For almost two decades, Wildcat Kids has partnered with ACU as a popular non-profit organization among students. This year, ACU volunteers will no longer call themselves “Wildcat Kids,” but will instead be part of a changing organization, “ACU for Big Brothers Big Sisters.”
Jamie Bearden, director of public relations for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), explains that a change of the name Wildcat Kids was necessary.
“The name ‘Wildcat Kids’ was a great name, but it sometimes caused confusion for volunteers,” Bearden said. “If someone volunteered in Wildcat Kids, they were also a Big Brother or a Big Sister and they went though the BBBS enrollment process.”
Bearden said volunteers were often confused about whether to refer to themselves as “Bigs” or “Wildcat Volunteers.” This often caused confusion among students and child participants, especially with some the Wildcat Kids events.
“The ACU for Big Brothers Big Sisters Committee used to plan separate match activities for just ACU volunteers,” Bearden said. “They will now assist BBBS staff in planning community-wide activities and will provide funding for ACU students to participate in these match activities.”
Tim Yandell, regional executive director of BBBS, said people will notice changes in several areas.
“Wildcat Kids played a crucial role at ACU for years and years, but I also think that the main change will, in essence, focus in more on really what it’s about,” Yandell said. “Because Big Brothers Big Sisters has one of the most recognizable names in the nation … I think it will help them to be able to reach out to more students.”
The newly-named ACU for Big Brothers Big Sisters aims to change the attitude and group dynamic of its large group of participants.
“The committee will also strive to establish a ‘community feel’ amongst ACU Bigs. Their goal is help all of the ACU Bigs feel connected,” Bearden said.
“The ‘Littles’ might notice a difference in the activities ACU for BBBS puts on. There will be a lot more college students, and those kids really like being around college students,” Yandell said.
BBBS has been active in the Abilene area since 1978. Over 100 ACU students are mentors to Abilene children through this program.
