“Arby's is grounded in the belief that every individual has the power to make a difference. As a corporate citizen we feel it is our responsibility to be an active participant in improving the quality of life of the people and communities we serve.”

-  Roland Smith, CEO
   Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc.

As a part of Arby's commitment to making a difference, Arby's established the Arby's Foundation, Inc. in 1986. From its inception, the Foundation has focused on supporting leadership, education and youth-mentoring initiatives. Because of Big Brothers Big Sisters' vision “to provide a mentor for every child who needs or wants one," Arby's has selected Big Brothers Big Sisters of America as its national corporate charity.

Combining Arby's support with donations from franchisees, suppliers, employees, customers and sponsors, the Arby's Foundation has given more than $25 million to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and its local agencies in 25 cities across the US.

Click here to visit Arby's website.

Big Brothers Big Sisters was our first choice when we set out to identify a national charitable partner that “matched” Holiday Inn.  As America’s favorite hotel, Holiday Inn has built a legacy on the same shared values of community, integrity and family that drive Big Brothers Big Sisters and its legion of dedicated volunteers. 

In addition to fundraising and building awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters nationally, we encourage our Holiday Inn properties to embrace the needs of their local Big Brothers Big Sisters chapters.  That may mean encouraging employees and guests to become mentors, participating in local fundraising efforts like Bowl for Kids’ Sake, or opening their doors as a place for Bigs and Littles to share a meal in the hotel restaurant, take a “GM for a Day” tour of the hotel, or even spend an afternoon at the hotel pool.

“Bringing these two iconic brands together is one of my most privileged accomplishments, and I know we’ve only scratched the surface of what our organizations can do together to make a difference for our nation’s young people.”

-  Mark A. Snyder
   Senior Vice President, Brand Management
   Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts

You can join Holiday Inn in supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters by booking your business and leisure travel online today! 

9% of your room-rate will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters when you book your lodging at Holiday Inn and its family of brands through the Big Brothers Big Sisters’ website.  Learn more and book your room today!

Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts is part of the InterContinental Hotels Group family of brands with global headquarters in the U.K. and American headquarters in Atlanta.  With more than 1,400 properties worldwide and nearly 1,000 in the U.S., Holiday Inn is the most recognized lodging brand in the world and certainly the most iconic.  Since 1952 full-service Holiday Inn hotels have provided the services that business travelers need, while also offering a comfortable, casual atmosphere where vacationing guests can relax and enjoy amenities such as restaurants and room service, swimming pools, fitness centers, and comfortable lounges.  Additional features such as meeting space and onsite business centers, KidSuites ® rooms, Holidome ® recreation centers, Indoor Waterparks, the Kids Eat Free and Kids Stay Free programs, and Priority Club Rewards memberships have helped to establish the Holiday Inn brand as “America’s Hotel.” 

Call 1-800-HOLIDAY or log onto www.holidayinn.com for more information.

Rent-A-Center’s association with BBBS is a good fit. Rent-A-Center looked for and found an organization whose mission could potentially affect the lives of our customers and their children. With extended family often living apart, having a support system via a “BIG” can positively impact a child for life.

In 2003, Rent-A-Center began a three-week spring fund-raising campaign for BBBS in its stores in the United States and Puerto Rico. Customers, co-workers and the public contribute a minimum $1 donation and sign their name on a colorful paper egg which hangs near the counter for the duration of the campaign. Now in its 4th year, we have expanded to four-weeks of fund-raising. Our president rewards the top fund-raising store by flying to the store location to take the staff and their guests to dinner. The top 100 stores are also listed in the company newspaper.

"The relationship between BBBS and Rent-A-Center has been mutually beneficial."

-  Mark Speese, Rent-A-Center Chairman and CEO

RAC is the largest rent-to-own company in the United States with more than 2,700 stores stateside, in Canada and Puerto Rico. RAC offers rent-to-own or short-term rental options on name-brand electronics, furniture, computers and appliances from such names as Sony, Phillips, Ashley, Berkline, Compaq, Dell and Whirlpool, and more.

Click here to visit Rent-A-Center's website.

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, based in Bridgewater, PA, is the country’s leading ice cream retail franchise with more than 260 locations in 18 states.  Bruster's has over 140 recipes of real ice cream – with nearly 40 fresh flavors available at any one time. 

Bruster's closely identifies with Big Brothers Big Sisters’ commitment to mentoring.  “Mentoring is at the heart of Bruster’s,” said Jim Sahene, CEO, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream.  “Whether they realize it or not, our franchisees serve as mentors everyday to the kids they employ – and these kids are the future of this country.”

Bruster’s has set an overall goal to raise more than $100,000 during its first year as a BBBS corporate sponsor.  Bruster’s support will come from a variety of activities, both at the store-level and through corporate programs.  In April, Bruster’s is donating 25¢ from the sale of all parfait purchases (at participating locations) to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Cick here to read more about Bruster's support of our mentoring programs with the their parfait sale.

To learn more about Bruster’s, please go to www.brusters.com.

At Jack in the Box, we believe that mentoring can change a child's life -- and when it comes to creating powerful mentoring relationships, nobody does it better than Big Brothers Big Sisters. That's why The Jack in the Box Foundation proudly partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters to serve youth in Jack in the Box restaurant communities. On national and local levels, we sponsor a myriad of efforts for Big Brothers Big Sisters, including a school-based mentoring program that matches high school student Bigs with elementary school student Littles, and our “First Meal” program, which treats newly-matched Bigs and Littles to a meal at Jack in the Box. One effort we're particularly proud to sponsor in our headquarters city of San Diego is Operation Bigs, which matches mentors from the military, including Marine and Navy personnel, with children whose parents are deployed overseas. In our restaurants, decals raise awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters and encourage our guests to volunteer. We also encourage volunteerism among our employees, many of whom are Bigs or serve on local BBBS boards.

"We believe that our partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters is changing children's lives and creating a brighter future for all of us."

-  Carlo Cetti, President
   The Jack in the Box Foundation

A national Big Brothers Big Sisters sponsor since 1998, The Jack in the Box Foundation has provided more than $3 million to national and local agencies through corporate, employee and franchisee donations, fund-raising events and services. Based in San Diego, Jack in the Box operates or franchises more than 2,000 quick-serve restaurants in 17 states.

For more information, please visit www.jackinthebox.com.

The American Eagle Outfitters Foundation strives to support charities focused on youth development, environmental conservation and disaster relief.  When we decided to partner with a new national charity in 2005, Big Brothers Big Sisters was a natural fit.  As we launch our 2006 partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, we look forward to engaging our Associates in projects in more than 25 major markets throughout North America.  These projects will not only financially support the Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies but will also provide a unique opportunity for our employees to organize fun activities for "Littles", who are still waiting to find their match.  We're sure the projects will be as rewarding for American Eagle Associates as it will be for the kids.

"Our corporate philosophy is Live Your Life and we believe Big Brother Big Sisters helps young people to do just that. It is a powerful partnership that has unlimited potential and we look forward to benefiting the youth of tomorrow through these exciting projects for years to come."

-  Joe Kerin
   AE Foundation President
   American Eagle Outfitters  

American Eagle Outfitters (Nasdaq: AEOS) is a leading retailer that designs, markets and sells its own brand of laidback, current clothing for 15 to 25 year-olds, providing high-quality merchandise at affordable prices. AE's original collection includes standards like jeans and graphic T's as well as essentials like accessories, outerwear, footwear, basics and swimwear. American Eagle Outfitters currently operates 798 stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 71 AE stores in Canada. AE also operates http://ae.com, which offers additional sizes and styles of favorite AE merchandise, and ships around the world. The company plans to open MARTIN + OSA, a new sportswear concept targeting 25-40 year old women and men, in the fall of 2006. For additional information and updates visit http://www.martinandosa.com.

Do it Best Corp. has been a proud supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America for over 30 years. In our 60+ year history, we have had only four presidents, three of whom have served on the Big Brothers Big Sisters National Board. We believe in the program and have witnessed first hand the positive impact it has on “Littles” and “Bigs” alike.

Over the last 20 years, Do it Best Corp. has raised over $1.3 million from our vendor partners, who, like us, see the need and want to participate in helping Big Brothers Big Sisters reach more of America’s youth. In addition, many of our staff members, both here at our Fort Wayne, IN, corporate office and at our eight Retail Service Centers, are actively involved either as “Bigs,” through Lunch Buddies, or with fund raising efforts such as Bowl for Kid’s Sake.

“Having served on the National Board for the past three years,” says Bob Taylor, President & CEO of Do it Best Corp., “I know first hand their team is dedicated, focused and goal oriented. Combined, these assets will help drive the organization to reach their goals and reach America's children. We are proud of our long history of support to Big Brothers Big Sisters, both locally and nationally.”

With annual sales of over $3 Billion, Do it Best Corp. (formerly Hardware Wholesalers Inc. or HWI) is the only full-service, full-line, member-owned hardware and building materials buying cooperative in the industry. Serving more than 4,100 member-retailers throughout the world, Do it Best Corp. is comprised of independent hardware, home center and lumberyard retailers with both single and multiple store locations.

Click here to visit Do It Best's website.

Some call it makeup...we call it magic.

"At Benefit, we believe it's the 'little' acts...the ones that help others in need, give back to society and offer hope for a brighter tomorrow that make a big, magical difference in our lives. We are proud to join Big Brothers Big Sisters in their mission to raise awareness, funds and support America's youth in achieving their dreams.""

-  Jean & Jane Ford
   Co-Creators & Co-Founders
   Benefit Cosumetics

Benefit created a special lip gloss, Big Magic, to spport Big Brothers Big Sisters, featuring the BBBS logo and sold at make-up counters and stores across the country. All net proceeds from the sale of Big Magic will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sister.  Watch for a new shade - Big Magic 2 - to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters, coming this summer!

For 30 years, Benefit has been known as the most “action packed” brand in the beauty business. Debuting in San Francisco in 1976, Benefit has set itself apart with creative products, clever and compelling packaging & product names names and a fun, inviting boutique and counter atmosphere that attracts women of every generation, from all over the globe.

Founded by identical twin sisters and former TV models, Jane and Jean Ford, Benefit brings a much needed sense of humor to the world of cosmetics and sets a high standard within the industry. Benefit's “must have” makeup, skincare and bodycare both beguiles and delights for a unique 'feelgood' experience for its loyal customers.

Benefit has over 700 counters in 15 countries and 5 free-standing boutiques in California, with openings in Chicago and New York City underway. Yet, Benefit will always remain very San Franciscan in its “beauty bohemian club” appeal and true to its belief that laughter is the best cosmetic…so grin and wear it.

Click here to visit Benefit Cosmetics' website.

Minor League Baseball is proud to have Big Brothers Big Sisters as a National Charity Partner. The partnership began in 2003 and has been growing ever since. In the 2005 season, over 40 million fans attended Minor League Baseball games across the country, setting the all-time attendance record! Minor League Baseball's goal is to provide fans with fun, affordable entertainment.

Additionally, our ballparks feature kid-friendly environments that include kid's playgrounds, on-field kid's promotions, mascots, birthday party facilities and kids clubs. Our clubs also support local schools by having players read to children in classrooms and by promoting club-sponsored reading programs. The ballpark is a place where adults and children come together to spend time, build strong relationships and (as the Big Brother Big Sister motto states) share in those “little moments that bring magic to the lives of children.”

The Minor League Baseball office encourages all 160 teams to work with their local Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies numerous ways throughout the baseball season. Events vary at each ballpark depending on the club and capabilities of the stadium. Popular events are picnics for Bigs and Littles to attend, fundraising opportunities through jersey auctions, awareness/recruitment nights, and having Bigs and Littles participate in promotions during the game. Stadium personnel and players also volunteer time to the organization.

For more information on Minor League Baseball and their partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters visit http://www.milb.com.

“We are thrilled to be working with this fantastic organization,” said Jane Lauder, Senior Vice President, Global Product Marketing for Clinique.  “Since the inception of the brand, we have been committed to mentoring and education….partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters is a natural extension of (this) mission."

In October 2007, BBBS welcomes the expansion of this cause marketing partnership to include Glamour Reel Moments, presented by Clinique. Anyone can help support Big Brothers Big Sisters by watching 3 new short films from the Glamour Reel Moments Series that all feature happiness as part of their storyline.

Rita Wilson, Kirsten Dunst and Kate Hudson are the 3 Hollywood A-list directors. The talented stars of the films are: Jeanne Tripplehorn, Kurt Russell, Dakota Fanning, Virginia Madsen, Chevy Chase, Kristen Stewart, Winona Ryder, Aisha Tyler, Camilla Belle and Channing Tatum.

For this new cause marketing partnership with Clinique Happy and Glamour Magazine, each time the films are viewed online free of charge at www.clinique.com/reelmoments , Glamour Magazine will make a $1 donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters - up to $10,000!   And, each time Rita Wilson's new song, Lessons Learned - an original ballad she sings from her film - is downloaded free of charge on the clinique website they will make another $1 donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters - up to $10,000!