Businesses ‘Go Bananas’ to help Big Brothers Big Sisters

One organization focused on kids has developed a unique way to help raise money for its cause.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Marquette and Alger Counties is selling organic fruits to area businesses and individuals once a month to sponsor more children at their organization.

Wednesday was delivery day.

“Go Bananas is a fundraiser we started about two and a half years ago,” Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters Jayne Letts said.  “The way that it works is we sell organic bananas and oranges to businesses and organizations throughout Marquette County.  Each piece of fruit is a dollar each and all the funds match more kids at Big Brothers Big Sisters.”

“We are really happy to be involved in this banana program.  Everyone gets a healthy snack and we support a good cause,” Jack Dubow, from Lake Superior Press said.

“It is really exciting.  Everyone we drive past are looking at us and laughing.  We get to go into a bunch of different businesses and see the customers every month.  They just think it is great.  Even when we have gone there for months they still get a kick out of it every time,” Big Brothers Big Sister’s Laura Putwen said.

Big Brothers Big Sisters also forged a relationship with the Marquette area chapter of the Warthogs Motorcycle Club.

The group held a poker run Saturday that covered about 150 miles, including stops in Ishpeming, Big Bay, Skandia, Harvey, and Gwinn.

Dozens of bikers helped raise several hundred dollars for the organization.

For information on how to get involved in the Go Bananas fundraisers – or any other aspect of the agency, you can visit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Marquette and Alger Counties’ website.