Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island hosts Catwalk for Kids amidst mentor shortage
The event helps kids build confidence and positive relationships while strutting down the runway.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island hosted its 13th annual Catwalk for Kids at the Crest Hollow Country Club on Thursday evening.
The event helps kids build confidence and positive relationships while strutting down the runway.
“A lot of these kids, they have a lot of different struggles in their lives, and this program matches them with an adult mentor that really helps support them and shows up for them and is consistent in their life,” said Meredith Michaels, the chief development and marketing officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island. “This is just a night for them to have fun and feel really special, build a lot of confidence, and just do something really memorable together.”
The Catwalk for Kids fashion show brings mentors and mentees together for an evening that supports their mission.
Not every kid is as lucky as the ones at the event. The organization is in desperate need of mentors. There are around 75 kids across Long Island waiting for a big.
“I had to wait a long time, maybe like a year or two,” said mentee Steven Murillo.
Juan Castillo and Steven Murillo were matched last year, and it’s already made a big impact.
“I know we're all busy,” Castillo said. “I know life has a lot, but I am telling you, you get so much out of it.”
Organizers are encouraging anyone interested in mentoring the next generation to sign up.
“While you're changing their lives, we promise that your lives will be forever changed as well,” Michaels said.
