52 maconmagazine.com | APRIL/MAY 2020
THE MISSION OF MY BUSINESS: To
create and support one to one mentoring
relationships that ignite the power and
promise of youth.
HOW I DEFINE SUCCESS: In my career,
success is defined from the impact our work
has on children and their families. When our
youth improve academically, stay in school
and graduate and avoid risky behaviors, they
are on the path to becoming great adults.
More importantly, we know we are successful
when our youth make better personal
decisions. We empower the potential that
already exists within them.
YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED THAT:
We have served thousands of at-risk youth
for over 66 years. Fundraising is key to our
program success as it costs around $1,500
per child in their first year of our program.
Our most popular event is the Heart of the
Dragon Festival, which is Middle Georgia's
only dragon boat race. Our 11th annual event
is May 9 at Lake Tobesofkee. Most of our
teams are from area businesses, breast cancer
survivor groups and community groups. We
provide the boats and training. Everyone is
welcome to participate or be a spectator.
THE MOST GRATIFYING PART OF MY
JOB: Seeing one of our Littles graduate in
our program and return to serve as a mentor
so they can help another kid succeed.
HOW WOMEN COULD BETTER
SUPPORT EACH OTHER: We shouldn't
criticize a woman who fights against misogyny
or stands up against sexual harassment. It
wasn't that long ago that women fought for
our right to vote.
I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Not look
at other women as competition. We should
support each other and be role models to
our girls.
Betsy
Fitzgerald
PRESIDENT & CEO
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF
THE HEART OF GEORGIA
2720 Riverside Drive, Macon
478-745-3984
kids@BBBSHeartGA.org
BBBSHeartGA.org
