Vineland, NJ: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland & Salem Counties (BBBS) is happy to announce the organization has received an $8,000 check on behalf of the annual Run For Aaron. Since 2011, BBBS has been designated as a recipient of a portion of the proceeds from the annual 5k and 1-mile walk, bringing the total to more than $70,000.
BBBS Mentoring programs work to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth through raising aspirations, inspiring greater confidence, and building better relationships.
The Run for Aaron is an annual 5K run and 1-mile walk and Aaron Ploch Memorial Swimming and Soccer Scholarship Fund was founded in 1999 in memory of Aaron who passed away suddenly at the age of 10 after a week-long illness. He was an excellent student and athlete, loved by his teachers, coaches, and everyone that met him. The Fund was established to honor Aaron’s love of sports and his devotion to his family and friends. Scholarships are awarded annually to deserving Vineland area students.
“The Run for Aaron 5k walk and run is an awesome day for the whole Vineland community to come together, give back, and most importantly honor the life of Aaron Ploch,” said Donna Bennett, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland & Salem Counties. “Aaron’s love of sports and his devotion to his family and friends was not only inspiring but something we see in our BBBS Littles to this day. Being able to assist the Run for Aaron with their fundraising to honor two of our Vineland youth and support them through this scholarship, while simultaneously benefiting our one-to-one mentoring programs is something BBBS cherishes each year. We are so thankful for the support the Run For Aaron has shown us since 2011.”
To learn more about the role mentoring plays in our community, volunteer opportunities, or additional ways to support Big Brothers Big Sisters Cumberland & Salem, please visit our website at www.southjerseybigs.org.