By Shawn Brouse
Port Royal – Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Juniata Valley will join Port Royal Speedway in presenting Kids Night this Saturday, July 14 at the Juniata County Fairgrounds oval.
BB/BS will be on hand distributing literature on how to get involved with the local chapter and become a Big while supporting the group.
Several local Bigs and their Matches will be on hand to take part in the night and enjoy the racing action that includes a late model championship along with 410 sprint and pro stock action.
BB/BS will be selling raffle tickets for numerous kids prizes with proceeds benefiting the group.
In addition, the speedway itself will be giving away hundreds of free prizes to youngsters and conducting bicycle races on the speedway frontstretch.
“Port Royal Speedway is a great asset to Juniata County! The opportunity to get the word out about Big Brothers Big Sisters programs in the county during their Kids Night Event is much-appreciated,” says BB/BS Program Coordinator Judy Fitzgerald.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States.
Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors children, ages 5 through 17, in communities across the country.
The local agency, located in downtown Lewistown and founded in 1995, is dedicated to helping children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with measurable impact.
Kids matched in the Juniata Valley Big Brothers Big Sisters Program showed the following positive changes:
• 58% demonstrated increases in academic performance, attitude toward school, and avoidance of delinquency
• 67% showed improved relationships with adults, peers, and family
• 50% reported increased self-confidence and improved decision making
Juniata Valley Big Brothers Big Sisters (JVBBBS) is overseen by the Centre County Youth Service Bureau.
JVBBBS is a Mifflin-Juniata United Way member agency and is also a member of the Juniata Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Gates for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Kids Night Program open at 5 pm with racing action slated for 7:30 pm.