ST. GEORGE – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Utah is looking for trivia buffs to compete in a fundraising competition Nov. 9 in St. George, a good opportunity to show your stuff and to become acquainted with an organization that has a long and impactful history in the lives of kids and those who come alongside them.

Big Brothers Big Sisters was founded in 1904 and is still going strong; the group’s mission is helping children face adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-on-one relationships to change their lives for the better.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters Southern Utah satellite office opened in 2003.

Longtime Big Brother participant Hoagan “Hoagy” Powell  is looking forward to Trivia Night, although he’s not sure how many questions he’ll be able to answer.

“I’m looking forward to having a good time,” he laughed.

Powell got started with Big Brothers Big Sisters in 1977 as a senior in college.

“The good Lord planted that seed,” he said.

Powell was matched with a 9-year-old boy whose parents had deserted the child and his sister. He became a friend and served as a role model for the boy, Chuck.

Powell said he was broke at the time, but it’s not the money, it’s the time spent with the kids that is most important.

Powell continued his relationship with Chuck through Boy Scouts, sports and school. And after Powell married, he and his wife were eventually able to adopt Chuck after the boy’s grandmother died of a stroke.

As the couple’s oldest son, Powell’s relationship with Chuck continues to this day.

“I got more out of it than Chuck did, I got a granddaughter,” Powell said.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to change the world, one kid at a time,” he said.

The experience also changed Powell for the better, he said.

“It’s been a blessing for both of us.”

Event details

Teams of up to eight members can compete in Trivia Night. Team captains should register their team, pay the registration fee and provide an email address to receive an information packet prior to Trivia Night.

The event is sponsored by The Falls Event Center and Even Stevens Sandwiches.

• What: Trivia Night benefit for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah; 12 teams will compete in 10 rounds on a variety of subjects.
• Where: The Falls Event Center, 170 South Mall Drive in St. George
• When: Wednesday, Nov. 9, 7–10 p.m.; check-in at 6:30 p.m.
• Cost: $120 per team includes food, beverage and prizes for top teams.
• Attire: Casual.
• Contact: For questions, contact Aurora Serrano by email or by phone at 435-256-5584. For more information or to donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters, see their webpage or Facebook page.

Big Brothers Big Sisters has several bins in Southern Utah where residents can donate used clothing, books and other small household items. To find the nearest bin, go here.

To donate or find more information, see the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah website.

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