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Hispanic Heritage Big and Little

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Alyssa & Bianca’s Story

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A Bond Beyond Words: Alyssa & Bianca’s Story

This Hispanic Heritage Month, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is honored to share the story of Alyssa and Bianca, a Big Sister and Little Sister whose connection grew stronger through trust, love, and their shared language.

When Alyssa first considered becoming a Big Sister, she worried she didn’t have enough time. But something told her to make space. “It’s been more rewarding than I ever expected,” she says. “I’ve received so much more than I’ve given, especially love.”

Her Little Sister, Bianca, couldn’t agree more. “I’m fully grateful,” she shares. “She’s someone I can trust, my go-to for advice.”

The two were first matched when Bianca was just six years old. Both shy by nature, they discovered comfort in speaking Spanish with each other and quickly realized how much they had in common. Alyssa recalls one of the early moments that defined their bond: helping Bianca find the courage to step onto a stage, despite her shyness. “I had to help myself in order to help her,” Alyssa explains. “We’re mirrors of each other.”

Now 17, Bianca dreams about her future. After years of changing her mind about college and careers, she has set her sights on the military, hoping to one day serve as a guidance counselor. Through every step, Alyssa has been there to encourage her.

“Where would I be without her?” Bianca wonders. “I’ll forever cherish the memories. It’s been a rollercoaster of fun since I was six years old.”

Alyssa says she found something she didn’t even know she was missing: “The world needs more people willing to give their hearts and their time. The bare minimum to be a Big is having love to give, and that’s all you need.”

Their story is also a reminder of how important accessibility is. When Alyssa joined, BBBS staff explained the program in Spanish, making her feel welcome and confident. Today, she encourages others, including her own husband, to get involved. “She will always be my Little,” Alyssa says with a smile.

For both Alyssa and Bianca, what began as a school-based match has grown into a lifelong friendship. It is proof that mentorship not only changes lives, it creates family.

taste of the beaches photo with seafood appetizers

Taste of the Beaches 2025: Eat Local, Give Local

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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!

Big Draft Spotlight: BBBS Tampa Bay Featured on ABC Action News

By In The News, Uncategorized

We’re excited to share that ABC Action News recently spotlighted Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay and our Big Draft campaign—our bold push to recruit 60 mentors in 60 days before the NFL Draft this April.

The news story highlights how our local chapter is stepping up during National Volunteer Month, encouraging the community to join our mission to empower youth through mentorship. This effort is part of a national collaboration with the NFL Inspire Change initiative, aligning our call for Bigs with the NFL’s recruitment season.

“Mentorship is game-changing,” said Chris Letsos, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. “Just like in football, kids need a strong team behind them. Our Bigs provide the support, encouragement, and opportunities to help a young person succeed.”

Watch the segment below to meet some of the amazing Bigs and Littles changing lives across Tampa Bay:

Why Mentorship Matters

Mentorship is proven to deliver long-term impact. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America released a Harvard research study showing that:

  • 20% more likely to enroll in post-secondary education
  • 15% more lifetime earnings
  • Closes two-thirds of the economic opportunity gap for youth facing adversity

Whether you’ve thought about becoming a mentor or are just learning about us, this is your sign to get in the game. Join our team of Bigs and be the reason a child in your community feels seen, supported, and inspired.

Be Part of the Big Draft

If you’ve got four hours a month and a heart for giving back, this is your moment to step up. Become a Big and help us meet our goal of recruiting 60 new mentors before April 24.

Read the full ABC Action News story here:
Big Brothers Big Sisters holding ‘Big Draft,’ looking for next team of mentors

Meet Our March Match

By Uncategorized

Since October 2020, Joyce and Yaretzi have shared an amazing bond of friendship and mentorship. Joyce has been an incredible role model, helping Yaretzi make wise choices and encouraging her to do her best. They even share the same zodiac sign—both Geminis with birthdays just five days apart!

Their adventures include visits to Dinosaur World, the RP Funding Center, Sea World, and even “Burger King car picnics” before movie nights. Yaretzi credits Joyce for helping her make better choices, especially in school, and describes her Big Sister as “fun, nice, smart, and exciting.” 

It’s been a joy to watch their relationship grow, and we can’t wait for the many more memories they’ll create together!

 

 

March Community Events 2022

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FREE & LOW-COST COMMUNITY EVENTS

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL— MARCH. 3RD-13TH
Plant City, FL

The Florida Strawberry Festival is an 11-day community event celebrating the strawberry harvest of Eastern Hillsborough County. Each year, over 500,000 visitors enjoy the festival’s headline entertainment, youth livestock shows, rides, exhibits of commerce, and, of course, the strawberry shortcake.

Please note there is a gate admission:

Children (6-12): $5.00
Adult: $10.00

Click here for more details!

 

BLOOMIN’ ARTS FESTIVAL — MARCH. 5TH-6TH 2022
Polk County, Bartow, FL

The Bloomin’ Arts Festival is a juried Fine Arts festival and is Bartow’s premier event of the year. It is held on the first full weekend each March. You’ll find over 100 artists – painters, sculptors, jewelers, woodworkers, metal artists, clay artists, mixed media, and fiber – with artwork to view and buy. The festival takes place along several blocks of historic downtown Bartow and includes food vendors, a car show, a quilt exhibit, student artwork on display, and a hands-on art tent for kids.

Cost: FREE
Event Dates: March 5 – 6, 2022
Learn More: Bloomin’ Arts Festival Website

 

MAYOR’S RIVER GREEN FEST— UPDATED TO MARCH 13th DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park/Riverwalk
Downtown Tampa, FL

The Mayor’s River O’Green Fest is the City of Tampa’s official annual Saint Patrick’s Day event that takes place in beautiful Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. The party is centered around the Hillsborough River, which will be transformed into a bright shade of green for the occasion. The river provides a perfect backdrop to the celebration which includes live entertainment, games, kids activities, local restaurants serving small plates of Irish faire, and more!  Click here for more information.

 

GASPARILLA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS—MARCH 5TH- 6TH
1001 North Boulevard Tampa, FL

Each year, hundreds of artists from around the country and abroad who wish to show their work to near 30,000 art enthusiasts from all over Florida and beyond are selected to participate in the Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts. Check out the Children’s Activities here!
A nationally respected juror with experience in a variety of media will review the displayed artwork and make the final decisions for the award ceremony on Saturday evening.

Click here for children’s activities!

 

AIR FEST—MARCH 26TH-MARCH 27
MacDill Air Force Base

Tampa Bay AirFest 2022 will be a weekend packed with heart-pounding flight performances and family friending activities! Brought to you by the men and women who work and serve at MacDill Air Force Base. Performers include the United States Navy Blue Angels and more!

Free Admission and parking! Click here for more details.

 

FREE SKI SHOW—MARCH 13TH AND 27TH
Lake Hollingsworth, Lakeland, FL

The Lakeland Water Ski Club invites you to be a part of our monthly ski shows. Park in the Lakeland Country Club Parking Lot and bring a chair or blanket. They have been show skiing for the Lakeland community since 1949 on beautiful Lake Hollingsworth. They are the oldest, continuously operating water ski club in the United States.

Click here for more details!

 

OTHER MATCH ACTIVITY IDEAS

 

MARCH 13TH—VIRTUAL COOKING CLASS WITH MILK STREET KITCHEN

Chris Kimball’s Milk Street Kitchen is continuing to host virtual cooking classes into 2022. This class is designed for all Littles aged 13 or older and their Bigs from any affiliate chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Learn to mince, chop, smash and slice with the Milk Street Cooking School! To register, click here. Immediately after registering, you will get a confirmation email that contains your Zoom meeting log-in information, the recipe we will make in class, and instructions for how to prepare ingredients and equipment. After class, you will receive a recording of the event, as well as a packet with recipes and resources that we discuss during the event. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via cookingschool@177milkstreet.com.

 

Jumping Jack Flash

Here’s a fun way to practice math facts AND get out the wiggles that your Little may have during your time together. Both you and your little will make a fist with one hand and pound it in the palm of the other hand 2 times as you say, “Jumping Jack”. On the count of 3 instead of pounding your fist you will say “Flash” and flash a number 1-10. Your Little will then add your number and his/her number together. Once the correct sum is given you both can do that number of jumping jacks. It’s simple, it’s fun, and it’s educational!

 

Kindness rocks!

Decorate rocks with inspirational messages, and then leave them in public places or give them to someone who may need them.

International Human Rights Month

By Resources, Uncategorized

In addition to many holidays, the month of December is also a time to observe Universal Human Rights Month. This month is a reminder that the United Nations General Assembly codified the basic human rights of every person. It is also a time to reflect upon the rights that we do have and what these freedoms mean to us. Eleanor Roosevelt, former First Lady of America, was an influential figure involved in creating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  She asks, “Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home — so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world.”

Here are some excellent book recommendations that you and your Little can read together to learn more about the importance of Human Rights.

  • We Are All Born Free by the Amnesty International
  • I Have the Right to Be a Child by Alain Serres
  • A Life Like Mine by DK

This is also a great opportunity to give back to your community through volunteering for a local nonprofit! Below are some organizations that are always accepting volunteers of all ages:

The Declaration of Human Rights was created to be a ‘common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations’. This document has been translated into over 500 languages and is the most downloaded document in the world. While many of us get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the many December holidays we celebrate, it’s also the perfect time to reflect on our rights and think of how we can make a more equitable world for everyone.

Spook-tacular Pumpkin Carving with Smith & Associates

By Uncategorized

Our latest Match Event turned out to be a SPOOK-tacular success! Realtor and Broker Isi started the pumpkin carving event approximately 12 years ago when she was a Big Sister herself. Back then, only about 6 matches showed up. Now, this festive fall event has grown to host 50 matches in 2021. Isi is still in touch with her former Little Sister, who is now 24 years old!

Isi and Smith & Associates invited friends from the local community to join in their annual fall celebration. LaStrada Mobile Kitchen delivered up some tasty, wood-fired brick oven pizza along with drinks and snacks. Noisemakers Music Lessons encouraged all the participants to break out of their shells, grab an instrument, and jam out. There were drums, a keyboard, and multiple guitars to choose from, plus a microphone for those feeling extra brave!

Bigs & Littles also enjoyed the face painting station, where one could be transformed into any number of mythical and fantastical creatures. Matches made memories in the photo booth, where they could dress up as different superheroes, members of royalty, and other fun options.

Thank you to our wonderful staff for making the magic happen. Thank you again to Smith & Associates Real Estate for hosting this annual event for our Bigs and Littles.

Are you looking to increase your personal philanthropic efforts in the Tampa Bay area? Need to add Corporate Social Responsibility plans to your company’s upcoming fiscal year? Contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay and learn how easy it is to give back.

We serve children and their families through one-on-one mentoring programs in Hillsborough County and the surrounding counties, including Pinellas County, Pasco County, Alachua County, Polk County, Citrus County, Marion County, Hernando County, and Sumter County.

Little Sister & Big Sister

Hispanic Heritage Month

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September 15 – October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month, which celebrates the heritage, culture, and contributions of the Hispanic and Latinx communities across the United States.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrate this time with your Little! Whether you plan on sharing your heritage with your Little, learning more about theirs, or exploring different customs together, we hope these activity suggestions will inspire you to honor the month and get curious together!

 

MOVIES TO WATCH

Ferdinand

Coco

Pachamama

El Libro de la Vida

 

EASY RECIPES TO MAKE TOGETHER

Traditional Latin American Recipes to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month: 5 Countries, 5 Dishes, 1 Kitchen

 

BOOKS TO READ:

Ages 7-8

The Secret Footprints by Julie Alvarez | A reimagining of the Dominican legend of the ciguapas.

Ages 7-10

Max Loves Muñecas –Zette Elliot | A young boy who is embarrassed to love the boutique selling dolls meets a muneca maker who teaches him “There is no shame in making something beautiful with your hands. Sewing is a skill just like hitting a baseball or fixing a car.”

Ages 8-12

Gaby Lost and Found – Angela Cervantes | Gaby Ramirez Howard loves volunteering at the local animal shelter, but has been feeling like a stray herself lately. Her mother has recently been deported to Honduras, and Gaby has to live with her inattentive father. She is waiting for her mother to come home so the family can adopt Gaby’s favorite cat from the shelter. When the cat’s original owners show up at the shelter, Gaby worries that her plans for a perfect family are about to fall apart.

Young Adult

It’s Not about the Accent – Caridad Ferrer | Caroline Darcy decides to explore–and exploit–her distant Cuban ancestry when she goes away to college, claiming to be half-Cuban, calling herself “Carolina,” and dying her blond hair Havana Brown, but soon faces profound consequences.

Five Littles Attended Clearwater Marine Aquarium Camp Thanks to Ron Jon Surf Shop

By Uncategorized

Through the generosity of the Ron Jon Surf Shop, five children from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay attended a week of full-day camp sessions this July at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The total value for all five campers was $2,500. Many of the selected campers had a previous affinity for the marine world. Watching their excitement throughout the camp was indeed a delight for Clearwater Marine Aquarium staff members. Additionally, as the children had spent the preceding months in quarantine, their experiences out in nature were amplified. 

Each morning, the campers attended the Ocean Warriors camp session, which focuses on habitat loss, plastic pollution, microplastics, overfishing, and bycatch. In the afternoon, the campers attended EcoExplorers, focused on fostering a love of the outdoors in children and instructing campers about the natural world. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus, the off-campus field trips initially scheduled for the week were canceled. Still, the campers had a wonderful time exploring the Aquarium, Clearwater Bay, and the surrounding waterways. Littles received a “gear pack”, including a Clearwater Marine Aquarium bag and beach towel, mask/snorkel, eco-friendly sunscreen, sunglasses, and of course, a Ron Jon water bottle! The children also received a camp t-shirt and free lunch each day. 

 

Campers

Little Brother: Nigel 

Little Brother Nigel is 11 years old and will be attending fifth grade this coming school year. Nigel has lived with his grandmother for over three years. He enjoys animals, nature, being outdoors, playing football, and Tai Kwon Do. 

Over the past few months, Nigel’s activities have significantly curtailed due to COVID-19. He has been mainly staying at home and unable to see his Big Couple, which has left him very disappointed. His grandmother was thrilled about this opportunity to attend camp as it would allow him to spend time outdoors learning how to help the environment. Nigel lives in Clearwater, making it convenient for his grandmother to bring him to and from the Clearwater camp. 

At the beginning of the camp, Nigel was slightly overwhelmed by all the information he was learning! Toward the middle of the week, he began to soak everything in and truly began learning. Nigel is a tactile learner who prefers to examine specimens with his hands and collect materials from the natural environment. 

 

Little Sister: Jillayah

Jillayah is in fourth grade. Her mom thought the summer camp was an incredible opportunity for Jill because, since COVID-19, she had been despondent, missing going to school and spending time with other kids. It was also a fantastic reward since Jill did well academically last semester despite the many challenges with virtual schooling. 

Jill’s Big Sister is an Environmental Scientist, so Jill’s experiences at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium summer camp will help Jill understand her Big Sister’s occupation and increase their connection. We hope this will provide various topics and conversations for the two to share during their monthly video chat session. 

Jill’s transformation over the week was truly remarkable. On the first day of the camp, Jill was slightly apprehensive and incredibly nervous about kayaking. By the third day, she was kayaking at an expert level and displayed real leadership qualities, acting as a support system for her peers when necessary. Kayaking became her favorite activity at the camp. 

 

Little Brother: Jordan 

Jordan, a fourth-grader, had his recent activities curtailed due to COVID-19 with no plans scheduled for the summer. The camp was a welcome invitation for him as he is an extremely active child and always looking for adventure. 

Throughout the camp, Jordan adored being outside, and snorkeling was his favorite activity. He was a very inclusive group member, always sharing what he found when exploring with the other campers. Jordan would also bring in books from home related to topics they were learning at camp to show the other children. During an exercise to design a sustainable seafood menu, Jordan expressed his desire to serve shark at his fictional restaurant. Camp counselors educated him on the error in that decision, but it took some convincing! 

 

Little Sister: Aniya 

Aniya, a fifth-grader, has a real passion for aquatic life and was selected for the camp because she was interested in learning more about how to conserve the marine world. Like the rest of the campers, she was without any plans for the summer. She was very excited to participate in a camp that resonated so profoundly with her interests. 

Out of all the campers, Aniya was the most focused and had a genuine thirst for knowledge about the marine world. If the group became sidetracked, she was the one to bring us back to the center. She was genuinely fearless, whether that meant being the first to ask questions in the group or dive down and investigate while snorkeling. Kayaking was one of her favorite activities, but she also enjoying filtering water for microplastics.

 

Little Sister: Emma 

Emma is a very kind, friendly child with a deep affinity for animals. She is also a gifted student who takes a hands-on approach when learning new things. Learning about the interconnectivity of processes, such as ecosystems and the food chain, and how to better care for our environment – are areas that Emma likes to explore. Emma has also recently developed an interest in learning to snorkel. All of these interests made her a perfect candidate for the camp! 

While Emma was on the quiet side, she soaked everything in and asked incredibly insightful questions. When asked a question, Emma would provide the most detail of all the campers, illustrating that our lessons were indeed impacting her. Emma loved the aquaponics lesson and asked perceptive questions during the tour of the aquaponics exhibit. 

#WellnessWednesday Mindfulness

By Uncategorized

The final aspect of overall wellness we will look into this month is your mindset. So far, we have covered nutrition, sleep, and activity, all essential parts of overall wellness. Some will focus on these three, but we should not overlook mental wellness. How you feel mentally can affect your body and overall health in significant ways. HelpGuide describes some of the science behind the benefits of mindfulness. A healthy mind creates various mental and physical health benefits, leading to better overall well-being. 

There are several different activities to do to improve your mindset. On the website Mindful, you will find five ways to improve your mindset that incorporates the other three aspects we have covered in previous weeks. After doing these exercises, you will notice the difference in how you think daily. Improving your mindset will make the other three aspects more natural to incorporate into your everyday life. Try this out with your little this week and see the difference in how your week goes!

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