Stand Up For Littles Paddle Event Raises Funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters

PORTSMOUTH, New Hampshire - The training has begun for Stand Up for Littles, the unique fundraiser benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire (BBBSNH). Two years ago, Big Brother Chris Carragher, an avid surfer and marketing professional, committed to embark on a 14+ mile round-trip journey to the Isle of Shoals on a standup paddle board to raise both awareness and funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters. The event has grown steadily and this year, SUFL will include a community of paddlers to join Chris on the Stand Up for Littles journey on Saturday, August 8 to raise awareness once again.

"I love being a Big Brother," says Carragher. "It is such a rewarding thing to be a part of a child's life as a friend- to be there to provide support, to do fun things together and spend the time building a friendship. I started Stand Up for Littles because I wanted to raise awareness of the impact Big Brother big Sister programs have in the community."

"It's exciting to see the growth of the event to include teams and even more paddlers this year." Carragher continued. "People can go on the website and support an individual paddler's fundraising efforts and read about what they're doing to train for Stand Up for Littles!" It's easy to donate as well as to "follow the journey" as the paddlers train for the race. Go to www.standup4littles.com to make a donation and learn more about each paddler as well as the impact of BBBS programs. Raindate for this event is August 15.

"Stand Up for Littles is such a unique way to bring visibility to the need for mentors for kids in our community," says Nicole McShane, BBBSNH development coordinator. "As a Big Brother, Chris shows how one person can have such a big impact."

Sponsors for Stand Up for Littles include: Sprague Energy, C&J Bus Lines, Jetty, SUPreme Paddle, Kittery Trading Post, The Surf Shack, and Rainbow Sandals.

"A good Big is someone who wants to make a difference in the life of a child- plus it's fun! It's just four hours a month and helps kids gain confidence and avoid risky behavior."

Interested in becoming a mentor? With more than 300 children on the waiting list, BBBSNH is looking for more mentors. With the vision that all children achieve success in life, the agency matches children racing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.