Ruby Tuesday “Gives Back” to Big Brothers Big Sisters on Saturday, July 20th

For Immediate Release

Contact: Aleisha Coleman

acoleman@mentorbig.org

Phone: 772-678-7487

Ruby Tuesday “Gives Back” to Big Brothers Big Sisters on Saturday, July 20th

Palm City, FL- July 2, 2013 – Ruby Tuesday in Palm City is holding a Give Back day for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties.

When: Saturday, July 20^th, 2013

Where: Ruby Tuesday, 3290 SW Martin Downs, Palm City, FL 34990

Details: Grab your friends and family and join us at Ruby Tuesday in Palm City. Please present this flyer to your server, and Ruby Tuesday will donate 20% of your purchase to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties.  Flyers can be downloaded at www.mentorbig.org. 

 “We are so excited to be working with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties. At Ruby Tuesday, Community involvement is a top priority,” said Ruby Tuesday General Manager, Jennifer Hartman. “Come out and support a great cause on July 20th!”

“We are thrilled to have such a wonderful relationship with such an amazing restaurant. Ruby Tuesday has always been a huge supporter of BBBS,” said Director of Marketing & Special Events Aleisha Coleman. “We are so happy that they were able to include us in their community give back program.”

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties

BBBS provides children facing adversity aged 6-17 with volunteer mentors who serve as positive role models. Since 1986 the organization has provided mentors to children in Martin County and since July 2010 in Palm Beach County. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) recognized the Martin County organization in 2007 as one of the 35 best performing agencies nationwide. BBBSA recognized CEO William P. Bee Jr. as “CEO of the Year- Small Agency Category” in 2007. South Florida Business Leader Magazine ranked BBBS in 2009 and again in 2010 as one of the top 100 South Florida small businesses.  Visit www.mentorbig.org to learn more.

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Dwyer football players 'think big,' mentor

Dwyer High School Football Team and Big Brothers Big Sisters Develop a Valuable Friendship

For Immediate Release

Contact: Aleisha Coleman

Acoleman@mentorbig.org

Phone: 772-678-7487

Dwyer High School Football Team and

Big Brothers Big Sisters Develop a Valuable Friendship

Palm Beach County, FL – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach & Martin Counties (BBBS) would like to thank Dwyer High School football players for stepping up to the plate to mentor a whole new population of boys in Palm Beach County. BBBS is truly excited to be embarking on this wonderful opportunity and sees it as a model for future collaborations between high school athletes and school’s after care facilities. 

The Dwyer High School athletes will be mentoring 18 boys at Grove Park Elementary After Care during the weekly Think Big Club. High school students meet their “Littles” to help with homework, do activities and work on projects together in a supervised setting. These matches make an incredible impact on both the Little and the High School Big.

BBBS appreciates the support of everyone involved in creating an exciting new opportunity in our community. Thanks to all who helped make this happen:   Grove Park Extended Day Coordinator, Patricia Almaguer, Grove Park Elementary School Principal Eric Gross, Pastor Scott Arnold, Head Football Coach Jack Daniels, and Dwyer High School Principal, Dr. Gloria Sheffield.

“It is the help of the community that allows our organization to continue improving the lives of children in our area,” said Yvette Flores, Enrollment & Match Support Specialist for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties. “We are so privileged to have so much support in Martin and Palm Beach County.”

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties

BBBS provides children facing adversity aged 6-17 with volunteer mentors who serve as positive role models. Since 1986 the organization has provided mentors to children in Martin County and since July 2010 in Palm Beach County. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) recognized the Martin County organization in 2007 as one of the 35 best performing agencies nationwide. BBBSA recognized CEO William P. Bee Jr. as “CEO of the Year- Small Agency Category” in 2007. South Florida Business Leader Magazine ranked BBBS in 2009 and again in 2010 as one of the top 100 South Florida small businesses. Visit www.mentorbig.org to learn more.

BIG News from the BBBS Board!

Congratulations to Mr. Gary Vonk!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach & Martin Counties is excited to announce that Board of Governors member Gary Vonk received his Doctorate of Business Administration. Mr. Vonk has been an active board member with BBBS for several years. We would like to congratulate him on his BIG achievement. Mr. Vonk is the President of Southeastern College and the Vice Chair of the BBBS executive committee. Mr. Vonk’s dedication helps improve the lives of children in our local community. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach & Martin Counties Announces the Coconut 5K

For Immediate Release

Contact: Aleisha Coleman

acoleman@mentorbig.org

Phone: 772-678-7487

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach & Martin Counties Announces the Coconut 5K

West Palm Beach, FL (June 24, 2013)- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties(BBBS) is excited to announce their partnership with South Florida Runs to organize the 1st annual Coconut 5K Run and kids walk/run. The event will be held Sunday, November 3 at Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach, Florida. The 5K race will begin at 7:45 a.m. and a kid’s walk/run will follow. 

BBBS would like to encourage the community, as well as our friends and family to participate. The run will not only generate proceeds and raise awareness, but it will also be a great event for our ‘Bigs’ and ‘Littles.’ 

Our partner, South Florida Runs, is an inclusive running group who promotes running and wellness in South Florida. The group was established in 2008 by Sam Guagliardo and has grown to over 750 runners.  Andy Zircher, a member of South Florida Runs, said, "There are so many wonderful, giving people in our group. We love running together, but we also wanted to use our network of people to do something positive for the community. When we met with Big Brothers Big Sisters we knew immediately that we found a great partner and great cause for the race. We couldn't be more excited about our new relationship." 

“We are looking forward to a wonderful partnership with the committee. We are so honored that we were selected to be the beneficiary for their inaugural event,” said Aleisha Coleman, BBBS director of marketing & special events. “This event is going to be fabulous. The proceeds raised from this event will help to support our local mentoring programs.”

The event is open to the public and everyone is welcome. To register for the event, volunteer or become a sponsor visit www.coconut5k.com.  To learn more about South Florida Runs visit www.southfloridaruns.com.

Photo Caption: South Florida Runs Members and Coconut 5k Committee Andy Zircher, Kelly Matczak and Sam Guagliardo at the 2012 Miami Rock n Roll half marathon.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties 

BBBS provides children facing adversity ages 6-17 with volunteer mentors who serve as positive role models. The organization has provided mentors to children in Martin County since 1986 and in Palm Beach County since July of 2010. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) recognized the Martin County organization in 2007 as one of the 35 best performing agencies nationwide. South Florida Business Leader Magazine ranked BBBS in 2009, 2010, and again in 2011 as one of the top 100 South Florida small businesses. To find out how you can get involved, visit www.mentorbig.org.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters Continues to Grow in Palm Beach & Martin County

For Immediate Release

Contact: Aleisha Coleman

agarcia@mentorbig.org

Phone: 772-678-7487

Big Brothers Big Sisters Continues to Grow in Palm Beach & Martin County

West Palm Beach, FL – June 19, 2013 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach & Martin Counties is looking to add 8 new employees during the upcoming fiscal year. These new positions will bring the BBBS staff up to a total of 23 members on their team. These new job opportunities include a Chief Operating Officer, a Recruitment Coordinator, Enrollment & Match Support Specialist, a Match Support Specialist and multiple Teen Mentoring Program Facilitators.

As a local non-profit, BBBS is proud of their growth in the past several years. In addition to growing the staffing by 53%, BBBS will also continue to develop active programs in Palm Beach & Martin Counties, serving 1,000 children in their territory and implementing new program opportunities.

BBBS President and CEO William P. Bee, Jr. feels that the success at BBBS is due to selecting the right team. “Recognize that your staff is your most valuable asset; thus, if an issue presents itself, focus on finding a solution rather than looking where to place blame,” he says. “Additionally, remain optimistic; people gravitate towards people with positive attitudes rather than those with negative perspectives. You learn from every experience, and every experience offers opportunity in some form.”

“I am proud to be a part of this team,” said BBBS Program Manager, Laura Reilly. “I have been an employee at BBBS for eleven years now. It is such a great feeling to have an impact on the lives of children in our local community. There is so much need right here in Palm Beach and Martin County and I am so happy that I am able to be a part of an organization that helps these kids.”

For more information on BBBS job opportunities visit http://www.mentorbig.org/employment/. BBBS is dedicated to continue to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.

Photo Caption: Martin County BBBS Executive Director, Stacey Brownlow, recognizing Program Manager, Laura Reilly for her 11 years of support at Annual Awards & Recognition Dinner presented by DEX Imaging.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties

BBBS provides children facing adversity aged 6-17 with volunteer mentors who serve as positive role models. Since 1986 the organization has provided mentors to children in Martin County and since July 2010 in Palm Beach County. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) recognized the Martin County organization in 2007 as one of the 35 best performing agencies nationwide. BBBSA recognized CEO William P. Bee Jr. as “CEO of the Year- Small Agency Category” in 2007. South Florida Business Leader Magazine ranked BBBS in 2009 and again in 2010 as one of the top 100 South Florida small businesses.  Visit www.mentorbig.org to learn more.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters Celebrates their Graduating Class of Career Skills’ Interns in Palm Beach County

For Immediate Release

Contact: Aleisha Coleman

agarcia@mentorbig.org

Phone: 772-678-7487

Big Brothers Big Sisters Celebrates their Graduating Class of

 Career Skills’ Interns in Palm Beach County

West Palm Beach, FL – June 18, 2013 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties (BBBS) recently celebrated the graduation of 25 Roosevelt Middle School (RMS) 8^th grade students who took part in the Career Skills Mentoring Program. BBBS would like to thank their funders, business mentors, and school supporters for helping to make this year’s program possible.

The Career Skills Mentoring Program provides middle school students in 8^th grade with the opportunity to gain employment skills. Students in the program received two hours a week of training and mentoring in basic job skills, such as how to fill out job applications, how to “dress for success,” and interviewing techniques. Motivational speakers explained the importance of an education and demonstrated the qualities of successful employees. The students applied for positions with BBBS business partners and were matched with their business mentor who provided on-the-job guidance. Students received a stipend and are leaving the program with meaningful job experience and training. This program is funded in part by the City of West Palm Beach.

 

“All of the experience and confidence our students have gained over the past year is tremendous,” said Yvette Flores, Match and Enrollment Specialist of BBBS. “I am thankful to all of the businesses who graciously stepped up to be a part of this program.”

“The City of West Palm Beach is a proud supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters," said District 1 Commissioner of West Palm Beach Sylvia Moffett. "We are thrilled that we were able to be a part of this year’s graduation. We look forward to great things from the students who graduated from this program."

BBBS is looking for more business mentors for next year to make yet another successful and rewarding experience for their Career Skills’ Interns. If interested, please call Yvette Flores at 561-337-3057.

West Palm Beach Business Mentors include: Good Samaritan Medical Center, Regional Physiotherapy, State Attorney’s Office, City of West Palm Beach Court House, West Palm Beach Police Department, IPC international, City Commissioner’s Office, Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, Run and Roll, Palm Beach Dramaworks, and The Palm Beach Post.

Photo Caption:

(Left to right) Career Skills Mentoring Program City Commissioner’s Office Big Sister Phyllis Brooks, Little Sister/Intern Ta’Tyanna Chappelle, District 1 Commissioner of West Palm Beach Sylvia Moffett

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties

BBBS provides children facing adversity aged 6-17 with volunteer mentors who serve as positive role models. Since 1986 the organization has provided mentors to children in Martin County and since July 2010 in Palm Beach County. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) recognized the Martin County organization in 2007 as one of the 35 best performing agencies nationwide. BBBSA recognized CEO William P. Bee Jr. as “CEO of the Year- Small Agency Category” in 2007. South Florida Business Leader Magazine ranked BBBS in 2009 and again in 2010 as one of the top 100 South Florida small businesses.  Visit www.mentorbig.org to learn more.