Touraj Jason Vedadi has always been interested in improving the lives of children. In high school, he participated in the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) program as a mentor for less fortunate and at-risk children in his community. He also participated in fundraising events and contributed his time and efforts for the program. Today, Touraj Vedadi continues that commitment with contributions and support for BBBS and other worthy charities that focus on helping children meet the challenges of their everyday lives.
The Inspiration for Big Brothers Big Sisters
Founded in 1904, the BBBS program began as an effort to provide added help for young boys embroiled in the courtroom system in New York City. The success of the program led to expansion and created the impetus for additional programs around the state. In 1977, the Big Brothers Association combined with the Catholic organization Big Sisters International to become Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Today, BBBS serves children between the ages of 6 and 18 in all 50 states and in 12 countries worldwide. Volunteers undergo a careful screening process to ensure that they are well suited to working with children and adolescents. These volunteers provide one-on-one mentoring, counseling and friendship to their own Little Brother or Little Sister.
The Impact of BBBS
Because of his direct involvement in the program, Touraj Vedadi is well aware of the importance of BBBS programs in improving the lives of children and the communities in which they live. The presence of a caring and nurturing adult in the lives of these children can provide a solid foundation for success in the academic setting and in their future endeavors. Children who participate in BBBS are less likely to use drugs and alcohol and are more likely to stay in school and to excel there. By helping one at-risk child at a time, BBBS can improve the quality of life for everyone.
Children’s Miracle Network
Touraj Vedadi also supports the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a fundraising organization that provides financial support for children’s hospitals, allowing them to offer life-saving treatments to more children throughout the United States and Canada. Best known for its colorful telethons and celebrity supporters, the Children’s Miracle Network comprises 170 hospitals dedicated to providing top-notch medical care for injured or ailing children. Hospitals that participate in the network receive support from local donors and corporate sponsors and directly from the Children’s Miracle Network to continue their treatments and activities on behalf of the children in their own communities.
Ensuring the Availability of Health Care for Children
Without the help of the Children’s Miracle Network in providing funding and promoting awareness of their financial needs, many children’s hospitals would be forced to reduce their services or to close down altogether. By raising money through regular telethons and ongoing outreach to local communities, the Children’s Miracle Network helps to keep these vital community service providers afloat and ensures that children receive the specialized care they need during their formative years.
Touraj Vedadi is committed to helping children stay happy and healthy and to giving them the best possible chance for success. By contributing to these worthy causes and promoting them to others, Vedadi is building the foundation for a better tomorrow.
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