FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California received a $1 million check from the George and Melodie Rogers Foundation, and the money is already being put to use. “My cousin is on the board here and he had initially brought to the attention of Big brothers, Big Sister, and their need for additional resources to my aunt's attention," George and Melodie Rogers Foundation CFO Casey Rogers said. The George and Melodie Rogers foundation began in 2019. in 2021, George passed away. Melodie then decided the foundation would donate a million dollars each year to a non-profit organization on George’s birthday. He would’ve been 78. “I think after today, their foundation will have donated $6 million to different nonprofit organizations," Rogers said. Two weeks prior, Diane learned that Big Brother's Big Sisters was selected for this year's grant. “I through a proposal together about the needs that we need at Big Brothers, Big Sister for $1 million. And they were on board because they really want to invest in the children," President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California Diane Phakonukham said. “I got chills. They helped so many kids in our community. It's really amazing the stories that she shared with me. I mean, they are doing amazing things and the need just gets greater," Rogers said. No time is being wasted with the new cash. “We went to go buy the van right away. We're getting it wrapped and the solar, we're getting bids. So that's happening where we bought the laptops. We're telling the kids about the monthly events. So right away I kid you not. We're actually using it before the money comes," Phakonukham said. And, half a million dollars is being put aside for scholarships. If you'd like to learn more about BBBS and its mentor program, click here.