Tuesday, May 31, 2011
In The News....
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties Career Skills Program was highlighted last week due to line item veto budget cuts. Now more than ever it is important that we raise funds to serve the children in our community.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Visits Palm Beach and Martin Counties
For Immediate Release
Contact: Kara Thornberry
kthornberry@mentorbig.org
Phone: 772-283-8373
Stuart, FL (May 23, 2011)- Karen Mathis, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America visited Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties last week, meeting with board members and agency advocates in support of the recently expanded agency. Ms. Mathis gave presentations, met with the board of trustees and select supporters and visited State Attorney Michael McAuliffe’s office to meet with Career Skills Program mentors.
“I look forward to seeing this agency continue to grow,” said Ms. Mathis. “It is important to emphasize that Big Brothers Big Sisters is a donor supported volunteer driven organization, and our agencies need significant support on the local level to provide our programs to children facing adversity. We are an independently evaluated mentoring organization with proven outcomes and impact. These programs change lives, and I am excited to see the Palm Beach community getting involved.”
“We truly enjoyed Ms. Mathis’ visit. Her enthusiasm, encouragement and support will go a long way towards our expansion,” said Bill Bee, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties. “Her vision and can-do attitude towards improving the lives of children is inspiring. We hope to harness the positive energy she created as we continue our expansion process into the Palm Beaches.”
More than 200 children are on the waiting list for a Big Brother or Big Sisters in Palm Beach and Martin Counties. Volunteers and financial support are needed to provide a positive role model to these children facing adversity. To volunteer or donate, please visit www.mentorbig.org. You contribution might be the start of something big.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties
BBBS provides at-risk children ages 6-18 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 Bill Bee as “CEO of the Year – Small Agency Category” in 2007. South Florida Business Leader Magazine ranked BBBS Martin County in 2009 and again in 2010 as one of the top 100 South Florida small businesses. Visit www.mentorbig.org to learn more.
Contact: Kara Thornberry
kthornberry@mentorbig.org
Phone: 772-283-8373
President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Visits Palm Beach and Martin Counties
Stuart, FL (May 23, 2011)- Karen Mathis, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America visited Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties last week, meeting with board members and agency advocates in support of the recently expanded agency. Ms. Mathis gave presentations, met with the board of trustees and select supporters and visited State Attorney Michael McAuliffe’s office to meet with Career Skills Program mentors.
“I look forward to seeing this agency continue to grow,” said Ms. Mathis. “It is important to emphasize that Big Brothers Big Sisters is a donor supported volunteer driven organization, and our agencies need significant support on the local level to provide our programs to children facing adversity. We are an independently evaluated mentoring organization with proven outcomes and impact. These programs change lives, and I am excited to see the Palm Beach community getting involved.”
“We truly enjoyed Ms. Mathis’ visit. Her enthusiasm, encouragement and support will go a long way towards our expansion,” said Bill Bee, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties. “Her vision and can-do attitude towards improving the lives of children is inspiring. We hope to harness the positive energy she created as we continue our expansion process into the Palm Beaches.”
More than 200 children are on the waiting list for a Big Brother or Big Sisters in Palm Beach and Martin Counties. Volunteers and financial support are needed to provide a positive role model to these children facing adversity. To volunteer or donate, please visit www.mentorbig.org. You contribution might be the start of something big.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties
BBBS provides at-risk children ages 6-18 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 Bill Bee as “CEO of the Year – Small Agency Category” in 2007. South Florida Business Leader Magazine ranked BBBS Martin County in 2009 and again in 2010 as one of the top 100 South Florida small businesses. Visit www.mentorbig.org to learn more.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
20 Hours with Karen Mathis- Posted By Bill Bee
What an amazing 20 hours I just completed with our National President/CEO for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
Monday evening offered the initial platform for Ms. Mathis to engage 40 of our Board & Council members, several significant funders (current & future) and numerous local businesses; the setting was Phillips Point Club – incredible vistas and magnificent food. Thank You, Mary Healy for creating the wonderful setting.
The group, while diverse in nature and professions, engaged in social amenities awaiting a brief but poignant speech by BBBSA President/CEO Karen Mathis. The message was very clear; BBBS is back in PBC and National is here to support the expansion. The speech made abundantly clear that Palm Beach and Martin Counties presented great need, but also had the potential resources to address this opportunity. At this point, Ms. Mathis stated BBBSA is a volunteer organization that is donor supported; we are # 12 in Brand name, but have been #36 in developing funds – that is changing! With this message our new mantra was repeated –“Start Something”.
Karen’s comments and supporting evidence of the impact of one to one mentoring did not fall on deaf ears. The energy and passion coupled by Ms. Mathis capacity to recognize each participant’s ability to advance our expansion was wonderful. I believe everyone left the evening knowing that they each had the ability to change a young life in some positive manner.
This morning, Gary Vonk , President of Keiser University hosted a breakfast for the Executive Board of BBBS of PB & MC to meet with Karen in a one to one setting; this allowed each member some constructive face time with Ms. Mathis. The breakfast offered an hour plus of some lively discussion, education and philanthropy dynamics, as we all consider our board roles and expectations.
A 10:00 appointment with the State Attorney Michael McAuliffe facilitated by Sarah Alsofrom (Monday evening attendee and an incredible supporter of our Career Skills Program) allowed Ms. Mathis some insight to the business mentors in our Career Skills Mentoring Program. Karen immediately mentioned attorneys are great mentors; did I mention, Karen Mathis is an attorney and former President of the American Bar Association. We enjoyed an hour of State Attorney McAuliffe’s time in addition to members of his staff that have served as mentors in this program. Not a bad group to advocate on our opportunities to serve children. Thank you Michael, Sarah, Autumn and Lynn for what you do for our kids.
Closing out the trip, we met a group of individuals for lunch at the Ritz Carlton; an opportunity developed by Larry Stern (Chief of Staff for LaBovick Law). The hosts of the lunch were Cubby Steinhardt and Brian LaBovick. The additional participants at the lunch represented a cross section of professions and industry, but all had one thing in common: what can we do to improve the lives of children facing adversity or lacking opportunity. Karen immediately went to task and addressed a myriad of questions while keeping our mission, programs and statistical evidence underlying our outcomes at the forefront of the discussions. Karen emphasized the backlog of children already in our agency’s pipeline that can only be remedied through development of greater resources to support our initiatives.
One might now ask, what has been accomplished by Ms. Mathis visit to our community and the agency? The most basic response would be; opportunity, opportunity and opportunity! Ms. Mathis made it crystal clear; the need is obvious, but it is the resources developed that are presently required. BBBS of Palm Beach and Martin County is making major progress in all areas of measured performance as it expands their services into PBC, however, professionally supervised and supported one to one matches requires both time and treasure – and right now, its treasure.
What an awesome twenty hours of passion, energy, understanding and education for board, council members, businesses and volunteers; Thank you Karen Mathis and all the people that attended our opportunities.
Monday evening offered the initial platform for Ms. Mathis to engage 40 of our Board & Council members, several significant funders (current & future) and numerous local businesses; the setting was Phillips Point Club – incredible vistas and magnificent food. Thank You, Mary Healy for creating the wonderful setting.
The group, while diverse in nature and professions, engaged in social amenities awaiting a brief but poignant speech by BBBSA President/CEO Karen Mathis. The message was very clear; BBBS is back in PBC and National is here to support the expansion. The speech made abundantly clear that Palm Beach and Martin Counties presented great need, but also had the potential resources to address this opportunity. At this point, Ms. Mathis stated BBBSA is a volunteer organization that is donor supported; we are # 12 in Brand name, but have been #36 in developing funds – that is changing! With this message our new mantra was repeated –“Start Something”.
Karen’s comments and supporting evidence of the impact of one to one mentoring did not fall on deaf ears. The energy and passion coupled by Ms. Mathis capacity to recognize each participant’s ability to advance our expansion was wonderful. I believe everyone left the evening knowing that they each had the ability to change a young life in some positive manner.
This morning, Gary Vonk , President of Keiser University hosted a breakfast for the Executive Board of BBBS of PB & MC to meet with Karen in a one to one setting; this allowed each member some constructive face time with Ms. Mathis. The breakfast offered an hour plus of some lively discussion, education and philanthropy dynamics, as we all consider our board roles and expectations.
A 10:00 appointment with the State Attorney Michael McAuliffe facilitated by Sarah Alsofrom (Monday evening attendee and an incredible supporter of our Career Skills Program) allowed Ms. Mathis some insight to the business mentors in our Career Skills Mentoring Program. Karen immediately mentioned attorneys are great mentors; did I mention, Karen Mathis is an attorney and former President of the American Bar Association. We enjoyed an hour of State Attorney McAuliffe’s time in addition to members of his staff that have served as mentors in this program. Not a bad group to advocate on our opportunities to serve children. Thank you Michael, Sarah, Autumn and Lynn for what you do for our kids.
Closing out the trip, we met a group of individuals for lunch at the Ritz Carlton; an opportunity developed by Larry Stern (Chief of Staff for LaBovick Law). The hosts of the lunch were Cubby Steinhardt and Brian LaBovick. The additional participants at the lunch represented a cross section of professions and industry, but all had one thing in common: what can we do to improve the lives of children facing adversity or lacking opportunity. Karen immediately went to task and addressed a myriad of questions while keeping our mission, programs and statistical evidence underlying our outcomes at the forefront of the discussions. Karen emphasized the backlog of children already in our agency’s pipeline that can only be remedied through development of greater resources to support our initiatives.
One might now ask, what has been accomplished by Ms. Mathis visit to our community and the agency? The most basic response would be; opportunity, opportunity and opportunity! Ms. Mathis made it crystal clear; the need is obvious, but it is the resources developed that are presently required. BBBS of Palm Beach and Martin County is making major progress in all areas of measured performance as it expands their services into PBC, however, professionally supervised and supported one to one matches requires both time and treasure – and right now, its treasure.
What an awesome twenty hours of passion, energy, understanding and education for board, council members, businesses and volunteers; Thank you Karen Mathis and all the people that attended our opportunities.
Keiser University Steps Up to the Plate to Support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Inc.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Aleisha Garcia
agarcia@mentorbig.org
Phone: 772-283-8373
Contact: Aleisha Garcia
agarcia@mentorbig.org
Phone: 772-283-8373
Keiser University Steps Up to the Plate to Support
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Inc.
Stuart, FL (May 17, 2011)- Keiser University’s West Palm Beach Campus graciously underwrote 200 tickets to send children and mentors from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties (BBBS) to Roger Dean Stadium’s Slammin’ Saturdays on May 28th.
Roger Dean Stadium’s ‘Slammin’ Saturdays’ offers a full evening of fun with live music and a grand finale fireworks display. “Littles” and “Bigs,” children and their mentors, can now attend the game free of charge thanks to the generosity of Keiser University.
“Keiser University has a long history of supporting beneficial programs in our community like Big Brothers Big Sisters,” said Gary Vonk, President of Keiser University’s West Palm Beach Campus. “It is important that children in our neighborhoods have the opportunity to experience community events and activities. I am excited to be able to support an event like this for our local kids.”
“We are very fortunate to have Gary Vonk on our Board of Trustees. We appreciate all of his time and dedication to our organization,” said BBBS President/CEO Bill Bee. “Without the support of local business partners like Keiser University we could not provide our much needed services to children in our community.”
Join BBBS at Roger Dean Stadium on May 28th to watch the Palm Beach Cardinals take on the Lakeland Flying Tigers! Discounted advanced tickets are on sale now at www.mentorbig.org and BBBS offices at 5033 SE Federal Hwy, Stuart FL 34997. Tickets are just $5 each to the general public and free for “Bigs” and “Littles.” Gates open at 5:35 PM and the first pitch is scheduled for 6:35 PM.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties
BBBS provides at-risk children ages 6-18 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 Bill Bee as “CEO of the Year – Small Agency Category” in 2007. South Florida Business Leader Magazine ranked BBBS Martin County in 2009 and again in 2010 as one of the top 100 South Florida small businesses. Visit www.mentorbig.org to learn more.
5th Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Inc. Career Skills Mentoring Program Graduation
5th Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Inc.
Career Skills Mentoring Program Graduation
Stuart, FL (May 16, 2011)- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Inc. (BBBS) recognized twenty-seven 8th graders from Murray Middle School and Stuart Middle School for successfully completing the Career Skills Mentoring Program.
Each child was accompanied by the business mentor as they were both acknowledged for their accomplishments. BBBS would like to thank all of our Business Mentors and Murray Middle and Stuart Middle School’s Principals and Coordinators.
“We are grateful for the continued support from all of our Business Mentors. Everyone did an awesome job with the kids and many of the children personally complimented them for their support and guidance,” said BBBS CEO/President.
Business Mentors Included- Gertrude Walden, Treasure Coast Harley Davidson, Crown Trophy, Pro Cycles, Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, Beard, Sobel, Bush & McCluskey L.L.P., Jensen Beach Animal Hospital, Birds on Safari, Family Foot & Ankle, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Inc., Vintage Guitar Closet, Seacoast National Bank, Boulevard Animal Hospital, Savannah Animal Hospital, Crossroad’s Architecture, C & W Computers, Painted Pears Art Studio, Dr. William J. Bohen Dental, and Stuart Police Department.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties
BBBS provides at-risk children ages 6-18 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 Bill Bee as “CEO of the Year – Small Agency Category” in 2007. South Florida Business Leader Magazine ranked BBBS Martin County in 2009 and again in 2010 as one of the top 100 South Florida small businesses. Visit www.mentorbig.org to learn more.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Roger Dean Stadium Slammin’ Saturday to Benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties
For Immediate Release
Contact: Aleisha Garcia
Phone: 772-283-8373
Stuart, FL (May 4, 2011)- Join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Inc. (BBBS) at Roger Dean Stadium on May 28th to watch the Palm Beach Cardinals take on the Lakeland Flying Tigers!
Roger Dean Stadium’s ‘Slammin’ Saturdays’ offers a full evening of fun with live music and a grand finale fireworks display.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Big Brothers Big Sisters this year for Slammin Saturdays,” said Lisa Fegley, Assistant General Manager at Roger Dean Stadium. “We’re looking forward to a great time!”
Gates open on May 28th at 5:35 and the first pitch is scheduled for 6:35 PM. Discounted advanced tickets are on sale now at www.mentorbig.org and BBBS offices at 5033 SE Federal Hwy, Stuart FL 34997 for $5 each.
Can’t make it to the ball game? Purchase tickets for a “Big” and “Little” and sponsor a day of fun! Buy tickets online or at our office and we will be glad to send a “match” to the game.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties
BBBS provides at-risk children ages 6-18 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 Bill Bee as “CEO of the Year – Small Agency Category” in 2007. South Florida Business Leader Magazine ranked BBBS Martin County in 2009 and again in 2010 as one of the top 100 South Florida small businesses. Visit www.mentorbig.org to learn more.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)