Dear Friends,
As we close out June and return from the Big Brothers Big Sisters National Conference in Atlanta, I find myself reflecting on all that our agency has accomplished. Our Board Chair, Chris Butler, joined six members of our team in Atlanta from June 15–18 for a week of learning, collaboration, and connection with colleagues from across the country.
Thanks to the incredible work of Kate Griffin our Chief Program Officer and her team, we received the 2025 Outstanding Strategic Growth Award at the National Conference for increasing the number of Big and Little matches year over year. This recognition reflects our collective commitment to ensuring more young people have access to the life-changing power of mentorship. As we look ahead to 2027, we will continue to embrace this year’s conference theme: “Big Dreams, Bigger Vision.”
In the midst of the conference, I briefly returned to Tampa on June 17 for the inaugural Father’s Day/Mother’s Day Council event. The event honored four exceptional community leaders and devoted fathers, with proceeds benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. This year’s honorees include: Lavonte David, Super Bowl Champion and longtime Tampa Bay Buccaneers standout, John Couris, President & CEO of Tampa General Hospital, Todd Wanek, Chairman & CEO of Ashley Furniture Industries and Oscar Horton, Chairman & CEO of Sun State International Trucks. It was an inspiring afternoon and reinforced the importance of a father and a positive male role model in a child’s life.
Research consistently shows that children with engaged fathers and caring male mentors are more likely to succeed academically, build healthy relationships, and develop greater confidence and resilience. While every family looks different, the presence of supportive men who show up, listen, and lead by example can have a profound and lasting impact on a young person’s future.
As we also recognize Juneteenth this month, we are reminded of the enduring values of freedom, hope, and community. Juneteenth is an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, celebrate progress, and recommit ourselves to creating brighter futures for the next generation.
I encourage each of us to carve out time to serve, whether that means supporting your family, giving back to your community, or simply showing up for someone in need. In a world that constantly competes for our attention, time remains one of the most meaningful gifts we can give. The greatest legacy we leave is not found in what we accumulate, but in how we invest ourselves in others.
Thank you for being part of this work and for investing in creating more life-changing connections for the youth and families we serve.
With much gratitude,
Robyn
