We had another successful outing with the reestablished Youth Outreach Program (SYOP) on Saturday. Twenty six kids from the Big Brother/Big Sister Program for Unmatched Kids took a bus from downtown to Rainbow Roller Skating Rink on Clark street with the help of 20 volunteers from HCIA Sachs. The time went quickly as we secured skates (how'd we forget our roller blades??!) found our groups, tried both the downstairs and upstairs rinks, played a few arcade games, stood in a VERY long line for pizza and soda and got ready to say our good-byes. Who can forget the costumed "roller disco man" or the highly coveted 'light sticks' used in the 'lights out skate'. The music that pounded in the rink still rings in our ears this morning (who knew all the words?).

This morning our bumps and bruises remind us of smiles and giggles and wipe-outs. For some, the question "would you be my big sister?" still gives us pause for thought today. But as usual, the boys outnumbered the girls and seemed to enjoy the chance to show off for the adults and each other. We remember to "roll with it" as mayhem is often a hallmark of these events. We look forward to our next event outdoors in warmer weather (a picnic with games?). But most of all, we look forward to seeing each of you again- and sharing a part of you that makes us even happier to be working together. In giving we grow and our most powerful gift is ourselves- the ability to reach out to others is what this program is all about. Thanks to all of you who give unselfishly and we look forward to sharing this experience with more of you this summer.

Anna Clark Nowak

Vice President,HCIA-Sachs

acnowak@hciasachs.com

1 800 366-7526 ext. 2074

Click here to contact Anna Clark Nowak at: acnowak@hciasachs.com