PHILADELPHA, PA., - June 16, 2008 - Big Brothers Big Sisters President and Chief Executive Officer Judy Vredenburgh will receive the Congressional Award's 2008 Keynote Horizon Award on June 19, 2008 in The Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C. The Congressional Award presents the prestigious award each year to an individual who has contributed to expanding opportunities for all Americans and is setting examples for young people. Past Horizon Award honorees have included Wynton Marsalis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mariah Carey and others.

"The impact of Judy Vredenburgh's efforts through Big Brothers Big Sisters is monumental in communities across the country," said Erica W. Heyse, National Director for The Congressional Award. "Big Brothers Big Sisters’ success in changing the course of children's lives deserves recognition."

Under Vredenburgh's leadership, Big Brothers Big Sisters has strengthened the unique results-focused achievements of the organization’s 400 U.S. agencies. Big Brothers Big Sisters has been positively impacting children's lives for more than 100 years, as the most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States. The organization is making a measurable difference in the lives of American children through positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact.

"It is encouraging that members of Congress, like so many citizens, recognize the problems too many of our youth face in terms of youth violence, high school drop out rates and poverty," Vredenburgh said. "Across the country, volunteers, alumni, staff, donors, and corporate and foundation partners are creating a network committed to supporting us as we make remarkable achievements toward changing how our children grow up in America."

Under Vredenburgh's leadership, Big Brothers Big Sisters has more than doubled the number of children served to more than a quarter million from 118,000 in 2000. According to independent research, children mentored by Big Brothers and Big Sisters are:

1. Able to get along better with their families
   
2. 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
   
3. 27% less likely to begin using alcohol
   
4. 52% less likely to skip school

Vredenburgh holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a master's degree in business administration from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Americans wanting to support Big Brothers Big Sisters' efforts should contact BigBrothersBigSisters.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Big Brothers Big Sisters, BigBrothersBigSisters.org, is the largest youth mentoring organization in the United States. With nearly 400 affiliates across all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Guam, it served 255,000 children in 2007 - more than twice the number of five years ago. Independent research shows that its model of professionally supported one-to-one relationships between young people and their Big Brothers and Big Sisters has a measurable, positive impact. Children in the program are less likely to skip school, begin using alcohol and illegal drugs, and be involved in violence. Big Brothers Big Sisters works with policymakers and community leaders across the country to expand access to mentoring for children in need. The organization is currently focusing on recruiting Big Brothers, especially African-Americans and Hispanics.

More from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America