Lichty Guitars puts Support Behind BBBS Bowl for Kids’ Sake
* The following is an article written by Polk County Big Brothers Big Sisters Program Coordinator Karen Dacey and published in the Tryon Daily Bulletin
When local luthier and owner of Lichty Guitars, Jay Lichty, heard about the Have a Heart for Big Brothers Big Sisters show last winter, he considered making a heart-shaped ukulele for the silent auction.Upon reflection, Lichty grew concerned about the sound from such an unusual-shaped instrument, and decided against the project. Instead Lichty, a former Big Brother for more than eight years, offered to donate a beautiful, hand-crafted and hand-painted uke to the cause.
So Lichty’s partner, Corrie Woods, set a plan into action. This gorgeous custom ukulele was to be auctioned in the future, with the proceeds to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters. Lichty’s one-of-a-kind instruments are played and praised by musicians far and wide, and this one was meant to be treasured also. The ukulele is now in the hands of a fortunate private collector, and Lichty Guitars is paying it forward through a major sponsorship for Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl For Kids’ Sake.
Through Big Brothers Big Sisters, children facing adversity in their lives are matched with screened and trained adult volunteers to share outings in the community that help broaden the child’s life experiences and build background knowledge, with the goal of helping the child reach his or her greatest potential. The benefits are tremendous, with improvements in youth behavior, self-confidence, academic performance and relationships, in addition to increased avoidance of risky behaviors.
Lichty and his former Little Brother spent their outings going hiking, exploring and playing tennis together. For many years they also participated in the annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake to help raise funds for the program that brought them together. Although the match came to a successful completion last year, Lichty still feels a bond with the young man, with plans to call and wish him a happy 15th birthday this month.
Very often the Big Brothers Big Sisters friendships continue long after matches close. Some former Bigs and Littles remain connected for life, with Bigs attending college graduations and weddings, and celebrating and supporting other milestone events together along life’s paths.
Area businesses, clubs, churches and friends of Big Brothers Big Sisters come together to raise funds through Bowl For Kids’ Sake by providing sponsorships or forming teams to bowl. Lichty Guitars and other main supporters, CooperRiis, David and Patty Slater, Terry Ackerman, Morning Glory Farm and Song Hill Reserve, along with numerous team and lane sponsors, generously provide local financial support that is essential for sustaining the unique mentoring services provided by the organization for at-risk youth in our elementary schools and communities.
Lichty Guitars can be reached at 828-817-1460. For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters, or about Bowl For Kids’ Sake on Nov.10, please call 828-859-9230.
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Our community has a debt of thanks to give to both Karen Dacey and the board members and volunteers who are the life-blood of Polk County Big Brothers Big Sisters.
For more info or to volunteer your time and/or your money contact
Program Coordinator Karen Dacey
301 N. Trade St.
Tryon, NC 28782
Phone: 828-859-9230
Email: [email protected]
To learn more about the international organization Big Brothers Big Sister, and to find an organization in your area visit
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Lichty Guitars’ Giving Back Program