Thursday, June 27, 2013
Dwyer High School Football Team and Big Brothers Big Sisters Develop a Valuable Friendship
For Immediate Release
Contact: Aleisha Coleman
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.
Monday, June 24, 2013
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
Contact:
Aleisha Coleman
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.
###
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Big Brothers Big Sisters Continues to Grow in Palm Beach & Martin County
For Immediate Release
Contact: Aleisha Coleman
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.
###
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Big Brothers Big Sisters Celebrates their Graduating Class of Career Skills’ Interns in Palm Beach County
For Immediate Release
Contact: Aleisha Coleman
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) 8th 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 8th 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.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Big Brothers Big Sisters Celebrates their Graduating Class of Career Skills’ Interns in Martin County
For Immediate Release
Contact: Aleisha Coleman
Phone: 772-678-7487
Big Brothers Big
Sisters Celebrates their Graduating
Class of Career Skills’ Interns in Martin
County
Martin County, FL – June 5, 2013 – Big Brothers Big Sisters
of Palm Beach and Martin Counties (BBBS) recently celebrated the graduation of
26 interns who took part in the Career Skills Mentoring Program at Stuart
Middle School and Murray Middle School. BBBS would like to thank their funders,
business mentors, interns and school supporters for helping make this year’s
program possible. The graduation took place at Grace Place in Stuart. Sonny’s
BBQ and Seacoast National Bank generously donated food and beverages for the
event.
The Career Skills Mentoring Program provides middle school
students in 8th grade 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 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 Children's
Services Council of Martin County.
"The Children's Services Council of Martin County is a
proud supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters," said Suzanne Wentley, the
Council's public education coordinator. "But more so, we were grateful for
the help of a 'Little,' who volunteered at our office every week and was
mentored by our administrative assistant, Frances Kaleta."
“I enjoy watching this program grow year after year,” said
Derick Hayhurst, career skills mentoring program match support specialist at
BBBS. “We appreciate the dedication of the businesses that help make this
program possible.”
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 772-781-7855.
Photo Caption: Career Skills Mentoring Program Little
Sister/Intern Rosita and Big Sister Frances Kaleta from The Children’s Services
Council of Martin County.
Martin County Business Mentors: Advantage Ford of
Stuart, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach & Martin Counties, Bohen
Dental, C&W Computers, Children’s Services Council of Martin County, Crown
Trophy, Family Foot and Ankle, Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, Beard, Bush, Goldman,
Kilbride, Waters & McCluskey, L.L.P, Gertrude Walden Childcare, Martin
County Clerk of Court, Port Salerno Boys & Girls Club, Porter Law Office,
Skin Serenity Spa, Stuart Jet Center, Stuart Police Department, The City Of
Stuart, Treasure Coast Harley Davidson, United Way of Martin County, and YMCA
of the Treasure Coast
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.
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, June 4, 2013
The Schmidt Family Foundation awards $25,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties
For Immediate Release
Contact: Aleisha Coleman
The
Schmidt Family Foundation awards $25,000 to
Big
Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties
West Palm Beach, FL (June 4,
2013) – The Schmidt Foundation has recently awarded a $25,000
grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties (BBBS).
This contribution will help BBBS expand their mentoring programs for at-risk
children and youth in southern Palm Beach County, providing more children with
strong and enduring, professionally supported mentoring relationships that will
change their lives for the better, forever. Through these positive,
one-on-one mentoring relationships, children learn to see themselves as their
mentors see them: as valuable and capable individuals who, despite
environmental limitations, can set goals for themselves, and experience social,
academic, and personal success in their everyday lives.
“We sincerely
appreciate the Schmidt Family Foundation’s support of our mentoring programs,”
said William P. Bee, Jr., BBBS President and CEO. “The investment will make a
tremendous impact on the lives of the children in our local community.”
“The Schmidt Family
Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to helping people help
themselves. By providing an appropriate financial catalyst, the
Foundation gives individuals the means to alleviate suffering or to make the
most of their given abilities, that they may make the greatest returns to
society” (http://www.schmidtfamilyfoundation.org/).
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 sine 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.
###
Monday, June 3, 2013
jcpenney and Haggar Team Up in June to Support Big Brothers Big Sisters
For Immediate Release
Contact: Aleisha Coleman
Phone: 772-678-7487
jcpenney and Haggar Team Up in June to
Support Big Brothers Big Sisters
Customers Invited to Round Up Purchases to Benefit
Mentoring Youth
Palm Beach & Martin County, FL - June 3, 2013 -- Big Brothers Big Sisters,
the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, is joining forces with jcpenney in June
for the retailer’s charitable giving program, jcp cares. By rounding-up
purchases both in-store and online at jcp.com, customers support maintaining and monitoring long-term
mentoring matches to help children who face adversity in school and life.
“Our
partnership with jcp cares aligns perfectly with the Big Brothers Big Sisters’
Start Something® brand message, which tells people and organizations there are
many ways they can support mentoring; volunteering is just one of them,” said
Charles Pierson, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America president and CEO.
“jcp cares is providing financial support and awareness that will make
resources available to help our local agencies carefully match more volunteers
and children and provide support needed to keep the mentoring going strong
long-term.”
jcpenney
stores in Palm Beach County, Martin County and across the nation will
invite customers to become friends of Big Brothers Big Sisters by rounding up
purchases to the nearest dollar and donating the difference to the nationwide
mentoring organization. In addition, jcpenney will donate $1 for
every $50 gift card sold in June, up to $50,000, giving Big Brothers Big
Sisters an opportunity to receive additional funding.
“We are
incredibly excited to support an organization that is making such a profound
impact on the lives of children educationally, socially and emotionally,” said Miki
Woodard, jcp cares president and vice president of philanthropy for jcpenney. “Additionally, we’re proud to have
our long time brand partner, Haggar, by our side to fortify these efforts.”
Haggar will
also support Big Brothers Big Sisters by running an in-store campaign in all
jcpenney locations June 1-30. For any pair of Haggar pants purchased,
Haggar will donate $1 to Big Brothers Big Sisters, with a contribution of up to
$50,000. Customers will have the opportunity to enter for a chance to win
a trip to the 2013 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend in Canton,
Ohio.
“I am delighted that Haggar has joined the nationwide
mentoring network as a corporate partner,” said Lynn Swann, former professional
football player and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America alumnus board member
and national spokesperson. “It’s a perfect fit, as Haggar and Big
Brothers Big Sisters have a shared commitment to help children, families and
communities thrive. I will always be proud to wear my Haggar NFL Hall of
Fame jacket, just as I will continue to cherish the years I’ve been privileged
to serve Big Brothers Big Sisters.”
Big Brothers
Big Sisters will host its Reunite Now national conference in Denver, Colo. June
24-30. On June 26, jcpenney will sponsor a special luncheon at the
conference where the retailer will reveal a fashion makeover for a former “Big”
and “Little,” followed by a surprise reunion of the two. Throughout the
conference week, Big Brothers Big Sisters employees will encourage Bigs,
Littles, family members and friends to replace their Facebook profile picture
with a special badge that displays the partnering organizations’ logos.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)