Joann Sottile, from left, Big Sister Jojo and Little Sister Gigi at the WICKED movie premiere in Hollywood. Courtesy photo.
VENTURA COUNTY — In a national partnership with NBCUniversal and inspired by the theatrical release of WICKED, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) youth led the creation of “The WICKED Kindness Challenge” – an online experience that explores what kindness really means, for oneself, their family and friends, and the greater community.
Fifteen BBSVC youth participants of all ages from across the county came together for four full days to brainstorm ideas on what kindness looks like, and how to teach and inspire others to make kindness an everyday part of their lives. They worked closely with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Learning and Development Team, playing a BIG part in structuring, developing, and creating the content and messages for the script and videos for the challenge. A film crew met with youth to create the videos that were featured in the challenge. Everything for the ongoing challenge was organized at the BBSVC@Ventura Youth Room at the Pacific View Mall.
As an extra-glamorous opportunity: Little Sister Gigi, one of the program youths who participated in developing the Kindness Challenge, had the opportunity to attend the WICKED movie premiere on Saturday, November 9 in Hollywood with her Big Sister Jojo. They said, “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience!”
To celebrate BBSVC’s deep involvement in creating the “WICKED Kindness Challenge,” a special screening of the film will be held on December 11th at the Camarillo Roxy Stadium 11 movie theater for the agency’s Bigs, Littles, and Youth Leaders, including special guest speakers and fun prize drawings for those participants who have completed the Kindness Challenge.
Friends across Ventura County are invited to take the “WICKED Kindness Challenge!” This interactive, multi-day online activity will share how small acts of kindness can spread joy and make a difference. Join today at the “WICKED Kindness Challenge” Signup page:
https://mailchi.mp/bbbsa/wicked-kindness-challenge-signup
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) has been connecting Bigs and Littles in professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships in Ventura County and neighboring communities since 1970. Supporting over 1,000 youth annually between community or school-based volunteers and youth ages 6-21 years old, BBSVC is committed to bringing their life-changing program to every child in Ventura County who needs it. BBSVC is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that depends on private donors for 75% of its funding. Folks interested in getting involved with BBSVC for another exemplary year as a youth, volunteer, or supporter may contact the agency’s main office at 805.484.2282 or visit https://www.bbsvc.org