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Fundraising Events

Oct 29
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That’s a Wrap on Mission: Possible!

By Fundraising Events, Uncategorized

The mission was clear, the stakes were BIG, and our community proved that changing a young person’s future is always possible.

On October 10, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay brought Mission: Possible to life at the Motor Enclave for an unforgettable evening celebrating the mentors, supporters, and community partners who make life-changing relationships possible. From inspiring stories to well-deserved recognition, the 2026 BIG Gala reminded us that when we show up for our youth, incredible things happen.

Want to relive the magic? Watch the BIG Gala video and view photos from the evening to revisit the special moments, inspiring stories, and incredible people who made the night unforgettable.

A highlight of the evening was recognizing Celeste Roberts, Founder and CEO of the Skill Center, as the 2026 Rays Up Award recipient for her impact and commitment to the community.

The evening also celebrated the extraordinary relationships at the heart of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Russell Nelson and his Little Brother, Yulon, were recognized as Big Brother of the Year, celebrating a match that began when Yulon was just 10 years old. Sandra Tidd and her Little Sister, Allyson, received Big Sister of the Year honors, recognizing the meaningful difference their relationship has made in Allyson’s life. Crystal L. Lauderdale and Peter Masa were honored as Big Couple of the Year alongside their Little Brother, Jorge.

Guests also heard the inspiring story of Ari and her Big Sister, Deen, who have been matched for nearly eight years. Their relationship shows how showing up consistently can create lasting memories, build confidence, and help young people imagine a bright future.

The Gala was more than a celebration. It was a chance to invest in the future of children across the nine counties Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay serves. With nearly 600 children waiting for a mentor, community support is essential to creating more life-changing matches.

Be part of what’s possible. Become a Big Brother, Big Sister, or Big Couple and help a young person discover their potential. If mentoring isn’t the right fit for you, you can still make a BIG difference by donating, connecting us with a community partner, or sharing our mission with your network.

Sep 23
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Marion County Goes BIG for Mentorship

By Fundraising Events, Networking

What an incredible Give4Marion!  

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay was proud to participate in this year’s community-wide giving celebration on September 15–16, bringing together generous supporters, community partners, and advocates who believe in the power of mentorship. 

Throughout the two-day event, our team had the opportunity to connect with supporters across Marion County, share the impact of professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships, and highlight the BIG difference caring adults make in the lives of youth. 

From the #CogentPowerHour to community conversations and social media shoutouts, Give4Marion was filled with opportunities to raise awareness and rally support for local young people.  

Robyn Ostrem, CEO at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay shares, “I am incredibly grateful to Susan Alexander, our Partnership Manager in Marion County, for leading us through another successful Give4Marion. It’s exciting to see the incredible work happening in Marion County and the continued support from our community. We are fortunate to have such a large footprint across nine counties, allowing us to serve so many deserving young people.”  

We are so grateful to everyone who shared our mission, made a gift, encouraged a friend to get involved, or helped spread the word. 

While Give4Marion may be over, the need for mentorship continues. There are still young people in Marion County waiting for a Big of their own. To learn more about becoming a Big Brother, Big Sister or Big Couple, click here!  

Sep 23
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Introducing The Big League: A BIG New Way to Get Involved

By Fundraising Events, Networking

Big things are happening at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, and we’re excited to introduce The Big League. The Big League is a new community for Bigs, Alumni Bigs, and young-to-mid-career professionals who believe in the power of mentorship and want to make a lasting impact. 

James Bremis, RMR Wealth Builders, Inc., and Board Member at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, along with Chad Mitchell, Vice President of Mission Partnerships & Advocacy at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, are championing this new initiative.  

Launching first in Hillsborough County in the fall of 2026, The Big League will bring together individuals who share a passion for giving back, building meaningful connections, and investing in the future of our youth. The Big League will offer opportunities to connect, network, grow, and make a BIG difference. 

We’re looking for our first 50 Founding Members to help shape this new community from the ground up. Founding Members will play an important role in setting the stage for what The Big League can become across our nine-county service area. 

Membership is about more than attending events. It’s about joining a community of like-minded individuals who want to make an impact while growing personally and professionally. Members will have opportunities to attend networking mixers, participate in professional development experiences, and connect with our Executive Leadership Team and Board of Directors. 

The Big League will also offer signature event discounts, holiday gatherings, and opportunities to deepen your connection to the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. 

Membership is $300 annually, or a minimum monthly payment of $25. Captains and Co-Captains can also help lead the community through a $1,000 give/get commitment. 

As we prepare to launch in Hillsborough County and expand across our nine-county service area in 2027, we invite you to be part of this exciting new chapter. 

Register now for an upcoming info session, or if you’re ready to become an official member, click here!  

Aug 31
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Driven to Make a Difference: Thank You, Motor Enclave!

By Fundraising Events, Networking

What a weekend!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is incredibly grateful to everyone who came together at the Motor Enclave for Guys Night Out: Cars & Comedy and the 10th Annual Cars En Coffee, two unforgettable events that brought our community together while supporting the power of mentorship.

From incredible cars and high-energy experiences to plenty of laughs, the weekend was all about having a great time for an even greater cause.

Guys Night Out: Cars & Comedy kicked things off on Friday, August 28, with an evening filled with one-of-a-kind vehicles, motorsport experiences, luxury goods, great food and drinks, and plenty of laughs thanks to headliner Adam Carolla. Hosted by Brad Oleshansky and Jeff Gigante, the event gave guests an opportunity to experience the Motor Enclave while making a meaningful difference for local youth and an elevated dining experience from Next Level Brands Hospitality including a sneak peek at the new Matilde concept.

The fun continued the next morning with Cars En Coffee, where car enthusiasts and thousands of community members gathered to admire an incredible collection of vehicles, connect with one another, and learn more about the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. We were happy to show up BIG with our branding throughout the property and having a handful of Bigs and Littles connect with guests, and our staff promote our transformational programs.

We have a strong and ongoing need for Big Brothers in our community, and both events provided an incredible platform to elevate that need and introduce our mission to thousands of potential volunteer mentors. Every new conversation has the potential to become a life-changing mentoring relationship for a child who is waiting for someone to show up and be there for them.

Every dollar raised helps Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay create and support life-changing mentoring relationships across our nine-county service area. With more than 1,000 children currently waiting for a mentor, partnerships like this are more important than ever.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to The Motor Enclave staff, Brad Oleshansky, Jeff Gigante, Adam Carolla, Karie MacFarlan, event sponsors, volunteers, vendors, attendees, and every member of our community who helped make the weekend possible.

Thank you for showing up, having fun and, most importantly, going BIG for kids in Tampa Bay.

Jun 24
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Celebrating Tampa Bay’s Inaugural Fathers of the Year

By Fundraising Events, Networking

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay was honored to be the beneficiary of the inaugural Tampa Bay Father of the Year Awards, held on June 17 at the Bob Buckhorn River Center. Hosted by the National Father’s Day Council, the event celebrated four remarkable men whose leadership, service, and commitment to family have made a lasting impact on our community. 

This year’s honorees included: 

  • 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  
  • Oscar Horton, Chairman & CEO of Sun State International Trucks  

Each honoree represents the values that define exceptional fathers and mentors—integrity, leadership, perseverance, and a dedication to serving others. Their influence extends well beyond their professional accomplishments and serves as an inspiration for future generations. 

The event also highlighted the critical role fathers and positive male role models play in the lives of young people. Research shows that children with caring, engaged adults are more likely to succeed in school, build healthy relationships, and develop the confidence needed to achieve their goals. 

Proceeds from the luncheon benefited Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay and our mission to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. We are grateful to the National Father’s Day Council for bringing this meaningful tradition to Tampa Bay and for investing in the future of local children and families. 

Oct 01
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taste of the beaches photo with seafood appetizers

Taste of the Beaches 2025: Eat Local, Give Local

By Fundraising Events, In The News

We are grateful that for another year in a row, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay will be the recipient of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce’s Taste of the Beaches fundraiser.

From October 3 to October 14, visitors and residents have the chance to sample dishes at restaurants along the beaches while supporting our Bigs and Littles. This year, around 50 local restaurants are participating, offering a variety of fresh, creative, and delicious dishes

How Taste of the Beaches Works

  1. Pick out your Tastes: Browse the participating restaurants and choose the dishes you want to try
  2. Purchase your tickets: Each ticket is just $10 per Taste
  3. Dine along the beaches: Visit your selected restaurants between October 3 and October 14, 2025
  4. Redeem your Taste: Present your ticket and enjoy your chosen dish
  5. Repeat: Try as many restaurants as you like

Participating Restaurants

Here are some of the participating restaurants and their featured dishes:

  • Mastry’s Brewing Co. House-made wings and slider paired with your choice of 2–4 oz craft brews.
  • Glory Days Grill Tyrone. Rookie Plate with your choice of 2–6 oz draft beers; includes mac bites, boneless wings, pretzels, and dry rub wings.
  • Dick’s Last Resort. Hawaiian P.I.G. Taco served with chips and queso, choice of trashcan punch or draft beer.
  • Vista at the Top at Residence Inn. Tuna Poke with a Gin & Vermouth Flip cocktail.
  • Rumfish Grill. Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna, Served with mango relish, wasabi crisp, red pepper vinaigrette and a Dragon Mojito infused with dragon fruit white rum, lime, mint.

The money raised from Taste of the Beaches will be donated as unrestricted ancillary funds, directly supporting our mission to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

Why It Matters

When you take part in Taste of the Beaches, you are not just enjoying delicious food. You are investing in the future of our community. Your support helps us match more children, called Littles, with caring mentors, called Bigs, creating life-changing relationships that empower kids to reach their full potential.

Join Us at Taste of the Beaches 2025

Mark your calendars, grab your tasting passport, and get ready to eat for a cause. We are so grateful to the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce and our amazing community for making mentorship possible through this event

Learn more and get your tickets at: https://www.tampabaybeaches.com/taste/

We’ll see you at the beach this October. Bring your appetite and your heart for giving!

Aug 15
Love0

Inside the Big Gala: What to Expect at Our Biggest Night of the Year

By Fundraising Events, In The News

Every fall, the Big Gala brings together our community for one unforgettable evening, and this year will be no exception. Whether you’re a long-time supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay or just learning about our mission, the Big Gala is an incredible opportunity to make a difference while enjoying a night of celebration, connection, and inspiration.

Why Attend?

It’s Bigger Than a Gala. It’s a Movement
When you walk through the doors, you’re not just attending another event, you’re stepping into a room full of people who believe in the power of mentorship. Every ticket, every bid, and every raised paddle helps us match more children with caring adult mentors and fund life-changing programs throughout our eight-county service area.

Your Presence Supports Local Youth
This isn’t just a party with a purpose, it’s an investment in the future. The funds raised at the Gala go directly toward matching more Littles with dedicated Bigs and providing ongoing support to those matches. When you attend, you’re helping kids overcome obstacles, build confidence, and achieve their full potential.

It’s One of the Most Inspiring Nights of the Year
There’s something powerful about being in a room filled with mentors, mentees, donors, and community leaders all united by a shared cause. Throughout the evening, you’ll hear stories of transformation that remind us all why mentoring matters. It’s not uncommon for tears, laughter, and standing ovations to happen-sometimes all in the same five minutes!

Connect with Change-Makers
The Gala is also an opportunity to meet and mingle with fellow supporters, business professionals, and community leaders who share your passion for making a difference. Many lasting partnerships, friendships, and mentorship opportunities have started at our Galas.

What to Expect

Live Entertainment
Enjoy a special musical performance by Ken Block and Drew Copeland of Sister Hazel, sure to bring a unique and heartfelt energy to the night.

Dinner, Drinks, and Desserts
Guests will enjoy a full dinner, cocktails, and a sweet ending, all curated to make the night feel like a true celebration.

The Rays UP Award Presentation
This year, we’ll honor Brett Morgan, CEO of Morgan Auto Group, with the Rays UP Award, a recognition given to individuals or businesses making a significant impact on local youth.

Bigs and Littles of the Year
We’ll also be celebrating our Bigs and Littles of the Year, highlighting the power of consistent mentorship and the lasting relationships built through our program.

Live and Silent Auctions
Bid on exclusive experiences, travel packages, one-of-a-kind items, and more, all in support of our mission. From sports memorabilia to luxury getaways, there’s something for everyone.

Heartwarming Stories of Mentorship
Throughout the evening, you’ll hear real stories from local matches that highlight the life-changing impact of mentoring. These are the moments that ground the glamour and remind us why we’re all here.

Dress to Impress

The Big Gala is your chance to dress up and stand out, but most importantly, to show up for kids in our community who need someone in their corner.

Ready to RSVP?

Mark your calendar, gather your friends or colleagues, and get ready for an evening you’ll never forget. Whether you’re attending for the first time or the fifteenth, the Big Gala is more than an event. It’s a celebration of what’s possible when we come together for a greater cause.

Let’s make this year’s Big Gala the most impactful yet. We can’t wait to see you there. Sign up here.

Mar 08
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Bowl For Kids' Sake

Get the Ball Rolling For Your Fundraiser — Bowl For Kids’ Sake

By Fundraising Events

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is proud to announce the start of our annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake. Each year, we get together with our supporters for a few rounds of bowling while raising money to support our youth mentoring programs.

How to participate in Bowl For Kids’ Sake

Getting on the lanes and supporting youth mentoring is as easy as one, two, three!

  1. Visit our Bowl For Kids’ Sake campaign page and register your team.
  2. Recruit your friends and start fundraising. Invites your friends, coworkers, sorority sisters, or fraternity brothers to join your team. Each person gets a fundraising page to help raise money for your team. 
  3. Celebrate your fundraising at a bowling party! You and your team will attend the bowling party at the date and location chosen when you registered your team. The party is the best part – not only do you get two bowling games, but you and your teammates also get T-shirts, pizza, and drinks, plus a chance to win raffles and auction prizes. 

Tips for Fundraising for your Bowl For Kids’ Sake Team

Now, it may sound like it’s all fun and games, but it is serious too. We are counting on the money we raise in this campaign to fund our mentoring programs that serve nearly thousands of children across nine counties. We need your help to make this a success. So once you’ve signed up, here are some tips to ensure you’ll be the most successful with your fundraising.

1. Share your personalized team link with your friends, family, coworkers, etc.

They won’t donate if you don’t ask them, so ask them! A quick text asking if they’d support your fundraiser is the best way to get a donation. Share the link on your social media and ask your followers to show their support for a cause that means a lot to you. 

2. Try a Facebook Fundraiser

Facebook has made it extremely easy to fundraise, and it doesn’t have to just be on your birthday. Be sure to include Bowl For Kids’ Sake in the title so we know it’s for your team. When the deposits come in, we’ll make sure they get added to your fundraising page to keep track of your overall goal. Not sure how to set up a Facebook fundraiser? Check out this video on our YouTube for step-by-step directions.

3. Add a Donation Sticker to your Instagram Story

Did you know you can also raise funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay on Instagram? It’s as simple as adding a Donation sticker to your Instagram story. Share why you want others to help you support our mentoring programs in a video or image, add the sticker, and change the title on the sticker to your Bowk For Kids’ Sake team name. Later offers a guide on how to use the donation sticker on Instagram stories.

4. Have a Bake Sale

Get in the kitchen and start baking! Maybe even bake some things to sell with your Little. You can sell them to your friends or neighbors or even find a location in front of a business that would allow you to set up a table. Be sure to get permission from a manager first. Get more ideas from hub’s How to Plan a Bake Sale. 

5. Host a Golf Tournament

Make it casual or competitive by getting friends together for a few rounds of golf. It could be as simple as asking your friends to donate to your team and setting a tee time. Or, if you are looking to take your tournament to the next level, Golf Digest offers an easy guide for hosting a successful golf tournament fundraiser. 

6. Plan a Garage Sale

Do you feel like it’s time for a spring cleaning? Why not sell those items collecting dust in your attic at a Garage Sale for Bowl For Kids’ Sake. Set up some tables in your front yard or get your neighbors or teammates together to combine your fundraising efforts. Amy’s Wandering blog shares their tips for planning a garage sale fundraiser. 

7. Organize a Bingo Night

Virtual bingo is a fun and safe way to socially distance while raising funds for your Bowl For Kids’ Sake team. Invite your friends or host bingo for your coworkers. Check out our guide to hosting a virtual bingo.

8. Ask your Employer to Sponsor a Lane

What would be a better team-building activity than bowling for a cause in your community? Speak to your Human Resources department or manager and ask if they would support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay’s Bowl For Kids’ Sake. Or, your employer may offer an employee-giving program that will match a donation you make.  

9. Get Creative!

There are countless ways to raise money for your Bowl For Kids’ Sake team. Get together with your teammates and brainstorm a list of fundraising ideas to ensure your team reaches its goal!

It’s time to get out there and get fundraising for your Bowl For Kids’ Sake team! Get started by registering your team on our Bowl For Kids’ Sake campaign page. 

 

Sep 10
Love0

BID NOW!

By Fundraising Events, In The News

BIDDING IS CLOSED! Thank you for your generosity! The Art of Helping Children’s silent auction is now live! Click here to view items and bid from the heart! We kindly recommend creating your user profile before making your selections. No need to be present to win! Happy bidding!

Aug 09
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Vote BBBBSTB and Donate While Dining

By Fundraising Events, In The News

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is excited to be a part of the 25th Annual Columbia Restaurant Community Harvest Program. Simply select Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay on the ballot that arrives with your check.

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, and the restaurant will set aside 5% of your total bill. 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

Over the past 21 years, the Columbia Restaurant Community Harvest has donated more than $2.5 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 has now expanded throughout the area with the addition of Columbia locations at St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, the Historic District in St. Augustine, Sand Key on Clearwater Beach, Celebration in central Florida, and the Columbia Cafe on the Riverwalk in Tampa and the Columbia Restaurant Cafe at Tampa International Airport.

Follow on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Please see www.ColumbiaRestaurant.com for more information

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