[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 20543]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF 
                            SAGINAW BAY AREA

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I would like to recognize a great 
organization from my home State of Michigan. On August 14, 2003, people 
will gather to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Big Brothers Big 
Sisters of Saginaw Bay Area, Inc. I am pleased to pay tribute to the 
members of Big Brothers Big Sisters for their years of dedication and 
service to the community.
  Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteers provide stability for area youth 
by mentoring children and organizing exciting activities. The tools of 
warmth, human interest, and personal friendship are used to improve the 
health, education, and personal welfare of participants. The 
nonsectarian, multiracial agency holds an annual Easter egg hunt, 
Halloween and Christmas parties, as well as a variety of community 
enrichment activities in the Saginaw Bay area.
  In 1952, 18 individuals united to form the board of directors for Big 
Brothers after receiving a grant from the Optimist Club of Saginaw. 
With the opening of a new office in Bay City in 1973, the organization 
officially changed its name to Big Brothers of Saginaw Bay Area, Inc.
  In 1966, the Woman's Council of Saginaw recognized the need for a Big 
Sisters program. The following year the Altrusa Club, a community 
service organization, sponsored and organized the project, and soon 
after, a local Big Sisters program was established. The two 
organizations joined forces on September 1, 1982, to form Big Brothers 
Big Sisters of Saginaw Bay Area, Inc., saving an estimated $15,000 to 
$20,000 in operating expenses annually. This money is used to enrich 
the lives of approximately 725 young people in Saginaw and Bay 
Counties.
  I take great pride in recognizing the efforts of Big Brothers Big 
Sisters of Saginaw Bay Area as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. I 
have no doubt that this organization will continue to enrich the lives 
of local children. I know my Senate colleagues will join me in saluting 
the accomplishments of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saginaw Bay Area and 
in wishing the group continued success in the future.

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