Big Brothers Big Sisters is holding a fundraiser this July based on the hit CBS reality show, The Amazing Race.

Hosted by the Big Brothers Big Sisters Young Professionals Committee, the “Big Amazing Race” is new this year and will sure to bring out the competitive side in everyone that participates.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters Young Professionals Committee is a group of dedicated working men and women throughout the counties that was founded in 2011.

“The Young Professionals Committee is excited to be working on this event, and we are looking forward to the great success it will bring to Big Brothers Big Sisters,” said President of the Young Professionals Committee, Nick Covill.

On July 27, teams of four will compete in 10 challenges in downtown Joliet that will test them physically and mentally. Once a challenge has been completed, the team will receive a clue to direct them to their next location. The event is open to anyone age 12 or older, as long as each team has someone over the age of 18. A minimum of $200 must be raised by each team. The money raised from this fundraiser will go directly toward ensuring that more children are matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister mentor through our organization.

“A big thanks to D’Arcy Motors of Joliet for their involvement in this event as Race Sponsor. Also, thanks to Numark Credit Union and The Woodlands of Crest Hill who are both Backpack Sponsors for this event. There are still plenty more of sponsorship opportunities available on our website,” said Chief Development Officer, Lisa Hellman.  For more information on sponsorship, call Lisa at (815) 272-BBBS ext. 215.

Mike and Michele Murphy of Joliet are eager to participate in this event with their two children. “As soon as we found out about it, I knew this was something we had to do,” said Mike in regards to the “Big Amazing Race” event.

“I think our kids are just as excited as we are,” said Michele.

Both Mike and Michele have been watching the show for as long as they can remember, and have now turned it into a family affair. At the show’s premiere, each family member is given two teams to follow throughout the season. The couple has even crafted a game board to track the family’s progress.

For anyone participating in the event who is not familiar with the show, the Murphy’s have a few tips. “Make sure to read the clues over and over again so you don’t miss part of it, and try to research the downtown area,” said Mike.

Michele added in that participants should try to wear comfortable shoes.

For those familiar with the show or not, the event is guaranteed to be a night full of fun for the entire family. “We are thrilled to be a part of the Big Amazing Race. We give a big thanks to the Young Professionals Committee for putting this together,” said Partnership Builder and Special Events Coordinator, Krystina Siomos.

To sign up your team ,visit http://www.bbbswillgrundy.org/race by July 20, or call Krystina Siomos at (815) 272-BBBS ext. 210.