applause ] >>> ladies and gentlemen, welcome co-ceo of big brothers and big sisters of america max wilson and vice president nina sazer o'donnell. >> there's an african proverb that fits the occasion that says if you want to go fast, go alone. if you want to go far, be together. it's inspiring to be in the room with all of us and those watching on the web around the country knowing we are working together to help the community to help every child go far. >> we've been communities and allies for some time but now we're taking it even further, fornling a new partnership to increase the number of mentors working with children facing adversity in kindergarten and through middle school and especially in the high-risk schools. >> big brothers, big sisters mentoring model has proven to have positive effects in a child's life. one of the things that united ways do so well is to recruit people with passion, expertise and resources to make lasting change. together we're aligning our resources toward the key benchmarks of a civic marshall plan and together doing that with many partners and many lead