Comments on: A Worthwhile Cause http://perezhilton.com/2008-05-12-a-worthwhile-cause-53 Perez Hilton Fri, 10 Oct 2008 22:13:31 +0000 Perezhilton.com by: TMP http://perezhilton.com/2008-05-12-a-worthwhile-cause-53#comment-2174560 Thu, 15 May 2008 17:30:22 +0000 http://perezhilton.com/2008-05-12-a-worthwhile-cause-53#comment-2174560 [re=2155145]Re: Perezhilton[/re] Congrats to Perez for bringing up BBBS - it' a great organization. I'm the openly gay CEO of the Seattle BBBS, and I can tell you with certainty that we are one of the few national organizatons that work with kids that clearly has a non-discrimination policy that includes the GLBT community. We have active outreach and support of the GLBT community - individual and partners. Come volunteer with us and make a difference. Additionally, we have the most extensive screening process in the country to insure child safety - that being said, it pains and sadden mea] to hear about any incident involving a BBBS match anywhere and my heart goes out to the family. In Seattle, we've not had an incident in our 51 year history, and that's really saying something about how seriously we take these issues. Perez - if you are ever in Seattle, come see us! Re: Perezhilton –
Congrats to Perez for bringing up BBBS - it' a great organization. I'm the openly gay CEO of the Seattle BBBS, and I can tell you with certainty that we are one of the few national organizatons that work with kids that clearly has a non-discrimination policy that includes the GLBT community. We have active outreach and support of the GLBT community - individual and partners. Come volunteer with us and make a difference. Additionally, we have the most extensive screening process in the country to insure child safety - that being said, it pains and sadden mea] to hear about any incident involving a BBBS match anywhere and my heart goes out to the family. In Seattle, we've not had an incident in our 51 year history, and that's really saying something about how seriously we take these issues.

Perez - if you are ever in Seattle, come see us!

]]> by: Perezhilton http://perezhilton.com/2008-05-12-a-worthwhile-cause-53#comment-2155145 Tue, 13 May 2008 13:45:03 +0000 http://perezhilton.com/2008-05-12-a-worthwhile-cause-53#comment-2155145 I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!vI LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!vI LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

]]> by: Debimama http://perezhilton.com/2008-05-12-a-worthwhile-cause-53#comment-2153426 Tue, 13 May 2008 04:20:59 +0000 http://perezhilton.com/2008-05-12-a-worthwhile-cause-53#comment-2153426 I have been a Big for 5+ years. I love it and couldn't tell you who gets more out of it; me or my Little!!! It's one of the best things I have ever done. I have been a Big for 5+ years. I love it and couldn't tell you who gets more out of it; me or my Little!!!

It's one of the best things I have ever done.

]]> by: Brian http://perezhilton.com/2008-05-12-a-worthwhile-cause-53#comment-2152863 Tue, 13 May 2008 02:56:21 +0000 http://perezhilton.com/2008-05-12-a-worthwhile-cause-53#comment-2152863 When I get home from work, I will attach the emails sent from BBBS. You will soon see that I WAS accepted as a gay man but was not allowed to be part of a Big Couple. It is not accepted by the greater Kansas City office as the emails state. I would attach now but I am at work on blackberry. I will prove that they are not as accepting as people say. Some may say I should do it without my partner, I do not think that is fair. Look for the cut and pasted emails in the morning once I get home. I totally agree that they are a pivotal part of the community but being part of a gay couple does not make you a molester and eveyone should be treated fairly. I was certainly left with a bad taste in my mouth. When I get home from work, I will attach the emails sent from BBBS. You will soon see that I WAS accepted as a gay man but was not allowed to be part of a Big Couple. It is not accepted by the greater Kansas City office as the emails state. I would attach now but I am at work on blackberry. I will prove that they are not as accepting as people say. Some may say I should do it without my partner, I do not think that is fair. Look for the cut and pasted emails in the morning once I get home. I totally agree that they are a pivotal part of the community but being part of a gay couple does not make you a molester and eveyone should be treated fairly. I was certainly left with a bad taste in my mouth.

]]> by: dolla billz http://perezhilton.com/2008-05-12-a-worthwhile-cause-53#comment-2152840 Tue, 13 May 2008 02:50:51 +0000 http://perezhilton.com/2008-05-12-a-worthwhile-cause-53#comment-2152840 BBBS ROCKS!!! BBBS ROCKS!!!

]]> by: desiree http://perezhilton.com/2008-05-12-a-worthwhile-cause-53#comment-2152662 Tue, 13 May 2008 02:20:42 +0000 http://perezhilton.com/2008-05-12-a-worthwhile-cause-53#comment-2152662 As a former employee (and interviewer) for BBBS, I can tell you that there is EXTENSIVE background checks including multiple interviews and references done to ensure the safety of children. Additionally, EVERYONE eligible (despite sexual preference, race or religion) is accepted into the program. If you were not accepted, please do not use such a personal factor as a reason. Quite often, non-acceptance is for reasons people don't think are "big deals" ("I just smoke pot once in awhile"). It is BBBS policy to not disclose to a volunteer why they are not accepted, so blaiming sexuality is just an excuse. BBBS is there to ensure the safety and quality care of children, that has nothing to do with your sexual preference, religion or race. The only reason the question is asked regarding sexuality or religion is that the parents of the Littles have preferences, and while most parents are open on their preferences for a volunteer, unfortunately, there are some parents who are not. However, it is their child, so BBBS must respect who they would like mentoring their child. It is a WONDERFUL organization. Having worked for mulitple non-profits and as a social worker, I can honestly say there are few better. As a matter of fact, it's one of the only nfp in the States that has PROVEN results- making positive differences (kids staying in school, lower drug rates, less teenage pregnancies). Look it up. As a former employee (and interviewer) for BBBS, I can tell you that there is EXTENSIVE background checks including multiple interviews and references done to ensure the safety of children. Additionally, EVERYONE eligible (despite sexual preference, race or religion) is accepted into the program. If you were not accepted, please do not use such a personal factor as a reason. Quite often, non-acceptance is for reasons people don't think are "big deals" ("I just smoke pot once in awhile"). It is BBBS policy to not disclose to a volunteer why they are not accepted, so blaiming sexuality is just an excuse. BBBS is there to ensure the safety and quality care of children, that has nothing to do with your sexual preference, religion or race. The only reason the question is asked regarding sexuality or religion is that the parents of the Littles have preferences, and while most parents are open on their preferences for a volunteer, unfortunately, there are some parents who are not. However, it is their child, so BBBS must respect who they would like mentoring their child. It is a WONDERFUL organization. Having worked for mulitple non-profits and as a social worker, I can honestly say there are few better. As a matter of fact, it's one of the only nfp in the States that has PROVEN results- making positive differences (kids staying in school, lower drug rates, less teenage pregnancies). Look it up.

]]> by: skyler http://perezhilton.com/2008-05-12-a-worthwhile-cause-53#comment-2149799 Mon, 12 May 2008 20:32:51 +0000 http://perezhilton.com/2008-05-12-a-worthwhile-cause-53#comment-2149799 they discriminate against gays!!! :( they discriminate against gays!!! :(

]]> by: Gravity's Silhouette http://perezhilton.com/2008-05-12-a-worthwhile-cause-53#comment-2149690 Mon, 12 May 2008 20:18:33 +0000 http://perezhilton.com/2008-05-12-a-worthwhile-cause-53#comment-2149690 [re=2148223]Re: JackTX[/re] Jack wrote: "I don't think Perez would have posted this if he knew that this organization prevents gay people from volunteering." Excellent point. Thing is, though, that all of this newfound "philanthropy" on Perez's part is just a smokescreen...a sham...a front...a cover to make himself look like a better person. I'm sure his handlers/lawyers/PR-people, etc...have told him he needs to soften his image a little if he wants to get access to celebrities, settle lawsuits out of court, etc... Perez doesn't give a dog's shit about charities or doing good works. This campaign of his is a means to an end and nothing more. Re: JackTX –

Jack wrote: "I don't think Perez would have posted this if he knew that this organization prevents gay people from volunteering."

Excellent point. Thing is, though, that all of this newfound "philanthropy" on Perez's part is just a smokescreen…a sham…a front…a cover to make himself look like a better person. I'm sure his handlers/lawyers/PR-people, etc…have told him he needs to soften his image a little if he wants to get access to celebrities, settle lawsuits out of court, etc… Perez doesn't give a dog's shit about charities or doing good works. This campaign of his is a means to an end and nothing more.

]]> by: Patrick http://perezhilton.com/2008-05-12-a-worthwhile-cause-53#comment-2149608 Mon, 12 May 2008 20:07:36 +0000 http://perezhilton.com/2008-05-12-a-worthwhile-cause-53#comment-2149608 As Webmaster for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, I was pleased to find a good rise in visits to our web site today. It seems we have PerezHilton.com's plug for Big Brothers Big Sisters to thank -- and we do! Thanks also to the Big Brothers Big Sisters friends who are doing a great job in the comments of explaining how the organization operates. A few points bear underscoring: Child safety is our first priority. The decision to accept a volunteer as a Big Brother or Big Sister is made following a personal interview, background check and recommendations. Matches are monitored, which means staff members check in periodically with each "Little," the parent or guardian, and volunteer "Big." Big Brothers Big Sisters has a policy against discrimination. We do our best to match adults with children with similar interests, and honor parents’ wishes. Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring works: independent research showed that 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 is always looking for volunteers. We are currently focused on recruiting Big Brothers, especially African-Americans and Hispanics. Please visit our web site, http://BigBrothersBigSisters.org for more information. As Webmaster for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, I was pleased to find a good rise in visits to our web site today. It seems we have PerezHilton.com's plug for Big Brothers Big Sisters to thank — and we do!

Thanks also to the Big Brothers Big Sisters friends who are doing a great job in the comments of explaining how the organization operates.

A few points bear underscoring:

Child safety is our first priority. The decision to accept a volunteer as a Big Brother or Big Sister is made following a personal interview, background check and recommendations. Matches are monitored, which means staff members check in periodically with each "Little," the parent or guardian, and volunteer "Big."

Big Brothers Big Sisters has a policy against discrimination. We do our best to match adults with children with similar interests, and honor parents’ wishes.

Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring works: independent research showed that 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 is always looking for volunteers. We are currently focused on recruiting Big Brothers, especially African-Americans and Hispanics. Please visit our web site, http://BigBrothersBigSisters.org for more information.

]]> by: erin http://perezhilton.com/2008-05-12-a-worthwhile-cause-53#comment-2148973 Mon, 12 May 2008 18:55:59 +0000 http://perezhilton.com/2008-05-12-a-worthwhile-cause-53#comment-2148973 thanks for putting up something that does good in the community, perez. thanks for putting up something that does good in the community, perez.

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