“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” – Maria Robinson

This quote is the simple core of this website. There are kids in Northwest Michigan in need of mentors to support their achievements and to answer their questions as they walk down a path clouded by a bad start to their life due to the loss or absence of a parent. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Michigan is an organization I believe in because it gives kids in need direction to find their new ending.

Making the “ask” for funds to make the organization sustainable is something I may never be good at. Running and writing are two other things I enjoy far more but also may never totally meet my aspirations. However, I don’t intend to quit trying any one of them. This website was born out of my desire to be better at the “ask”, motivate my running and give more purpose to my writing.

I encourage you to sign on for $26.20 each year. If you are a runner, follow my pursuit of running a marathon in each state. If you enjoy reading about my small hometown in rural South Dakota, those stories will grow as well. For those who want to read about the rural electric industry, I have included some of my better columns from years past. To visualize it all, you will find an assortment of pictures and maybe some video as well. All of the money goes directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Michigan in Traverse City.

Each kid has a unique story all their own. The companion story on this page, “Alone Together” lays bare my reasons for making this “ask” and supporting this worthwhile organization. I sat down and wrote it after reading about an accident near my hometown very much like the one that sent me towards an ending I did not ask for in 1963. Kids come to Big Brothers Big Sisters for many reasons. This story is simply the one that put me in the position to make a new ending for those less fortunate. It is my hope that you read it and it alone will be worthy of your $26.20 donation.

Start today, be a small part of making new endings.

Tony Anderson