% less likely to use illegal drugs
• 27% less likely to use alcohol
• 52% less likely to skip school
• 37% less likely to skip class
• 33% less likely to hit someone
• Able to get along better with their families
• More confident in their school work performance

Your part in this effort to help at-risk youth cannot be overstated; making your community aware of the challenges and asking for their support is where all participants of Heels and Hills can play an important role.