Calling all BeautyXpose readers, I need your help!

I am trying to spread awareness about Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Rodman Ride for Kids —a non-competitive ride that takes place on September 26^th to raise money for at-risk children in Massachusetts–as well as gain support for the ride by way of donations, which can be done on my personal fundraising webpage (where you can read more about the Rodman Ride and my personal experience as a big sister).  I am biking 50 miles in the Rodman Ride, and have pledged to raise $1,000.  Below, I chronicle what led me to Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Rodman Ride for Kids.

Growing up as the second oldest in a family of seven children, it’s needless to say that I have been surrounded by kids my whole life. Between taking care of my own siblings, babysitting and coaching gymnastics, my whole life involved children…right up until I moved away to college. I won’t even lie to you, when I got my first job in college that didn’t involve hanging out with kids all day, I wasn’t quite sure how to interact with people my own age at work. The jokes that work for nine year olds don’t have the same appeal among adults — who would have thunk it?

After two years away, I decided that I needed kids back in my life, and having my own just wasn’t an option during that phase of my life. Then, I came across an online ad for Big Brothers Big Sisters and thought to myself, “well why not?” And that was that folks, I became a volunteer big sister, which has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. My little and I have been matched for one year as of this August, during which we’ve done and seen a lot together.

A few weeks ago, I got an email from Big Brothers Big Sisters about participating in the Rodman Ride for Kids. Again, I had a “well, why not?” moment and registered to bike 50 miles, donating the money I raise to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay. Riders can chose between one of three routes — 25 miles, 50 miles or 100 miles. I’ve chosen to ride the 50-mile route because I am not insane enough to bike 100 miles with no intense biking experience, yet I am more adventuresome than 25 miles.

I know that times are tough, and donations aren’t feasible for many. If you would like to donate, but can’t at the moment, I would appreciate if you could forward this article along to anyone who would be interested in donating. Donations of all sizes are welcome, for no donation is too small. Anything and everything helps.  Donations are due by the time of the race on September 26^th.

If you have any questions at all about donating, BBBS or the Rodman Ride for Kids, please feel free to email me at gigi@beautyxpose.com. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this article and visit my fundraising webpage.

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Many people have asked me to see a picture of my little and myself, and I am in the process of posting one on my webpage. At the moment I am playing phone-tag with her mom trying to get permission to post our picture. Hopefully, I will have permission from her by this weekend to post our picture.