From Le Peep to Le Club
If you’ve ever eaten at local café Le Peep, chances are you’ve seen or spoken to owner Peg Dalton. A South Bend native, Peg spends her days mingling with customers and working alongside staff at her charming downtown restaurant.
Now, Peg has volunteered to spend her time working alongside another team as she embarks on a journey to support her local community as a 2014 Great Big Kid.
Saying “YES”
To many, the thought of simultaneously fundraising, campaigning and mentoring youth is intimidating. To Peg, it’s a challenge worth taking. She sees her participation in the Greatest Kids Campaign as an opportunity to connect with local youth and support her community.
“I was blessed to be surrounded by adults who cared for me growing up,” says Peg. “It’s important to provide that same experience to kids who don’t have a support network.”
It’s that belief that inspires Peg to be involved with the Boys & Girls Club. Through her efforts, she hopes to inspire others in the city to invest in youth as well.
“Giving back is an important part of what we should do as community members,” explains Peg. “This is part of my responsibility to South Bend.”
Making an Impact
What Peg looks forward to most this campaign season is being a mentor to 13-year-old, Camisa. Through mentoring, she hopes to help her mentee build self-confidence and passion for life’s endless opportunities.
“I want her to know that she can do anything—that nothing is too big,” she says.
Team Blue
Sporting the color blue to represent her campaign, Peg reveals the foundation of her campaign strategy—a giant love for her city.
“I love South Bend. And my team will too,” she explains.
So with an army of support and deep love for her community, Peg prepares for the contest, eager to meet her mentee and campaign for “Le Win”.
Q & A with Peg's Mentee, Camisa
What grade are you in? “8th grade.”
How long have you been a Club Member? “Most of my life! I became a Club Member as soon as I was eligible at age five.”
Do you have any hobbies? “A lot. I’m on the baskteball team and in the jazz band at school. At the Club I participate in Indiana Tutoring, the anti-smoking group ”VOICE” and the business program, “B.O.S.S.”.
What makes you really happy? “My family and playing in the band. ”
What’s been your greatest challenge? “Being diagnosed with Bells Palsey. It was very difficult at first because I couldn’t do some of the things I love, like play basketball.”
What’s your biggest accomplishment? Keeping up high grades in school.”
What do you plan to do after high school? I want to go to college to study engineering or compute technology.
