Big money for Big Brothers, Big Sisters

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - Big support for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Hampden County in Holyoke on Thursday.

Auctioneer Roy Scott kept the pace fast and furious as close to two hundred people bid on donated items at the Log Cabin in Holyoke Thursday night.

All of the proceeds from the annual holiday auction help Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Hampden County recruit, screen and match volunteers to mentor kids in the community.

Program Services Director David Beturne told 22News the children are from very difficult life situations; "Single parent homes... broken homes. Right now we're able to serve several hundred kids a year, but it's not enough."

Former Big Brothers employee, Pastor Willard Scofield of Springfield told 22News that the organization provides a way to give back, and pay forward: "So it's important for you if you have had a positive role model in your life, to be a positive role model in someone else's life. and that's what I like about big brothers and big sisters."

22News co-sponsored the live and silent auctions. 22News reporter Anthony Dilorenzo served as emcee. Big Brothers and Big Sisters hoped to raise at least $14,000 to fund the agency's programs.