Community Comes Together To Make a “Big” Difference For Local Students

Publix Super Markets and Comcast are working with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Inc (BBBS) to generate donated school supplies for the School Tools for Cool Kids annual drive. BBBS will be the beneficiary of donated school supplies for all 70 Publix locations in Palm Beach County. Comcast is providing advertising for the drive through public service announcements.

In just the first two weeks, Publix customers have already donated enough supplies for over 600 students in need. Each donation is valued at an estimated $6 per student, making the overall value of the program over $3,500 so far. Over 40 volunteers are picking up the donated school supplies from local Publix stores and bringing them to BBBS headquarters on Kirk Road in West Palm Beach. BBBS will work with the Palm Beach School District to get the supplies to children who need them.

“This amazing program will allow us to help local children start their school year off right,” said BBBS President and CEO William P. Bee, Jr. “Judging from the donations we have received so far, we anticipate the opportunity to help over a thousand children in our community through the School Tools for Cool Kids P

rogram. This is a perfect example of how businesses can impact the lives of the people in their markets. We are grateful to have such committed organizations such as Publix Super Markets and Comcast in our community.”

Photo Caption

Cade Fowler, the youngest BBBS volunteer so far, drops off school supplies with his Aunt Jan to BBBS offices in West Palm Beach for the School Tools for Cool Kids Program, sponsored by Publix Super Markets and Comcast. 

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.

Publix and Comcast Come Together To Make a “Big” Difference For Local Students

Publix Super Markets and Comcast are working with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Inc (BBBS) to generate donated school supplies for the School Tools for Cool Kids annual drive. BBBS will be the beneficiary of donated school supplies for all 70 Publix locations in Palm Beach County. Comcast is providing advertising for the drive through public service announcements.

In just the first few days, Publix customers have already donated enough supplies for over 100 students in need. Over 40 volunteers are picking up the donated school supplies from local Publix stores and bringing them to BBBS headquarters on Kirk Road in West Palm Beach. BBBS will work with the Palm Beach School District to get the supplies to children who need them.

“This amazing program will allow us to help local children start their school year off right,” said BBBS President and CEO William P. Bee, Jr. “Judging from the donations we have received so far, we anticipate the opportunity to help over a thousand children in our community through the School Tools for Cool Kids Program. This is a perfect example of how businesses can impact the lives of the people in their markets. We are grateful to have such committed organizations such as Publix Super Markets and Comcast in our community.”

Photo Caption

Unfazed by having injured wrists, BankAtlantic Market Manager Marcy Glass (right) and Sales and Service Manager DeAnna Wetzel (left) drop off two car loads of donated school supplies to BBBS offices in West Palm Beach for the School Tools for Cool Kids Program, sponsored by Publix Super Markets and Comcast.

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 Snorkeling Adventure

Florida Oceanographic Society invited children from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach & Martin Counties to attend a private Snorkeling Clinic at Bathtub Beach on Tuesday, August 9^th. Deep Six Watersports in Stuart kindly donated the rentals of the snorkeling gear. The children and their parents were able to learn the basics of snorkeling and experience the amazing worm reef.

“We are thankful that Florida Oceanographic Society and Deep Six Watersports sponsored our children to participate in the Snorkeling 101 clinic,” said VP of Programs Stacey Brownlow. “What a great opportunity to learn and experience the wonders we have in our own back yard!”

“Florida Oceanographic Society is excited to provide our Snorkeling 101 clinic to these children. We educate thousands of students through on-site programs, outreach curriculum, and on-line activities,” said Florida Oceanographic Society’s Marketing & Communications Specialist Kim Waser. “Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach & Martin Counties is an amazing organization and we truly enjoy working with their children and mentors.”

Photo Caption:

Florida Oceanographic Society Education Specialist, Shannon Dack teaching a private Snorkeling 101 Clinic to children from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach & Martin Counties, Inc. on Tuesday, August 9^th at Bathtub Beach.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Inc.

BBBS provides children facing adversity 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.

Mulligan's 12 Weeks of Summer- to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach & Martin Counties!

Mulligan’s Beach House Bar & Grill located in Jensen Beach and Downtown Stuart held a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties (BBBS) on Thursday evening that helped BBBS raise over $700. The summer fun themed night included games, crafts, face painting and giveaways!

“We are thrilled to have such a wonderful relationship with such an amazing restaurant. Mulligan’s has always been a huge supporter of BBBS,” said Chief Development Officer Kara Thornberry. “They annually participate in our golf tournaments and The Big Taste! We are so happy that they were able to include us in their 12 weeks of summer fun program again this year.”

“We have been doing the 12 weeks of summer program for 3 years now,” said owner George Hart. “The event has become very successful over the past few years thanks to the help of the community. Mulligan’s is a family oriented restaurant that enjoys helping local charities. We hope to continue doing so for many years to come with the help and support of our loyal customers.

Photo Caption: Jim & Renee Hill at Mulligan’s Beach House Bar and Grill in Jensen Beach on Thursday, August 4^th volunteering for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach & Martin Counties.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties

BBBS provides children facing adversity 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.

Match Spotlight: Malik and Morgan

Malik and Morgan met in the beginning of the 2010-11 school year. It seemed to be a challenging match at first; Malik did not respect Morgan or himself. He would skip completing his homework and go to baseball practice instead. He also got into a fight with another boy at his afterschool club and had to be suspended. There was no question that Malik was going to be a challenge to work with. His Big Sister Morgan continued to be patient with him; finding positive qualities in him and offering words of encouragement. Instead of trying to change everything about Malik, Morgan focused on building a trusting relationship. It didn’t take long before Morgan and Malik were good friends; laughing and joking whenever they were together. Within a couple months, Malik’s grades started improving as well as his behavior. As Morgan and Malik filled their “My Good Character Book” each week, Malik started to realize how good of a student he could be and how far he had come. Malik was demonstrating respect for Morgan, but it didn’t stop there. He started showing respect for his fellow classmates and most importantly in how he carried himself. Malik is now being responsible in completing his daily homework assignments and participating in class, showing excellent Citizenship. In fact, Malik was recently awarded “Citizen of the Month” at his school! This was a huge accomplishment for Malik and also for his Big Sister Morgan, reassuring her that she was making a difference. If the Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring Program had not been there for Malik and his Big Sister had not encouraged him to practice the 6 Pillars of Character Counts!, Malik may not be the successful, outstanding child he is today!