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Sep 24
Defenders of Potential Big Gala

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay’s 21st Annual Defenders of Potential BIG Gala

By Fundraising Events

The agency’s largest annual fundraiser ignited the power and promise of youth by raising critical funds to support their mentoring programs

Click here for pictures from the event

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay celebrated their 21st Annual Defenders of Potential BIG Gala fundraiser at Hilton Tampa Downtown to raise funds and awareness for their mentoring programs in the local community, which serves over 3,000 children annually.

The agency embraced their new brand, Defenders of Potential, with an evening of superheroes and comic book fun. Guests browsed silent auction items while taking photos with Captain America, Wonder Woman, and Iron Man. The program began with a welcome for guests and appreciation for our Premiere and Big VIP sponsors with a special video featuring sponsors’ employees talking about which superpower they wish they had that could change the world. Then Big Sister of the Year and Big Brother of the Year were recognized for defending the potential of their Littles through mentoring. Board Chair, Kathy Wade of Fee & Jeffries, PA, addressed the crowd and thanked guests for their support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay and their mission to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

The program continued with a special appearance from Captain Pinnacle, a.k.a President and CEO Stephen Koch, who gave an update on the state of the agency, including that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay was given the Pinnacle Award, the highest honor from the national organization recognizing an increase in revenue and growth in overall number of Big and Little matches year-over-year for two or more consecutive years.

After dinner, Brian Auld, President of the Tampa Bay Rays, gave a heartfelt ask for guests to donate. Then everyone partook in an exciting live auction featuring a Stock the Bar Package from the BBBS Board of Directors, Custom Gourmet dinner in the Wine Room donated by The Tampa Club, Bass Fishing Experience with Darrell Davis, a Bermuda Vacation, and a Zulu Nyala Safari. After a fun evening of performances, auctions, a fabulous dinner, and inspiring program and successful Bid From the Heart, the evening ended with dancing to Total Entertainment by Matt Winter. The evening was closed by an after-party lounge sponsored by Sprinkles Cupcakes.

Thanks to all who attended the event and all the sponsors for making this amazing event a reality!

Want to help make an impact in the lives of children in the community? Donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay today!

And a very special thank you to all our Sponsors!

 

Aug 25
Columbia Community Harvest

Help Community Non-Profits by Dining at Any Columbia Restaurant in September for 22nd Annual Columbia Community Harvest

By Fundraising Events

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is excited to be a part of the 22nd Annual Columbia Restaurant Community Harvest Program. Just select Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay on the form that is provided with your check.

Let your appetite do the giving while you support local non-profit groups in Florida by dining at any of the seven Columbia locations in Florida during the entire month of September for lunch or dinner during the 22nd Annual Columbia Restaurant Community Harvest program.

Through this program, The Columbia donates 5 percent of all guests’ September lunch and dinner checks to the charitable organizations chosen by their customers. Just select Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay on the form that is provided with your check. The Columbia Community Harvest takes place in all of the Columbia locations including Ybor City in the historic district of Tampa, St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, St. Augustine, Sand Key on Clearwater Beach, Central Florida’s Town of Celebration, the Columbia Cafe on the Riverwalk in Downtown Tampa at the Tampa Bay History Center and the Columbia Restaurant Cafe at Tampa International Airport. All Columbia locations are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. For more information, see www.ColumbiaRestaurant.com

“We started this program in 1998 as a way to help many of the worthy non-profit groups that are so important to our communities,” said 4th generation family member and president Richard Gonzmart. “We thought the best way to do this was by letting our customers get involved in selecting the organizations. The process is simple. They just put a check mark next to one of the charitable organizations listed on a form we provide.  They turn it in to their server.  We do the rest, and donate 5 percent to the charity.”

Over the past 21 years, the Columbia Restaurant Community Harvest has donated more than $2.4 million to non-profit organizations throughout Florida.

The original Columbia Restaurant was founded in Tampa’s Historic Ybor City in 1905 by Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez, Sr., and is now Florida’s oldest restaurant.  Additional Columbia locations include St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, the Historic District in St. Augustine, Sand Key on Clearwater Beach, Central Florida’s town of Celebration, the Columbia Cafe on the Riverwalk in Tampa and the Columbia Restaurant Cafe at Tampa International Airport

All Columbia locations are owned and operated by 4th and 5th generation members of the founding family except for Columbia Restaurant Cafe at Tampa International Airport, which is operated in partnership with HMSHost. Follow on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Please see www.ColumbiaRestaurant.com for more information

Aug 20
Lavonte David Lavonte Legends Backpack Event

Lavonte Legends Foundation Donates Backpacks to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay

By Match Events

Littles and their families were able to get new backpacks and school supplies for the upcoming school year.

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay and Lavonte Legends hosted a backpack event to give supplies to Littles and their families for the 2019-2020 school year. Lavonte David, starting linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, donated 200 brand-new Nike backpacks through his Lavonte Legends Foundation. School supplies were donated by Stetson Law School Part-Time Student Group, Orion Marine Construction, Inc. and Tampa Postal Federal Credit Union plus $1,000 was donated by a private donor for supplies.

Littles were given a backpack and were able to “shop” for new school supplies. Volunteers from the Stetson Law School Part-Time Student Group helped set up and hand out folders, notebooks, pencils, and other school supplies. After shopping, Littles, Bigs and their families had some down-time in the gym playing basketball and dancing to music. Everyone enjoyed a lunch of pizza from Blackjack Pizza and cookies from Blondies Cookies.

Tia, the representative from Lavonte Legends Foundation, was presented with a poster that was signed by all the Littles thanking him for his donation of backpacks. She spoke to the crowd about the importance of mentoring and why Lavonte believes in the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay.

View photos from the event here.

Aug 11
Big Futures

Delaney’s Chance at a Big Future

By Big Futures

My name is Delaney and my Big and I have been actively involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay for over six years. I have just recently graduated from Boca Ciega High School on the day of my 18th birthday and only two weeks later, I am now living on a massive campus at Florida International University for the Summer term. My experience here on campus has been absolutely mind-blowing and it has only been a week, however, I have recently found myself to be going through some late notice financial hardships. If I fail to pay the remaining balance, I will be dropped from my classes and unenrolled at FIU. This situation has been extremely challenging and I have been doing everything in my power to remedy the situation. The payment is due with the next few days but I am strong-minded and determined to fulfill my potential here at FIU, because I am not going anywhere but to class.

When I found out this very distressing news, I reached out to Big Futures. Big Futures reached out to FIU Leadership on my behalf. They were quick to respond and we received the news:

“We are working with Financial Aid and Student Affairs to assist Delaney. Please note that her enrollment is not at risk of being canceled.”

As you can imagine, I was overjoyed and very thankful! This feeling could never be put into words. The power of two minds toward one goal is truly invincible. Thank you so much for your dedication to help students, such as myself. Your passion for what you do is inspiring and I hope to keep in close contact with you as I enroll in the Big Futures program. I thank you a billion times for myself and two billion for everyone in the future, to Big Futures!

Jul 30

Employer Matching Gifts for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay

By Fundraising Events

Many employers offer matching gifts for donations made to charities by their employees or for time spent volunteering. You can defend the potential of a child in our community by signing up with your employer to have matching funds donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay.

  1. Ask your HR department if there are matching funds available for your volunteer hours and/or donations you have made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. The paperwork takes just a few minutes to complete (Sample list of companies that offer matching funds)
  2. Let us know when you’ve completed the paperwork
  3. Questions? Contact Carla, 813.769.3650, CarlaT@BBBSTampaBay.org

It’s that easy! Your time spent volunteering with or donations made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay can make twice the impact with these matching funds from your employer.

Jul 25
Horizon Organic #ConfiDANCE

Big Brothers Big Sisters Teaming Up with Horizon Organic to Spread Confidence

By In The News

This back-to-school season, Horizon Organic is partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters to further our organization’s mission to help children realize their potential and confidently build their futures through one-to-one mentoring.

Horizon Organic recognizes the unlimited potential inside every child and is asking you to use the world as your stage and take to Instagram or Facebook to show your #HorizonConfiDANCE. More than 8 million kids in the US don’t have a supportive, sustained relationship with a caring adult mentor, which is why Horizon is proud to support Big Brothers Big Sisters and their continued efforts to build confidence through mentorship. According to the Big Brothers Big Sisters 2017 Youth Outcomes Survey, 92% of Littles are more confident in school after one year of mentorship with a Big.

Horizon wants to power up passions that will lead to something stronger than bones: self-confidence! We want to celebrate passions leading to confiDANCES during this back-to-school season. You can show us your confiDANCE in any way that celebrates you! Anything can be a dance move if it shows your confidence!  Whether you scored the game-winning goal, snagged that A+ on your paper or got a delicious dinner on the table by 6pm – it’s all something to celebrate!

Horizon invites you to join in its support of Big Brothers Big Sisters, furthering the organization’s mission to help children realize their potential and confidently build their futures through one-to-one mentoring.  For every dance shared on Facebook or Instagram, Horizon Organic will donate $5 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, up to $200K. Just use #HorizonConfiDANCE. To be featured on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay Facebook or Instagram page you can send your video to Kelli Serio at KelliS@BBBSTampaBay.org

Click here, to learn more.

Jul 17
Madalyn & Lizzet

How Little Lizzet Found Her Voice

By Match Stories

Lizzet’s Big worked hard to empower her potential and gave her the support she needed to overcome her social anxiety.

 

Big Madalyn and Little Lizzet have been matched since 2010, when Lizzet was seven years old. When they first met, Lizzet was incredibly shy — to the point that she would have mild panic attacks over presenting at school or talking to strangers. Madalyn was quite understanding of this and endured many outings where she was the only one talking.

Now, Madalyn says Lizzet barely stops talking when they’re together. “It took about two years for Lizzet to become that outgoing, but I was patient and determined to create a space for Lizzet to feel comfortable with her own thoughts and opinions and be able to share them,” said Madalyn

Many Bigs get discouraged after a year or two of spending time with a Little who remains quiet. Still, Madalyn was never frustrated by this and stuck with Lizzet, helping her realize her potential and become the talkative kid Madalyn knew she could be.

Now, Lizzet is a senior in high school and wants to become a farmer. Lizzet is grateful to have her Big Madalyn there to help her apply for scholarships or quiz her on her ACT practice tests. Lizzet even decided to enroll in dual enrollment classes to help her get college credits while she’s still in high school. Despite Lizzet being busy with her school work, a job, and joining two clubs at school, she still makes time to talk to her Big Madalyn every other week. She looks forward to times when they can see each other in person. Madalyn and Lizzet know they are going to be friends forever.

We couldn’t defend the potential inherent in each child without your support. Join our village and together we’ll clear a path to a child’s biggest possible future.

Jun 29
Mikey and Big Couple

Little Mikey Persevered with Support from his Bigs

By Match Stories

Before Mikey joined Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, he feared the water. With a little determination and a lot of support from his Bigs, he overcame his fear.

 

When Big Couple Ali & Jeff were first matched with their Little Mikey, Mikey’s mom told them that he did not know how to swim. “We decided the first thing we would do is teach him how to swim. There is water everywhere. The chances of him falling into water are pretty large,” said Ali.

At first, they tried to teach him themselves. “We took him to the YMCA because Big Brothers Big Sisters has a special program where we have free membership and it was an absolute disaster.” They quickly learned that Mikey was deathly afraid of the water. Anytime Ali & Jeff would take him in the water he would cry and shake. “He would say, ‘water will kill me,” Ali stated.

Realizing they needed help, Ali & Jeff turned to the Tampa YMCA. Mikey qualified for a scholarship through the Y’s financial assistance program and they were so grateful for the help of a certified Y swim instructor. After only three lessons and a lot of encouragement from his Bigs, Mikey began to love swimming and looked forward to going to his lessons.

Ali & Jeff continue to support Mikey and are helping him reach his goal of passing the swim test. Recently, Mikey was even recognized by the Tampa YMCA for his accomplishments in swimming, showing how learning to swim can transform a child and save lives. “He always says, ‘when are we going back to the pool?’ Over three years, this is the most important thing that we’ve done for him in our relationship,” said Ali.

Your financial support can empower more Littles Mikey to reach their full potential.

Donate Today
Jun 12
End The Big Wait

End the Big Wait

By Fundraising Events

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay aims to take 70 kids off their waiting list this summer and match them with mentors who will change their lives for the better, forever.

Kids in our community are standing still, waiting for a mentor. The End the Big Wait campaign aims to end that wait for 70 kids on Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay’s waiting list and match them with mentors who will defend their potential.

It costs about $1,500 to provide a child with a mentor through BBBS Tampa Bay for one year—covering background checks, fingerprinting, training volunteers, and ongoing support services that are the key to ensuring that each match between a Big and a Little will be successful.

The long-term success of these matches is in our numbers. In 2018:

  • 97% of kids in our program went on to the next grade level
  • 98% had zero involvement with the Department of Juvenile Justice
  • 99% are less likely to be involved with drugs
  • 70% maintained or improved their self-esteem
  • 74% maintained or improved their educational aspirations

Your generous support now empowers kids in our community to realize their potential. Let’s make today the day we end the wait.

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Jun 03

Introducing: Big Futures

By In The News, Match Events

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is announcing our newest program to help Littles beyond high school.

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is excited to introduce our newest program: Big Futures. This program will allow us to expand our services to continue helping Littles beyond their high school years. This program will serve Alumni Littles up to age 26 with support and guidance in making educational and career decisions with the goal that they are enrolled, enlisted or employed after high school and earning a living wage by age 26.

Big Futures will help set Alumni Littles up for success by assisting with career planning, enrolling in post-secondary education, assistance with financial aid, developing workplace skills, applying for scholarships, writing resumes, and applying and interviewing for jobs. This will be done in a few practical ways, such as:

  • Goal setting and accountability
  • Directing matches to resources that align with set goals
  • Offering workshops and special events
  • Developing community relationships that result in unique education and career opportunities for Alumni Littles

To apply for the Big Futures program, a Community-Based, Site-Based, or School-to-Work Little must have:

  • Graduated from high school, or
  • Will graduate high school in the Spring, or
  • Is 18 years of age or older

If you are interested in applying for the Big Futures program or your organization would like to partner with us to provide services to our Alumni Littles, please reach out to Dallas Ruffin, 813-769-3618 or DallasR@BBBSTampaBay.org

Stay Informed

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