Eric and Tom Little Brother, Eric, with Big Brother, Tom, at Shaw's in Wiscasset, where Eric works as a cashier.

The eleventh annual Bids For Kids' Wreath Auction was again a huge holiday success for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Midcoast Maine. Hundreds of bidders turned out for the five live and silent auctions throughout Knox, Lincoln and Waldo Counties, winning items ranging from artwork, jewelry, sports tickets, seafood and gift certificates galore from the over 250 participating local businesses.

The real winners, however, are the local youth. With over $10,000 raised, 10 more local children like Eric (seen in the photo with Tom, his Big) will be matched with a caring, screened, trained mentor in 2008.

"This event helps us take another step towards our vision of successful mentoring relationships for our local youth in order to create better schools, stronger communities and brighter futures, and there is still much more work to be done," said Alex Gaeth, the agency's Executive Director.

"National research and local statistics demonstrate youth who participate in BBBS programs gain valuable social skills, improve their confidence and succeed academically as a result of these professionally supported, one-to-one relationships."

Providing a quality mentoring experience requires resources such as insurance, background checks and full interviews, providing orientations to Bigs and Littles and professional support of the relationship by trained BBBS staff. Sponsors included Postal Center USA, Camden National Bank, Bath Savings Institution, Goodnow's Pharmacy, Rockland Café, Damariscotta River Grill and Black Bull. Thanks go to the 250 businesses who decorated wreaths or provided items, the individual bidders, the Board of Directors and volunteers who donated time and resources, as well as the auctioneers, John Bottero and Reed McKenney and their families. While BBBS is growing, we are always looking for individuals who want to help make a difference. Whether you have a few hours once during the year or each week, call us at 563-5599 or send an email to bbbs@midcoast.com to find out how you can make a difference in your hometown.