To say the K.I.D.S. Fundraiser at On Tap, with the Doc Ryan Band, last month was a success is an understatement! Now at least 45 kids will get to go to summer camp. Our heartfelt thanks to all the people and businesses that helped to make the event a smash hit.
Raffle tickets! Get your raffle tickets!And on with the show!Let the little children come!
On behalf of all of us at Big Brothers Big Sisters, I would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to Trinity Episcopal Church [K.I.D.S.’ fiscal agent and to] K.I.D.S. funding for your incredible generosity
Your partnership means more than words can fully express.
Because of your support, our Bigs and Littles have had the chance to experience unforgettable moments—adventures that go far beyond just fun activities. These moments build confidence, strengthen friendships, and create lasting memories that help shape who our youth become.
Last year alone, your funding allowed our youth to explore water sports at Big Lake, white water rafting at Maupin, and feel the joy of riding their very own bikes—with helmets, of course. You’ve helped put cleats on the feet of young soccer players, basketball shoes on the court, and covered the fees that open the doors to after-school sports.
And it didn’t stop with athletics. You made it possible for our kids to tap into their creativity and curiosity—through glass blowing, pottery, dance and acting classes, and afternoons of fun at places like Sun Mountain Fun Center. You even opened the doors to the arts by supporting trips to the Tower Theatre, where our youth experienced the wonder of live performances and storytelling in a truly magical setting.
And now, we’re thrilled to share what’s ahead. This summer, we’re working hard to get our Littles to attend COVE Camp—an incredible opportunity for them to spend a week outdoors, learning, growing, and connecting in a supportive, inspiring environment and spiritual way. Thanks to the funds we’ve received from you, we’re able to provide every camper with the essentials they’ll need for the week away: sleeping bags, sheets and pillowcases, duffle bags, toiletries, shampoo, soap, water shoes, brand-new towels, headlamps, hats, sunscreen—and anything else that will help make this experience safe, comfortable, and memorable.
These experiences help our Littles discover new interests, unlock hidden talents, and simply enjoy being kids. They offer a break from daily challenges and create space for imagination, self-expression, and pure joy.
But more than the activities themselves, what you’ve truly given is freedom—the freedom to explore, to imagine, to belong. You’ve helped create a world where these kids feel seen, valued, and supported. That’s a gift that will echo far beyond this year.
So, from the bottom of our hearts, from every staff member and volunteer who walks alongside these amazing kids, and from every Little whose life you’ve touched—thank you. Thank you for believing in their potential, for investing in their joy, and for being a vital part of their journey.
Your impact is real. Your kindness is seen. And your generosity is making a difference every single day.
Shannon Abero Guerrero Event Coordinator Big Brothers Big Sisters, Central Oregon
Tub time!Take the plunge!Take me out to the ballgameSlip sliding away
Look at these kids having fun! The summer vacation from school is supposed to be fun. Your support of K.I.D.S. makes this (and more) possible for children/youth in our community who would not have the chance. Summer camp enrollment/fees are upwards of $600 per camper. Families facing challenges from addictions and legal/carceral limitations often cannot afford it. Donations to K.I.D.S. do good for the kids–and for their families!
Join us for our annual fundraiser, featuring the Doc Ryan Band, with Raffles and a Silent Auction, at On Tap (1424 NE Cushing Dr., Bend). From 5:00 to 7:30pm on Friday, June 6, 2025. We look forward to seeing you there!
The monies raised from this event are key to sending as many K.I.D.S.’ kids as possible to this summer’s camps (and funding activities for kids who might not be ready yet for away camp)!
Have you wondered what happens with the generous funds donated by big-hearted people? Well, of course, there is Summer Camp but that is not the only thing!! Here is a short list of activities supported by KIDS for local area children & youth:
“Just wanted to pass along a quick photo from my COPY kid’s first swim lesson last night. I am told he had a great time and learned lots.” *Bob Moore, Project Coordinator for Central Oregon Partnerships for Youth (COPY).
A long-time K.I.D.S.’ community partner, COPY is a program within the Deschutes County Sherriff’s Office that offers mentoring for kids and youth impacted by parental incarceration. K.I.D.S. monies can be used in ways that public budgets cannot–such as swim lessons! It is a win-win-win for everyone! Or rather a swim-swim-swim.
Stressed parents’ lives can be made a little better when there are positive activities and friends for their youngsters. A local mom, I. S., summed it up, saying “It feels so good for them to make friends [and] be part of something good in our community.” Read this mom’s note on the “K.I.D.S. Impact/What We’ve Heard From Parents” page.
Close-in of three children’s legs & feet playing soccer. A red & black soccer ball central focus. Original image from RDNE Stock project.
K.I.D.S. sent fifty Central Oregon children and youth to Summer Camp in 2024. That’s an increase of eight kids over last year. Up by almost 20%. What an awesome ROI. Well done!
One mom shared her thoughts: “My daughter really needs this camp. She is going through a tough time now.” Summer camp can be a refuge, a respite, and a chance to be a kid. That’s what K.I.D.S. monies can help to happen.
Rev. Celine Burke greets an excited young camper.Van ready to “head-out” for Ascension Camp.
The June 7 fundraiser at OnTap was very successful and K.I.D.S.’ wants to thank you all! The Doc Ryan Band attracted a good crowd. Raffle tickets were bought. Silent auction bids were made. There was fun, merriment, and drama (friends of an imminently-expecting Dad-to-be pooled their raffle tickets and won the “Baby Gift Basket” item! Good job guys!!). We’ll hope to see all of you (& more friends) at next year’s event. Info TBA.
