BELLAIRE, MI, JULY 16, 2008: When Dave and Diana Fischbach became volunteer mentors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan, they were thrilled at the chance to share their interests and time with children in need of positive role models. One of the many activities they enjoy is race car driving at Northern Michigan Speedway in Elmira. On most weekends, you can find Dave and Diana at the track preparing their car and racing amongst other car enthusiasts who visit each week. “Being a Big Brother to a child is a very rewarding and neat experience,” says Dave. “We have only been matched since January of this year and already we have become good friends.” And that is what being a Big Brother or Big Sister to a child is all about. “You do not have to be perfect or have all the answers. Being a Big Brother or Big Sister involves nothing more than caring about the next generation and sharing your life experiences with a child who may never have the chance to experience some basic everyday activities – like taking in a race or going to a sports event or just hanging out and talking” says Gary Swaney, Program Director for the agency. Knowing the need that exists not only for Big Brother and Big Sister volunteers, but for funding to help pay for the professional case management support that is given to every match, Dave took his enthusiasm for cars and for mentoring and combined them into an opportunity to raise awareness and much needed funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Don Svenski, owner of Northern Michigan Speedway, gave Dave the green light to make this opportunity a reality. Dave Fischbach decided, with the help of his little brother Tristan, to paint the Big Brother Big Sister logo on his race car and offer an opportunity at the races to gather donations for the program. So far, Dave has received donations of over $500, and he is only getting started. Anyone interested in enjoying some good races or contributing to the cause is asked to come out to Northern Michigan Speedway on Saturday evenings. Tristan poses next to Dave’s car before the Big Race. “Dave and Diana are exemplary examples of the caliber of volunteers we are fortunate to have mentoring the children in our program,” says Tamara Kay, Case Manager. “They truly embrace the concept of mentoring and make it a fun opportunity for themselves and the children they mentor.” Don Svenski is to be commended as a business leader who cares about the community and provides a great recreational activity for the community to enjoy. For more information on Northern Michigan Speedway, please visit www.northernmichiganspeedway.com. Anyone interested in becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister is asked to call Gary Swaney at 231-946-2447, Ext. 203 for more information, or go to www.bigsupnorth.com .