In the past nine months, MacKenzie Scott has donated $3,863,125,000 to 465 nonprofits to support the needs of underrepresented people from all kinds of groups, no strings attached. One of those nonprofits is right here in Lake Charles — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana.

The $1.1 million “transformational” donation was unprecedented, according to BBBS Executive Director Erin Davison.

The gift was out of the blue,” Davison said. “I was completely overwhelmed. It took a while to digest.”

Davison said Scott’s decision is a “true testament to my staff, Bigs, Littles, families, board members, partners, donors and community allies.”

Each nonprofit was selected through a rigorous process, and has a strong track record of serving under-supported needs, Davison said.

“If you are looking for a way to serve humanity’s common cause, every one of them is a great candidate,” Davison said. “Helping any of us can help us all.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters has an almost 40-year track record in its mission to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships to help children achieve proven positive outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence and better relationships. 

Davison said the agency enrolls 15 – 20 kids per month, on the average.

“This gift is a game-changer that allows us to do more, to transform mentorship in communities across our six-parish region, and support more youth mentoring programs.” Davison said.

This is Scott’s second round of giving. She began three years and $12 billion ago. After Scott’s divorce from Jeff Bezos in 2019, she made a commitment to give away the majority of her wealth via The Giving Pledge, a promise by the world’s wealthiest individuals and families to donate the majority of their wealth to charitable causes.

While this is the largest donation from a single individual in the organization’s history, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana believes no one person, organization or gift alone can drive the significant impact mentorship can have on a young person’s life.

“It takes a village of mentors, volunteers, and donors,” Davison said, “and I invite you to join our village and help us build a strong, more inclusive, and sustainable community.”

Davison said that the creation of a Designated Beneficiary Fund or Big Legacy Fund with the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana will allow sustainable support for generations to come.

To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana and get involved as a mentor, volunteer, donor, or community partner, visit bbbsswla.org.