Stiletto Strut a Success for Big Brothers Big Sisters of NH

It was a perfect day for the 13th annual Stiletto Sprint in downtown Portsmouth in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire.

Seven teams and  30 "racers" including members of the Portsmouth and Dover Police Departments wore heels instead of sneakers in the 40-yard dash that raised nearly $55,000 on Saturday afternoon. Portsmouth Police were the winners of the relay.

"They had to wear heels over two inches and most of them had heels higher than that. They had fun costumes. One was 'Hobbits and Heels' and they dressed as the Hobbit. The Dover Police Department as the Spice Girls. One blew out their heel," BBBSNH Event Co-ordinator Linda Carter told Seacoast Current.

There was someone dressed Wonder Woman in the race, Carter said.

BBBSNH is one of many non-profit groups that was unable to hold major fundraisers during the pandemic but Carter said their supporters stepped up.

"We had a Thanks for Giving campaign online that really did really well. We have a big bash they weren't able to go to so they contributed to Thanks For Giving instead. As far as people signing up to be Bigs we're doing well," Carter said.

Carter said that there are more female Bigs instead of men which has led to a waitlist of over 200 statewide. 75% of those on the list are boys and the group's recruitment efforts are focused on signing up more men. BBBSNH already serves around 600 in New Hampshire.

"It takes about $1,800 to support one match for a year because of all the support we do with the Bigs, the Littles, with the background checks although it's free for the Little and the Big," Carter said.  "Being a Big only takes twice a month, four to six hours a month, is pretty much the requirement. We don't look for any special skills.

Those interested in becoming a Big can check the BBBSNH website at BBBSNH.org.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH