More than 70 area artists generously donated works of “heArt” for the Big Brothers Big Sisters silent auction fundraiser, held annually in February at the Upstairs Artspace in Tryon.

Community members continue to show amazing support for this popular event, coming out to bid in record numbers this year. BBBS is grateful to all who contributed to making the seventh annual benefit the most successful HeArts project yet.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a donor-supported and volunteer-driven organization.  They could not exist and provide their unique mentoring services to area children without such tremendous local support.

BBBS pairs trained and screened adult volunteers with youth who are facing adversity or in need of extra attention in elementary school. The children served are matched at ages 6-14, and most are from single parent or other nontraditional homes.

The benefits for “Littles” are well-documented, including improvements in school performance, behavior, self-confidence, relationships with others and less engagement in risky activities.

Volunteers are needed to match with children who are on the waiting list for a Big Brother or Big Sister. For more info, please contact BBBS at 828-859-9230, 899-9699 or polk@bbbswnc.org.

– Submitted by Karen Dacey