BBBSNEW Blog

Each month, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeastern Wisconsin shines a light on the relationships that we are helping build within our community. Please help us congratulate Big Sister Lori Vorpahl and her Little Sister Kalee of Sturgeon Bay — our Door County Match of the Month for September.

Here’s what they had to say in their own words:

Where did you hear about Big Brothers Big Sisters?

Lori Vorpahl: I have heard about this program for years but was excited to learn about the school-based option. This option works for many people.

Why did you want to have a Big Sister?

Kalee: To maybe help me in school, and I wanted to see what it’s like to have a big sister. I’m a big sister at home and now I get to be the little sister!

Why did you want to become involved?

Lori: I absolutely love children and really wanted to try to be a mentor to a young girl.

What do you do when you spend time together?

Lori: At first we saw each other once a week at school where we enjoyed many fun crafts, games, decorating cookies, and learning fun things about each other. Then we transitioned this summer to community based so I am able to pick here up and take her for fun outings all around the community. We play games, go mini golfing, go-cart riding, go out to eat, pick strawberries, visit museums and eat LOTS of ice cream! We have also enjoyed volunteer assignments too.

What is your favorite memory with your Big?

Kalee: Lori baked cupcakes and brought them to school, and we decorated them for everybody in my class!

Is there something in particular that stands out as a memorable time with your Little?

Lori: We always include ice cream in every outing and we laugh about our little ice cream section of our stomach always having room, even if we have eaten pizza! It is a special section reserved just for ice cream, you know!

Is there something in the future that you would like to do together, or that you look forward to experiencing together?

Lori: Oh my! The list is huge. We want to volunteer more, go to the beach, go to Bay Beach, do more crafts, take a dessert cooking class together and find books to read. My little wrote a list at the beginning of the summer and we are only half way through.

Is there something you would like to do together in the future, and why?

Kalee: I would really like to go to the beach and have a picnic. I love the beach!

What have you enjoyed about being a Big?

Lori: I am having the best time connecting with my Little. She is an inspiration to me! I get to be a kid again and learn from her as I hope she is learning from me.

What is something that you learned from your Big?

Kalee: Lori taught me how to play pool and ping-pong, and she has taught me about helping other people. We rang the bell at Christmas time (Salvation Army), and we sold pies (for the Lions Club at Belgian Days)! And my mom and I handed out water to the runners at the big race (Door County Triathlon)! It was fun!

In what way has being matched with your Little affected you and your life?

Lori: My life is so full now and my heart overflows with joy.

What would you say to others about Big Brothers Big Sisters and to others who are thinking about becoming a Big?

Lori: Being a Big will touch you in ways you cannot imagine. You get to see life again through a child’s eyes and you get to experience such joy. It can really fill your soul!

How has being matched with a Big made a difference for you?

Kalee: Lori inspires me to be a better person and I am learning how to help other people. We have so much fun!