Big Brothers Giving Back mentoring group hosting fundraiser fish fry June 26-27

By Phillip Williams

The Big Brothers Giving Back organization, a volunteer group of men who mentor boys, will hold a fund-raising fish fry June 26-27.
The event is set from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. both days at the organization’s facility at 1002 Texas 154 West, near Upshur Rural Electric Cooperative.

For a $15 donation, the menu includes one plate of farm-raised catfish, french fries, cole slaw, hush puppies and soda and/or water.
On-site dining and take-out orders are both available.

Kevin Finch, founder and president of the organization which has been honored for its work by the Gilmer Area Chamber of Commerce, said it mentors boys age 10 and older who are in “need of guidance,” possibly lacking a father figure or good role model.

The men try to educate the youths about the value of good decisions and the consequences of bad ones, said Finch. He said the organization is for all races and has about 14 men and perhaps 32 boys.

Its forthcoming programs include hearing a representative of the Texas Department of Public Safety discuss distracted teen-ager driving, a representative of Etex Telephone, and nurses making presentations on self-health care, said Finch.

The group also plans to tour businesses in order to help the boys choose and prepare for careers, and to tour Texas State Technical College in Marshall, he said.
Finch also said he is seeking a dental hygienist to address the youngsters.

For more information on the fish fry or the group, call him at 903-841-8414.