Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Sonny's Give Back Night!

Join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach & Martin Counties for our
Give Back Night at Sonny's Bar-B-Q in Stuart. 

When: Thursday, June 7 from 5pm-9pm
Where: Sonny's Bar-B-Q (1961 SW Federal Highway, Stuart, FL 34997)
Dine in only!

With each flyer presented Sonny's will donate 10% of the sales you bring in to BBBS! Spread the word!

FIGHTING AMERICA’S HIGH SCHOOL DROPOUT CRISIS, LOCAL TACO BELL RESTAURANTS AWARD MORE THAN $4,000 TO BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS



 Contact: Bill Bee, CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties

FightING America’s High School Dropout CrisiS, LOCAL TACO BELL RESTAURANTS Award More THAN $4,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters
                                                                                                   
Palm Beach County, Florida. (May 25, 2012) – More than $4,000 was awarded to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties (BBBS) by the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens. The funds will support real-world experiential programs that help Palm Beach and Martin County teens stay in school and graduate. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties will serve approximately seventy-five teens through this Graduate to Go experience grant.

Teens from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties will greatly benefit from this grant. It will help to fund Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Career Skills Mentoring Program. Career Based Mentoring is a program that provides middle school children with the opportunity to gain employment skills. These students get matched with a business mentor for on-the-job guidance. Students will also receive a stipend and leave the program with meaningful job experience and training.

“We are honored to be recognized by the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens for our commitment to high school graduation and long-term success among teens,” said William Bee, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties. “It’s because of partnerships like this that we are able to offer career, community and educational experiences  that inspire our teens to stay committed to earning their high school degree and move on to great things in life.” 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties is one of more than 250 organizations nationwide that will receive a portion of $2.7 million granted by the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens. Graduate To Go™ is a long-term effort, launched by the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens, to raise awareness of the high-school dropout crisis and encourage teens to get their diploma.  The initiative funds real-world experiences, such as job training and college preparation, proven to motivate teens to stay in school. Funds were raised through local Taco Bell restaurant owners and Taco Bell customers. 


By the Numbers
America’s high school dropout rates are staggering, with one student dropping out of high school every 26 seconds.  More than 30 percent of U.S. teens and up to 50 percent of Latinos and African Americans fail to graduate with their class. Dropouts are more likely than high school graduates to be unemployed, in poor health, living in poverty, in prison, or on public assistance.** 

“The teen graduation crisis is a major hurdle for America as we strive to remain an innovative and powerful global leader,” said Shawn Winkler, Senior Manager Taco Bell Foundation for Teens. “The vital partnerships and programs we are funding today allow Taco Bell to help teens build a foundation for a future success through the vehicle of graduation.”

About the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens
The Taco Bell Foundation, Inc., dba Taco Bell Foundation for Teens (TBFT), a non-profit 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation, is committed to addressing the growing number of high school dropouts in the U.S. by providing teens with mentors and real-world experiences that motivate them to stay in school, graduate and achieve more in life. Since 1995, TBFT has donated more than $30 million to support teen programs at Boys & Girls Clubs of America and other teen-serving organizations. TBFT has done this with the help of ongoing customer, franchisee and employee donations.  For more information about TBFT, visit www.tacobellfoundationforteens.org.
About Taco Bell Corp.
Taco Bell Corp. ("Taco Bell"), a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc., (NYSE: YUM), is the nation's leading Mexican-style quick service restaurant chain. Taco Bell serves tacos, burritos, signature quesadillas, Grilled Stuft Burritos, nachos, and other specialty items such as Crunchwrap Supreme®, in addition to the 79-89-99 WHY PAY MORE™! Value Menu. Taco Bell serves more than 36.8 million consumers each week in nearly 5,600 restaurants in the U.S.

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, 2010 and again in 2011 as one of the top 100 South Florida small businesses. Visit www.mentorbig.org to learn more. 
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Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Big Brothers Big Sisters Celebrate Career Skills Graduation


For Immediate Release
Contact: Kara Justi
Phone: 561-727-3450

Big Brothers Big Sisters Celebrate Career Skills Graduation

West Palm Beach, FL – May 25, 2012 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties is excited to announce the graduation of the students in their Career Skills Program. The event was held at Roosevelt Middle School on Tuesday, May 22, at 6 pm. 

The Career Skills Mentoring program is an exciting opportunity provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties. Its main goal is to provide middle school children with the opportunity to gain employment skills. For the first 6-8 weeks of their 8th grade year, participating students receive one hour per week of group training and mentoring in basic job/employability skills such as: how to fill out an employment application, creating a positive image through “dressing for success,” and successful interviewing techniques. Students also benefit from motivational speakers, who address such topics as the importance of school achievement and the qualities demonstrated by successful employees. Students use their newly acquired skills to apply for positions with one of the local business partners and receive a match with a business mentor for on-the-job guidance for two hours per week for the rest of the school year. Students also receive a stipend and leave the program with meaningful job experience and training.

“We are very pleased to celebrate these students’ graduation from our program,” said William Bee, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties. "They graduate with valuable experiences that will contribute to their future successes."

Photo caption: Modeline, a Career Skills Mentoring Program student, enjoys working with her mentor, Phillys Brooks, at the City of West Palm Beach Commissioner’s Office.


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.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Wells Fargo and Big Brothers Big Sisters Develop a Valuable Friendship


For Immediate Release
Contact: Aleisha Garcia
Phone: 561-727-3450

Wells Fargo and Big Brothers Big Sisters Develop a Valuable Friendship

Stuart, FL – May 22, 2012 – Wells Fargo has recently donated $1,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties (BBBS) at their Community Partner Breakfast. The bank also recently donated a large stuffed animal horse to the children participating in Big Brothers Big Sisters’ programs.  Furthermore, Wells Fargo has decided to join BBBS’ Site-Based Mentoring program and has recruited ten new mentors with the help of Joyce A. Lamoly, Store Manager & Vice President at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. in Salerno Village Square.

“We’re happy to help,” said Joyce Lamoly. “It is Wells Fargo’s mission to build strong communities, improve the quality of life, and make a positive difference.”

“It is the help of generous business like Wells Fargo that allows our organization to continue improving the lives of children in our community,” said Stacey Brownlow, Martin County Executive Director 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.”
Photo Caption: Wells Fargo Employees Left to Right- Simon Kabdebo, Luis Ferrer, Joyce Lamoly, Carolyn Carter and Laura Parmer present Snowflake, a stuffed animal horse, to BBBS children at Wells Fargo Bank in Salerno Village Square.

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.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Great Charity Challenge Creates Generous Donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters


For Immediate Release
Contact: Kara Justi
Phone: 561-727-3450

Great Charity Challenge Creates Generous Donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters

Wellington, FL (May 15, 2012) – Equestrian Sport Productions, with the support of Mark and Katherine Bellissimo, donated $37,500 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties recently as part of the Great Charity Challenge at the Winter Equestrian Festival, which ran from January 11 to April 1, 2012.

The annual twelve week event was held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, which is managed by Equestrian Sport Productions. The festival presented the Great Charity Challenge, which is an equestrian jumping competition that gave over $1.2 million to charities that participated this year. Teams that participated in the Great Charity Challenge are composed of one amateur rider, one junior rider and one Olympic rider, and then randomly paired with a charity to compete for prize money.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties placed seventh, winning a total of $37,500, presented by Mark Bellissimo, CEO of Equestrian Sport Productions.


Photo Caption: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties presents a thank you plaque to Mark and Katherine Bellissimo. Counterclockwise, from right: Kara Justi, Bill Bee, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Mark and Katherine Bellissimo, Big Brothers Big Sisters’ participants.


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.

4th Annual Prom Dash A Success for Palm Beach County


For Immediate Release
Contact: Kara Justi
Phone: 561-727-3450
4th Annual Prom Dash A Success for Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County – May 10, 2012 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties is proud to announce the success of the organization’s fourth annual Prom Dash event. Prom Dash has been held every year for the past four years in Martin County and was held in the Palm Beach County area for the first time this year.  Prom Dash ran from February to May.

Prom Dash was an exciting opportunity for Palm Beach County high school girls to find the perfect dress, even those who cannot afford to purchase gowns on their own. They were invited to choose from Big Brothers Big Sisters’ large selection of donated dresses. Girls made appointments to view, try on and select gowns. The appointments were confidential and completely private. Big Brothers Big Sisters had a wide variety of dresses in different colors and styles, as well as shoes and jewelry to choose from.

“Prom Dash ensures that no high school girl miss out on a special event like her prom for any reason, especially finances,” said President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, William Bee. “We were pleased to provide the opportunity to help young girls create lasting memories.”


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.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

SunTrust Bank Makes a Big Difference


For Immediate Release
Contact: Kara Justi
561-727-3450

SunTrust Bank Makes a Big Difference

West Palm Beach, FL (May 2, 2012)- SunTrust First Vice President Doug Olesen generously presented a check for $2,500 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties (BBBS) last week to support their proven mentoring programs.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters is fortunate to have the support of SunTrust Bank,” said BBBS President and CEO William Bee. “Community programs rely on local support from businesses like SunTrust and representatives like Doug Olesen. This investment will have significant positive returns for local children, and we sincerely appreciate their contribution. Because of partnerships like these, we can continue to change the lives of children for the better, forever.”

“SunTrust Bank recognizes the incredible value of Big Brothers Big Sisters programs,” said Mr. Olesen. “With their proven outcomes and evidence based programs, we are confident our donation will result in positive change in our community. We are proud to support this organization and the children and families they serve in our community.”
Photo Caption: SunTrust First Vice President Doug Olesen (left) presents a check of $2,500 to William Bee (right), President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties.

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 Brothers Big Sisters and the Darden Foundation Partner to Advance Children in Martin and Palm Beach Counties


Organization Contact:
Kara Justi
561-727-3450

Darden Media Contact:
Megan DiSciullo
(312) 233-1363


Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Darden Foundation Partner to
Advance Children in Martin and Palm Beach Counties
                                                                                                                                
Grant is one of nearly 900 to be awarded through the inaugural Darden Restaurant Community Grants Program

West Palm Beach, FL – April 23 2012 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin County (BBBS) announced it has been selected to receive a $2,000 grant as part of the inaugural Restaurant Community Grant Program from the Darden Foundation, the charitable arm of Darden Restaurants Inc. The Restaurant Community Grant Program is a local grants program intended to help support nonprofit organizations in the hundreds of communities Darden and its restaurant brands serve. The donation will help BBBS provide their critical mentoring programs to children facing adversity.

Restaurants within the Darden family – Red Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Bahama Breeze and Seasons 52 – are helping to award more than $1.7 million in local grants to nearly 900 exceptional nonprofit organizations nationwide. Nonprofits receiving grants support one of Darden’s three key focus areas: access to postsecondary education, preservation of natural resources and hunger.


“Big Brothers Big Sisters is proud to accept this generous grant from the Darden Foundation via the Jensen Beach Longhorn Steakhouse and the Olive Garden in Boynton Beach,” said BBBS President and CEO Bill Bee. “The Darden Foundation’s investment will provide significant positive returns for children in our community, and we sincerely appreciate their support.”

“Each grant is not just a check – it is an opportunity to make an impact, from providing essential supplies to food banks in Oregon, to mentoring students in South Florida and supporting environmental education in New England,” said Drew Madsen, president and chief operating officer of Darden Restaurants, Inc. “Our service philosophy extends far beyond the walls of our restaurants. These grants bring that philosophy to life by helping to develop a better future for those we serve, one community at a time.”

For more information about the Darden Foundation, please visit http://www.darden.com/commitment/community.asp. For additional information on Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, please visit www.mentorbig.org.


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 and again in 2011 as one of the top 100 South Florida small businesses. Visit www.mentorbig.org to learn more.


About Darden Restaurants
Darden Restaurants, Inc., (NYSE: DRI), the world's largest full-service restaurant company, owns and operates more than 1,900 restaurants that generate over $7.5 billion in annual sales. Headquartered in Orlando, and employing 180,000 people, Darden is recognized for a culture that rewards caring for and responding to people. In 2012, Darden was named to the FORTUNE "100 Best Companies to Work For" list for the second year in a row and is the only full-service restaurant company to ever appear on the list. Our restaurant brands — Red Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Bahama Breeze, Seasons 52 and Eddie V's — reflect the rich diversity of those who dine with us. Our brands are built on deep insights into what our guests want. For more information, please visit www.darden.com.

 
The Darden Foundation
The Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation is the charitable arm of Darden Restaurants, Inc. The Foundation’s mission is to maintain a spirit of volunteerism and philanthropy as defining characteristics of Darden Restaurants. Since 1995, the Darden Foundation has awarded more than $60 million in grants. Total giving in fiscal year 2012 amounted to $7.8 million, 20 percent of which is represented by the Restaurant Community Grants Program. The Darden Foundation carries out its mission by focusing philanthropic efforts and resources on the following program areas: Access to Postsecondary Education, Preservation of Natural Resources and Good Neighbor Grants. 

A BIG Taste of Success


For Immediate Release
Contact: Aleisha Garcia
772-283-8373
A BIG Taste of Success

Stuart, FL (April 9, 2012) – Thanks to the generosity of the community The 16th Annual Big Taste helped raise over $85,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties (BBBS) local mentoring programs. The Big Taste, sponsored by Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, Beard, Sobel, Bush and McCluskey (Fox Wackeen Dungey) welcomed more than 1,000 excited attendees to The Evergreen Club for a night of culinary delights to benefit a most deserving cause. The Big Taste was presented in conjunction with The Big Golf Tournament, sponsored by Bayview Construction.


The Big Taste Honorary Chair Chef Bernard Carmouche, Culinary Director for Emeril’s Florida restaurant locations was an inspiring addition to the annual event. He was so moved by the evening and the generosity of the community that he donated 2 private dinner parties for 10-12 guests to be auctioned off at the event. This live auction created a total donation of $12,000 towards Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring programs.

Thanks to Supervisor of Elections Vicki Davis contribution of electronic voting machines, the winners of The Big Taste were announced during the presentation following the auction:

·         Best Soup- Palm City Grill, for New England Clam Chowder
·         Best Salad- Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, for Fresh Mozzarella Salad
·         Best Appetizer- The Evergreen Club, for New England Mussels sautéed with roasted garlic, fresh parsley and white wine
·         Best Entrée- Martin County High School Academy of Culinary Arts for Sea Scallops with celery root puree, vegetable sauté & red pepper-orange marmalade
·         Best Dessert- Edible Spirits, for Pineapple Rum Cakes with homemade Pineapple Ice Cream
·         Best Presentation- The Evergreen Club
·         Best Beer- JJ Taylor for Samuel Adams Boston Lager


“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach & Martin Counties would like to thank the sponsors, restaurants, community and our host for making this year the best year yet,” said Stacey Brownlow, BBBS Martin County Executive Director. “Our programs are only possible because of the generosity of the community.”

Photo 1 Caption- Photo provided by Swan Photography
Front Row: (L-R) The designer of Petit Luxe Truffles, Becky Whateley and 3 Little Sisters and EZ Cooking Academy Students. Back Row: (L-R) Al Hall, President/CEO of BBBS, Bill Bee, Emeril Lagasse’s Culinary Director, Chef Bernard Carmouche, Krysti Brotherton, Little Sister and EZ Cooking Academy Chef Dan Clark.

Photo 2 Caption- Photo provided by Swan Photograpy
Local community enjoying The 16th Annual Big Taste at The Evergreen Club in Palm City, on Tuesday March 20th. Thanks to the generosity of the community BBBS was able to raise over $85,000 for our local mentoring programs.

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 and again in 2011 as one of the top 100 South Florida small businesses. Visit www.mentorbig.org to learn more.