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Do you have what it takes to go Over the Edge?

By Fundraising Events

Raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay for the opportunity to rappel down the Hilton Downtown Tampa hotel!

Over the Edge is a fundraising organization that partners with nonprofits like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, to host rappelling events at buildings around the world. If you are a thrill seeker then this is the event for you! To join participants must pledge to raise $1500, which is the cost of maintaining a match between a mentor and mentee (Big & Little) for one year. This year’s event is sponsored by CALE America & Paradise Ventures.

No experience is necessary to participate. Prior to rappelling for Over the Edge, you will have the opportunity to practice your technique and have a trainer walk you through your first few steps over the side of the Hilton Downtown Tampa. If you are an expert rock climber, be warned – this is not your typical rock climbing rappel! You will be strapped into a full-sized industrial harness and will use an industrial descender. But don’t worry! You will be given a radio so that you can communicate with the trainers and technicians as you enjoy the view on your way down.

There will be 76 spots available to those who meet their $1500 fundraising goal. After you register here, you will be given all of the support you need to fundraise, including your own dedicated fundraising webpage, more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, an informative strategy guide on how to maximize your donations, sample donation request letters, and more! There is no age limit to participate, if you are under 18 you need a signed waiver from a parent or guardian, and you must be between 100 & 300 pounds to participate. Be prepared, as the training and paperwork will take 60-90 minutes, but once you begin your descent the rappel lasts 10 to 15 minutes.

Do you think you have the guts to go Over the Edge? Then click here to register!

Still have questions or want to be a sponsor? Contact Dawn Kuhn at dawnk@bbbstampabay.org  or call 727-351-4669.

Free & Low-Cost Activities for Matches

By Match Events

It’s not the money spent that makes the difference, but how you spend your time that will have a lasting impact. 

 

You may remember your Match Support Specialist saying that Disney isn’t the best idea for your first outing with your Little. Ever wonder why? It’s because it sets an expectation that EVERY outing will be just as big and extravagant as Disney. In reality, most of the activities you will do together will be free or low-cost activities that encourage your Little to engage with you and the surrounding environment without putting a strain on your wallet.

When it comes to spending time with your Little, it’s not about how much money you spend. Although a trip to Disney can be fun for a special occasion, like your Little’s birthday or a stellar report card from school, what’s important is consistency in time spent with your Little.

Here are some awesome ways to hang with your Little that are free or low-cost:

  • Wash the car
  • Visit the park
  • Go to a festival
  • Play a sport together
  • Watch a ballgame
  • Go to the beach
  • Enjoy a fishing trip
  • Bake a cake or cook a meal
  • Make a scrapbook
  • Go on a picnic
  • Visit the local library
  • Play a board game or card game
  • Help them with their homework
  • Take a walk, hike or ride your bikes

It really is that easy! Your Little will cherish the time you spend together no matter what you are doing. And you don’t have to break the bank to have a good time.

What other ideas do you have for free and low-cost ways that you can spend time with your Little?

Bigs in Blue Aims to Connect Youth & Police Through Mentoring

By Bigs in Blue/Bigs with Badges

Through one-to-one mentoring relationships, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay hopes area youth get a more accurate perception of the positive role law enforcement personnel play in our community.

 

Bigs in Blue is a one-to-one mentoring program through Big Brothers Big Sisters that aims to build a bridge between law enforcement personnel and the communities they serve by pairing children facing adversity with mentors in local law enforcement. Currently there are 55 Bigs in Blue programs in the United States, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay.

The pilot program for the Tampa Bay area was launched with the Tampa Police Department in the fall of 2017. As part of the program, TPD employees (called Bigs) spend one hour each week meeting with an elementary school student (called Littles) to spend quality time together. Currently there are over 35 matches involving TPD personnel, and they are excited about growing with Bigs in Blue.

“We feel honored to be the pilot program and we think it will be a huge success in the Tampa Bay area,” said Capt. Ashley Roberts, Big Brothers Big Sisters liaison for the Tampa Police Department. She explained that the benefit of allowing officers to volunteer during their work hours means that the usual barriers to becoming a Big – not enough time or having kids of their own – is no longer an issue.

Capt. Roberts, who has a Little Sister herself, knew Bigs in Blue would have positive outcomes for the children, such as reducing their risk of involvement with the Dept. of Juvenile Justice. But she didn’t realize how much the program would affect her. “It definitely has a positive impact on the kids and the officers,” she said. “I look forward to seeing my Little all week. We’ve been reading My Little Pony together and she loves it! The program gives the children a sense of pride.”

“I would recommend the program to any local law enforcement that is thinking about getting involved,” she said. “The initial setup takes time, but after that, the program basically runs itself. I tell everyone how amazing this experience has been.”

If you are interested in learning more about the Bigs in Blue program, please reach out to Jack Sheppard at 727-420-4338 or JackS@bbbstampabay.org

 

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