Happy Holiday Memories - Some Thanksgiving Good News We're Grateful For

It feels like we’ve already moved on from one holiday to the next, but we wanted to share some good news from Thanksgiving that we are grateful for!

In partnership with Macy’s, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America selected 30 Bigs and Littles from a nationwide talent search to take center stage at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Matches from across the U.S. — including two of our own from BBBSChi — caroled to holiday classics on the iconic Macy’s Singing Christmas Tree Float, known for ushering in the one and only Santa Claus.

For BBBSChi’s parade participants, the entire experience was nothing short of life-changing. The matches participated in hours of rehearsals for days leading up to the parade, led by Grammy- and Emmy-nominated conductor Judith Clurman from the Manhattan School of Music. These practices ignited a spark in Little Brother Xavier, who wants to focus on music and has already connected with Clurman for guidance.

Little Sister Gloria and her family celebrated a Thanksgiving full of firsts — from taking their first flight and trip together to being in the center of it all in the biggest holiday parade in the biggest city in the U.S! They were overwhelmed with joy all around them and happy for the chance to share this new experience together.

While the holidays look different for each and every family, Xavier and Gloria, along with their Bigs Kyle and Anne, were grateful to build these incredible new memories together. And these memories are only possible thanks to your support. Thank you for helping Bigs and Littles across Chicagoland create new memories this holiday season.

Fun fact: This year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade generated its biggest TV audience ever! You can watch our matches' full performance here and check them out front and center below!