It is our pleasure to spotlight the Kiwanis Club of Bradenton and the Big K Program. Mike Chaplinsky, the Big K Program Coordinator states, "this is a great model for any civic organization to become involved with. It is a small investment of time that has a big impact on the children's lives."  Although the Big K  program began 18 years ago, the partnership with BBBSSC developed 4 years ago. There was a real need to provide mentors for young men who needed male role models in their lives.  The program is currently in 4 elementary schools and 1 middle school in Manatee County.  The Big K groups meet at school two times a month.  One of those meetings takes place over lunch in a group setting.  Each child is matched with a mentor, however, the matches meet together in groups of 8-12 people.  Most of the mentors are Kiwanis Club members, however, they also are from local area businesses including: Wilson Miller and ZNS Engineering.  Their lunch is provided by Kiwanis. Many of the groups are “Guy Groups” or “Gal Groups,” however, some are co-ed.  Mike Chaplinsky is a member of the Kiwanis Club as well as the program coordinator.  He works with Mentor Manager Brandi McArthur to develop curriculum and activities for the matches to work on. There is a different theme each school year. This year the theme was “Survivor”  in which the groups participated in various activities centered around this theme.  Speakers are brought in including authors, as well as outdoor sporting activities the groups participate in.  Mike states, “ this is a way to invest in the lives of many young men, encouraging them, and to be there for them.  My hope would be to see the Big K Program duplicated around the state.”