“Captain Beth” here of the Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters (JBBBS) Rodman Ride Bike Team! I believe in this agency and love to bike. In fact, this is my fourth year as captain. We’ve put together an incredible team for this year’s virtual Rodman Ride for Kids and being that this year is different, anything goes! If you like to bike, walk, run, swim, hike, eat pizza or indulge in ice cream (like me), we’d love to have you join us!

I met my “little” sister, Alexandra, when we were matched in the JBBBS program 18 years ago. I had just moved to Boston after graduating from college and was looking for a meaningful way to volunteer in the Jewish community. Little did I know that I wasn’t just becoming someone’s “Big,” but that I was forming a friendship that would last a lifetime.

It’s fun to view the world through the eyes of a kid. We did all sorts of fun things together, like arts and crafts, music and hiking, but the real joy was in the ordinary moments. Alexandra used to go grocery shopping with me and would say, “I cannot wait until I’m old enough to buy my own groceries!” On our first ride on the train together, she said, “I hope we’re friends forever.” Thanks to JBBBS, her hope has come true!

I watched my “Little” grow and mature through the years and was always proud of her accomplishments. She was always a bright kid, extremely friendly and outgoing. She graduated from Northeastern University with a BS and MS in mechanical engineering. I guess my engineering background had “just a little” impact on her! JBBBS was right there to reward Alexandra’s success and help her with a generous college scholarship.

Beth Tuck 2
Beth Tuck (Courtesy photo)

We may have aged out of the official Big/Little program, but Alexandra and I are forever Big and Little. I have experienced firsthand what incredible one-to-one mentoring relationships this organization creates, and I invest my time and energy into supporting it in whatever way I can. Over the years I’ve served on many committees, the young professionals board and most recently the Board of Directors.

JBBBS provides opportunities for all kinds of people to help each other. In today’s world, this is more important than ever. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Big, a Little, a friend or someone who just wants to get involved. No matter where you come from or where you’re going, we’re here for you.

This summer, our Rodman Ride team, friends and family have continued to build camaraderie among ourselves and within our community. We had our first-ever Peloton-at-home ride. We did a virtual tour of the Rail Trail Flatbread Co. and New City Microcreamery for our matches and community.

On Sept. 26, we’ll be biking, hiking, running and more to celebrate our fundraising efforts for the Rodman Ride for Kids. If you are interested, there are a lot of fun ways you can help support this vital organization. Learn more about getting involved here.

JBBBS had a huge impact on my life, and I believe it can make a difference in yours too.

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