BBBS of Palm Beach and Martin Counties: June 2012

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Mulligan’s Beach House Partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters for 12 Weeks of Summer

Mulligan’s Beach House Partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters for 12 Weeks of Summer

Martin County – June 22, 2012 – Mulligan’s Beach House is partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties for 12 Weeks of Summer, a weekly event to benefit nonprofit organizations.

What: Mulligan’s is hosting a Luau Party with Hula Spongebob! Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée and a child beverage. Kids are also invited to enjoy free face painting, crafts, a toy, and balloons. We also encourage everyone to dress up in their best tropical wear!

When: June 28, 2012, 5pm-8pm

Where: Mulligan’s Beach House in Downtown Stuart and Jensen Beach.

10% of the proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties.

“This will be a fun and exciting event for the children,” said Big Brothers and Big Sisters Martin County Executive Director, Stacey Brownlow. “We are extremely grateful to Mulligan’s for their generosity and for taking an interest in our organization.”

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.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Big Brothers Big Sisters Welcomes New Fund Development Director, Kelly Ring

For Immediate Release

Contact: Aleisha Garcia

agarcia@mentorbig.org

Phone: 561-727-3450

Big Brothers Big Sisters Welcomes New Fund Development Director, Kelly Ring

Palm Beach County – June 25, 2012 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties (BBBS) is excited to announce that Kelly Ring will be joining the organization as its new Fund Development Director. Kelly Ring comes to BBBS from Girl Scouts and has an extensive background in the fund development field. Ring will use this experience in BBBS’ fund development department, working on major gifts, special events, and corporate partnerships, as well as cultivating prospective major individual and corporate donors.

As the Director of Development at Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida, Ring developed and directed the sustainable events program, managed all grant writing, and worked closely with prospective donors, just to name a few of her significant responsibilities. Her work at the American Red Cross as Coordinator of Special Events and Development will also be an excellent contribution to BBBS. At the Red Cross, Ring worked tirelessly on building donor relationships and on the development and use of funds. Furthermore, her extensive background as an elementary school special needs teacher makes her a great fit for BBBS, of which the main goal is to help children suffering from all sorts of adversity.

Ring has a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from the University of Florida and training in mental health counseling. Her education and training will be very useful at BBBS, an organization that focuses on the benefits of mentoring, an activity in which patience and understanding is key, attributes which Ring clearly has. It is this diverse and well-developed background that will greatly impact the future well-being of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties and encourage the organization’s further growth.

“We are extremely thrilled to have Kelly on board,” said William Bee, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties. “Her experience and skills will greatly benefit our organization.”

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Macy’s Donates Large Sum to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties

For Immediate Release

Contact: Aleisha Garcia

agarcia@mentorbig.org

Phone: 561-727-3450

Macy’s Donates Large Sum to Big Brothers Big Sisters
of Palm Beach and Martin Counties

Martin & Palm Beach County – June 20, 2012 – Macy’s recently donated $43,118.22 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties (BBBS) through Macy’s Thanks for Sharing program, which ran from September to December 31, 2012. Martin County and Palm Beach County Macy's have gone above and beyond for BBBS. Macy's includes BBBS in their Thanks for Sharing Campaign, Shop for a Cause Campaign, and they also host a Shopping Spree for 75 of our local children.

Thanks for Sharing is an excellent program began by Macy’s in 2003 that benefits both Macy’s customers and various nonprofit organizations. It runs through November and December every year; customers enroll in the program for $25, and they receive a 10% off coupon in return. For each customer enrolled, Macy’s gives $10 to charity. Other charities served by this program include the American Heart Association, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, as well as the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and other local charities including the Boys and Girls Club.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties received a total of $43,118.22 from the Thanks for Sharing program. “We are extremely grateful for Macy’s generous donation,” said President/CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, William P. Bee, Jr. “It is only with the support of generous companies like Macy’s are we able to keep serving the children in our communities.”

Photo Caption: Stacey Brownlow: Martin County BBBS Executive Director, Richard Levine: Treasure Coast Square Mall Macy’s General Manager, William P. Bee, Jr: BBBS President/CEO, Drew Garrell: District Vice President- Macy's Ft Lauderdale & Palm Beach District, Norman Murphy: Macy’s Director of Operations, and Robert Kremler: Macy’s Director of Human Resources.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Big Brothers Big Sisters Recognizes Board and Staff Members for Their Outstanding Contributions

For Immediate Release

Contact: Aleisha Garcia

agarcia@mentorbig.org

Phone: 561-727-3450

Big Brothers Big Sisters Recognizes Board and Staff Members for Their Outstanding Contributions

Martin County – June 19, 2012 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties (BBBS) recently celebrated their dedicated board and staff members at the Stuart Yacht and County Club on Saturday, June 9. The organization had a Board and Staff Recognition Dinner in which everyone received awards and were recognized for their hard work.

Some of the most notable of the awards went to supportive businesses and companies in the area. Macy’s and PNC Bank were recognized for being generous corporate supporters, and Publix received an exciting award for 10 Years of Outstanding Corporate Support.

Mary Healy of Q.S. International LTD, along with George W. Bush, Jr. of Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, Beard, Sobel, Bush & McCluskey LLP, received awards for Time, Treasure and Talent to celebrate their faithful years of service to BBBS.

Two other special honors were presented to Joel Dowley and John Hall. Joel Dowley from Two Men and a Truck was recognized for his amazing Community Spirit, and John Hall from Advantage Ford received an award for being an Unsung Hero.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties is honored to have such an outstanding board and staff,” said Martin County Executive Director, Stacey Brownlow. “We are a donor supported, volunteer driven organization dedicated to improving the lives of local children. Thanks to the generosity of our board, staff and corporate supporters we are able to continue changing the lives of the children in our community for the better, forever.”

Photo Caption: Board of Trustees Members from left to right: Thom Padrick of Publix Super Markets, William P. Bee, Jr. of BBBS of Palm Beach & Martin Counties, Gary Vonk of Keiser University, and Joel Dowley of Two Men and a Truck.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Keiser University Creates Logo for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties’ Big Casino Night Event

For Immediate Release

Contact: Aleisha Garcia

agarcia@mentorbig.org

Phone: 561-727-3450

Keiser University Creates Logo for

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties’ Big Casino Night Event

Palm Beach County, FL – June 5, 2012 – Keiser University has created yet another excellent logo for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties (BBBS). This stunning logo is for one of Big Brothers Big Sisters’ upcoming events – Casino Night.

Casino Night will be held on October 6, 2012, at BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens. It will be a special event where guests can enjoy hors d’oeurves, cocktails, various slot games, craps, and much more. There will also be a raffle and an auction. All proceeds from Casino Night will go toward funding Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties’ programs. Those interested in attending the event must call 561-727-3450 to reserve a spot, as space is limited. And for anyone who desires to help, BBBS is also looking for event sponsors and donations for the auction and raffle prizes.

The logo chosen for Casino Night was designed by Alexis Pineda, who hopes to work as a graphic designer after graduating. “It is such an honor to get accepted by BBBS,” she said. “It makes me think about how powerful art can be, and how it can be used to promote and draw attention to great causes.”

BBBS’s partnership with Keiser University provides college students with exposure and experience while also helping the nonprofit organization enormously. Stuart Duvall, Graphic Design instructor at Keiser University, enjoys working with BBBS as well. It gives his students valuable real-life experience and the opportunity to work with a business, which can be invaluable in these times.

Photo Caption: The Casino Night logo was designed by Keiser University student Alexis Pineda. Alexis has been a student at Keiser University for one year and is scheduled to graduate in 2013.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties

About Keiser University

Statewide Keiser University (KU) serves nearly 18,000 students pursuing doctoral through associate degrees on 14 campuses, employing nearly 3,500 staff and faculty. The university has been regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1991 and is a Level VI institution.

Sixty-two percent of KU students graduate in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and healthcare fields, providing the talented workforce necessary for Florida to compete globally. The University ranks 1st in Florida and 2rd in the nation in production of Associate of Science graduates in healthcare professions and 2nd in Florida and 3rd in the nation in production of Associate of Science in nursing graduates*.

Keiser University's educational reach extends globally through its international programs including the Latin Division, a cooperative agreement in the Eastern European nation of Moldova, and a campus in Shanghai, China.

*Source: Community College Week evaluation of US. Dept. of Ed--Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System IPEDS 2010 Rank

“The Casino gaming tables are provided for entertainment purposes only by Casino Party Nights Florida Inc., tel. 954-926-4219”. All Donations and proceeds go the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach & Martin Counties, Inc.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Big Brothers Big Sisters Celebrates their Largest Graduating Class of Career Skills’ Interns in Martin County

For Immediate Release

Contact: Aleisha Garcia

agarcia@mentorbig.org

Phone: 561-727-3450

Big Brothers Big Sisters Celebrates their Largest Graduating
Class of Career Skills’ Interns in Martin County

Martin County – June 4, 2012 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties (BBBS) recently celebrated the graduation of interns who took part in the Career Skills Mentoring Program. It was an extra special year for Big Brothers Big Sisters because the graduating class was the largest yet – triple from three years ago. This is such a significant milestone because, at a time when the economy is struggling to mend, Big Brothers Big Sisters is training potential future workers who could encourage that further growth and find a comfortable place in the rebuilding workforce.

This year’s Career Skills Mentoring Program interns were from Stuart Middle and Murray Middle. The graduation took place at Grace Place in Stuart on May 10, 2012. BJ’s and Seacoast National Bank in Jensen Beach generously donated food and beverages for the event.

The Career Skills Mentoring Program provides middle school students with the opportunity to gain employment skills. Students in the program received one hour 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 then applied for positions with local business partners and were matched with business mentors for 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 Children's Services Council of Martin County.

“By providing a foundation of skills and education for our youngest residents, the Council is helping Martin County develop a stronger economy and improve the quality of life here,” said David Heaton, executive director of the Children's Services Council of Martin County. "Martin County homeowners are making a big impact through the Career Skills Mentoring program."

“I am so proud of the students that completed this year’s Career Skills Mentoring Program,” said Stacey Brownlow, Executive Director of Martin County at BBBS. “We look forward to helping even more children next year.”

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 Derick Hayhurst at 772-283-8373.

Photo Caption: Career Skill Business Mentor, Kristy Caldwell, from Seacoast National Bank and her little sister, O'Nedra.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties

About Children Services Council of Martin County

The Children’s Services Council of Martin County, an independent special district, was created by voter referendum in 1988 to provide a dedicated funding source for local children’s programs. The Council focuses funding on maternal and child health, early learning, after-school care, mental health and substance abuse prevention, the prevention child abuse and connecting families with needed resources. Learn more at www.cscmc.org.

Friday, June 1, 2012

Sonny’s “Gives Back” to Big Brothers Big Sisters on Thursday, June 7th

For Immediate Release

Contact: Aleisha Garcia

agarcia@mentorbig.org

Phone: 561-727-3450

Sonny’s “Gives Back” to
Big Brothers Big Sisters on Thursday, June 7^th

Stuart, FL- May 31, 2012 – Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q is holding a Give Back night for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties.

When: Thursday, June 7, 2012, 5:00 to 9:00 pm.

Where: Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q. 1961 SW Federal Highway, Stuart, FL 34994.

Details: Sonny’s will donate 10% of its proceeds to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties for each flyer presented. Flyers can be downloaded at www.mentorbig.org. Only “dine-in” customers will be allowed to participate. There will also be a Thursday night special of a full slab of baby back ribs for $11.99!

Sonny’s will be holding a give back night for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties the first Thursday of every month.

“We are so excited to be working with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties. At Sonny’s, Community involvement is a top priority,” said Sonny’s Catering Manager, Kathy Carroll. “Come out and support a great cause on June 7th!”

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties

Loss of programs will hurt Martin County

(Please click on picture to make article bigger.)