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1994 Big Brothers Big Sisters | PSA Commercial

The first ever Big Brothers Big Sisters PSA commercial to Air on television. Filmed in 1994 at WPTD Dayton.

In late 1993, "Little" Mike Cohen (0:19 mark on the left) and his "Big" Harry Schrager began to talk about the need for a televised commercial for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Dayton. Harry was at the time working for WHIO- TV as an engineer and had plenty of acting experience. As a young teen, Mike had just started tackling radio and some copy writing and story-boarding.

By 1994, Harry and Mike had come up with the script and Mike had drawn out the story-boards. The commercial was pitched to the local BBBS board an instantly approved. It was filed on a budget of $200 that was used to rent the cameras and studio for several hours.

Mike was never intended to appear in the commercial. At the last minute, Tim's daughter got camera shy and Mike stepped in. At 16 years old he was the oldest Little in the commercial. The commercial was done with current adults and children in the program at the time. Mike's actual little brother (by birth) appears at the 0:21 mark on the right. At the time he was currently unmatched as his last Big had just moved away for a job.

In August 2017, Mike's former Big, Harry Schrager, passed away suddenly fromt a heart attack at age 74. After more than 32 years of friendship and helping BBBS Mike decided to revive this commercial to showcase on the web. It was recorded via an HD camera from the only surviving VHS studio copy of the tape.

To learn more about this organization find them online at the following: http://www.bbbsgmv.org

Please donate to help with your local chapter. The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Dayton has since been renamed to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami Valley. You can see highlights from their last fundraiser here Over the Edge

Big Brothers Big Sisters Over The Edge 2017

Over the Edge | Big Brothers Big Sisters

Party Time: 

Over the Edge is a large event thrown by Big Brothers Big Sister of the Greater Miami Valley in downtown Dayton, Ohio. The event focuses on raising money, through donations. As a result, those who raise the goal get the privilege of repelling off the Key Bank high-rise. Dozens of brave donation recruiters spend the day repelling down the side of the building amidst onlookers, music, and food trucks. Dozens of businesses sponsor this Big Brothers Big Sisters event.

The Organization: 

Big Brothers Big Sisters provide mentoring opportunities to youths unlike any other programs available. The one on one interactions of the Bigs and the support of the staff really work in changing the lives of youths for the better. As a result of this program, Michael grew up to work in law enforcement for nearly two decades. Consequently he retired honorably and decorated for his service in Houston, TX as a police officer. None of this would have been possible without the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and the introduction to Harry.

Big meets Little:

Harry spent close to 20 years with Big Brothers Big Sisters and Mike was not his first match but he was his last. He loved being apart of his community and took on the role of volunteer at Dayton Children's Hospital. Harry delighted and helped raise the spirits of sick children that were patients of the hospital. In addition, Harry had spent over 50 years in the entertainment business and had previously retired from COX Media. Therefor he was the perfect person to bring smiles to young faces. Harry was well loved by his coworkers and friends and was an advocate for animals. He was an avid dog lover.

Big Brothers Big Sisters has always been an integral part of our owner Michael's life. He was matched as a Little Brother at age seven to a Big that remained his friend for thirty-two years. His Big, Harry Schrager, sadly passed away suddenly in August 2017. Michael has decided that the legacy Harry left behind must include the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. Additionally, the benefits he shared as a result of that matched friendship should continue to be available within the local community.

How You Can Make a Difference: 

Harry's personal story has come to a close but it lives on through Michael. Most of all it can continue to live on through the help and support of the community. Big Brothers Big Sisters needs adult volunteers to become mentors to youths on waiting lists, for volunteers at events, and for donations. Your donations of time are priceless. Most of all your monetary donations go towards background checks for potential Bigs so that a child can have a lifelong mentor.

Donate today. Text "BIG" to 243725 or call Big Brothers Big Sisters at 937-220-6855 and find out how you can become apart of this community.

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