Both of Dan Kitch’s parents have been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters and that has led to Warsaw GMC getting involved in the organization.
Kitch, general sales manager for Warsaw GMC, explained, “My mother is on the board and she’s a Big Sister. My dad’s a Big Brother to some kids. They had reached out to me to see if we would be interested as a business, and I, obviously, was inclined to do something monetary-wise, but also thought I had some guys here that would be good help, as far as being good Big Brothers in the community because they’re younger, single with no kids. They’re good mentors and good for young guys, so I thought that not only could we help on the monetary side of things, but I also thought I’d also have some guys here that would be good as far as maybe leading some kids in troubled homes or who need a positive mentor.”
Tammy Smith, BBBS Kosciusko County development director, came in to Warsaw GMC and gave the employees a brief synopsis of what BBBS does and what their mission is. She asked if any of the employees were interested in being volunteers, and several guys said they were interested in the Lunch Buddies program on the spot, Kitch stated.
In the BBBS Lunch Buddies program, volunteers go to the kids’ schools and have lunch with them once a week. As the relationship between the Big and Little grows, they may expand out into further programs and activities.
“I think, for the time being, most of them are going to do the lunch program,” Kitch said.
Kitch isn’t a Big himself because he’s married, works and has three young children now, he said.
Warsaw GMC is a first-time sponsor this year of Big Brothers Big Sisters’ 11th annual The Big Celebration.
“We just gave them a small donation for their banquet that’s coming up in November. We bought a table for that,” Kitch said.
The Big Celebration is Nov. 12 at Warsaw Community Church, 1855 S. County Farm Road, Warsaw. Reception and silent auction start at 5:30 p.m., with dinner and program at 6:45 p.m. The 2024 Charles D. Smith Award will be presented, and there will be a fashion show featuring Bigs and Littles. There is no fee to attend, but monetary gifts will be welcomed. Seating is limited so reserve seats online at TBC24.givesmart.com or text TBC24 to 76278.
Kitch said he can see Warsaw GMC participating in future BBBS events.
“I think it’s something we want to continue to try to help, not just monetary-wise but also with any type of volunteer work we can do with the guys,” he said.
While four employees volunteered to be a Big, Kitch said those who didn’t feel like they had the time or resources to do so gave financially to Smith to help the cause.
Warsaw GMC, 2777 N. Detroit St., has been a part of the community for over 30 years, with owner Ted Nine here for about 12 years, Kitch estimated. They sell GMC, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram.
For more information about BBBS or The Big Celebration, call Tammy Smith at [email protected] or call 574-306-2178.
For more information about Warsaw GMC, visit https://www.warsawgmc.com/.