Bobcat Bigs Have Big Influence
4/22/2008 12:00:00 AM | General
Without hesitating, she answered, “Because we can.”
That simple answer expanded the Eitel family number from four to five. Tom, an assistant track and field coach at Montana State, credits his wife’s passion for the cause as an impetus that opened the family’s eyes to the importance of sharing and giving a simple asset: their time. Diedre’s desire to become involved stemmed from an assignment to photograph a banquet for the Bozeman Chronicle.
“I could see what they were doing was important,” Diedre said. “I knew we could become involved because we were already an active family.”
The Eitels are outdoor enthusiasts and have shared that love with their sponsored child, Kayla, for over three years.
“Bridger Ski Foundation has been instrumental in helping us get Kayla involved in skiing,” Diedre said. “They have been generous in donating equipment and time.”
“We take her skiing, hiking, whatever we’re doing.” Tom said. “Our kids had some challenges at first sharing Mom and Dad, but it has worked out wonderfully. Kayla is about the same age as our two children, so they have a lot in common. This helps our kids see the importance of accepting and enjoying each other’s differences,” Eitel said.
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Gallatin County consists of several “bigs”: Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Big Couples, and Big Families.
MSU football player Tanner Ripley has been involved as a “big brother” for almost a year. Ripley, a redshirt freshman from Highwood, Montana, grew up on a ranch where there was never a hesitation to help out someone in need.
“At home, we all need to pitch in to get things done. Being raised on a ranch, you just do whatever you have to do to get the job done. I just felt like giving my time to Big Brothers was a natural thing to do,” Ripley said.
Tanner and Shawn, his “little brother,” spend a few hours a week together just hanging out. Shawn lost his father last summer and Ripley helped fill the void in his life.
“I like being around him (Shawn),” Ripley said. “Hanging out with him helps me get outside myself and get out of the rut I get in at school and in football.”
Ripley’s interest in the Big Brothers program was sparked last fall when the Bobcat football team hosted a group of youngsters at a fun day on campus. Fellow Bobcat football player Brandon Bostick was a “big brother”, and encouraged teammates to get involved with the program.
“You just never know what’s going to move you to get involved,” Ripley remarked. “That day I really bonded with a young kid and it helped me to realize I had something to offer him he really needed. That got me going.”
That simple answer expanded the Eitel family number from four to five. Tom, an assistant track and field coach at Montana State, credits his wife’s passion for the cause as an impetus that opened the family’s eyes to the importance of sharing and giving a simple asset: their time. Diedre’s desire to become involved stemmed from an assignment to photograph a banquet for the Bozeman Chronicle.
“I could see what they were doing was important,” Diedre said. “I knew we could become involved because we were already an active family.”
The Eitels are outdoor enthusiasts and have shared that love with their sponsored child, Kayla, for over three years.
“Bridger Ski Foundation has been instrumental in helping us get Kayla involved in skiing,” Diedre said. “They have been generous in donating equipment and time.”
“We take her skiing, hiking, whatever we’re doing.” Tom said. “Our kids had some challenges at first sharing Mom and Dad, but it has worked out wonderfully. Kayla is about the same age as our two children, so they have a lot in common. This helps our kids see the importance of accepting and enjoying each other’s differences,” Eitel said.
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Gallatin County consists of several “bigs”: Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Big Couples, and Big Families.
MSU football player Tanner Ripley has been involved as a “big brother” for almost a year. Ripley, a redshirt freshman from Highwood, Montana, grew up on a ranch where there was never a hesitation to help out someone in need.
“At home, we all need to pitch in to get things done. Being raised on a ranch, you just do whatever you have to do to get the job done. I just felt like giving my time to Big Brothers was a natural thing to do,” Ripley said.
Tanner and Shawn, his “little brother,” spend a few hours a week together just hanging out. Shawn lost his father last summer and Ripley helped fill the void in his life.
“I like being around him (Shawn),” Ripley said. “Hanging out with him helps me get outside myself and get out of the rut I get in at school and in football.”
Ripley’s interest in the Big Brothers program was sparked last fall when the Bobcat football team hosted a group of youngsters at a fun day on campus. Fellow Bobcat football player Brandon Bostick was a “big brother”, and encouraged teammates to get involved with the program.
“You just never know what’s going to move you to get involved,” Ripley remarked. “That day I really bonded with a young kid and it helped me to realize I had something to offer him he really needed. That got me going.”
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