Mar 09

Bigs of the Year 2023

By bbbs In The News, Match Stories

Our Matches of the Year are chosen annually by our Program staff. After a thorough selection process, we are proud to announce:

BIG & LITTLE SISTERS OF THE YEAR

Big Sister Deen and Little Sister Ariyanah

Big Sister Deen and Little Sister Ariyanah have been matched for 3 years in the community-based program. They enjoy the simple things like sharing a meal, watching a movie, or completing a craft, just as long as they’re together they have a wonderful time. Ariyanah’s self-confidence has exploded since being matched with Deen. Once a quiet, yet friendly, little girl, Ariyanah is now an outspoken advocate for herself and others. Ariyanah is quick to help out at home and at school, setting the example for her younger siblings and peers. Ariyanah approaches others to strike up conversations and passes out compliments regularly. Her high emotional intelligence and increased self-confidence allow Ariyanah to spread even more positivity to those around her. Ariyanah’s mom, Anita, credits her blossoming sense of self to having a gentle and encouraging Big Sister like Deen. Ariyanah says Deen is a great person who helps her to be a great kid. Ariyanah is inspired by Deen’s travel stories and Deen encourages her to work hard and dream big so she can achieve her goals — one of Ariyanah’s current goals is to keep her status as one of the Top 5 students in her grade academically. Deen is truly changing Ariyanah’s self-perspective and outlook on life.

BIG & LITTLE BROTHERS OF THE YEAR

Big Brother Brian and Little Brother Angel

Big Brother Brian and Little Brother Angel have been matched since 2014. Over the course of their near-decade-long Match, they have experienced all sorts of activities together like boating, fishing, visiting SkyZone trampoline park, volunteering at Metropolitan ministries, and exploring new places to eat. The duo fully engages in all of the perks provided by the agency such as tickets to the Monster Jam monster truck rally, Bucs & Rowdies games, and of course Bowl For Kids Sake. Brian partnered with Angel’s mom, Maryli, in finding community resources available to them, like free dental care. Brian helped his Little Brother prepare his resume and hone his interview skills – resulting in Angel landing a position that he has held for three years now. Angel has taught Brian about his Mexican culture and how to celebrate and appreciate their diversity. Though he is a junior in high school – with responsibilities as a shift lead at his job – he still makes outings with his Big a priority; they intend to stay in touch forever. Angel is grateful for his Big and recommends every child have a chance to get a Big.

Mar 08

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

By bbbs 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!

Visit our Bowl For Kids’ Sake campaign page and register your team.
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.
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.

Mar 01

March Match Activities

By bbbs Match Events, Resources

March is National Women’s History Month. Why do you think it’s important to celebrate this month? The National Women’s History Museum shares extensive exhibits on how women shatter glass ceilings, march for freedom, and so much more.

March 4 – April 2

To celebrate Youth Art Month, the Clearwater Arts Alliance, in partnership with Creative Pinellas, will display K-8th grade works of art from Pinellas County Schools. The opening reception is on Sunday, March 5, 2023, from 1:30-3pm. The exhibit is open March 4 – April 2. Address: The Gallery at Creative Pinellas, 12211 Walsingham Rd, Largo, FL 33778

Tue, Mar 7, 2 – 7 PM

The Glazer Children’s Museum – The first Tuesday of every month offers free admission for adults and children, courtesy of our partners at the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County. Downtown Tampa.

Now – November

The SunRunner transit bus system, which shuttles between downtown St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach, will remain fare-free for an additional six months. Read more about the SunRunner Bus here.

Feb 22

Chris Letsos Named New Agency CEO

By bbbs In The News

We are proud to introduce Chris Letsos as our new agency CEO at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. Chris was selected given his strong nonprofit leadership experience. Chris served as the President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay, where he worked for 14 years in progressive leadership roles. Most recently, Chris served as the Florida Department of Children & Families Family Wellbeing Director. Chris believes in the power of mentorship and is excited about the opportunity to lead our Agency in support of our essential mission. Welcome, Chris!

The Tampa Bay Times interviewed Chris. Read the article here.

Feb 13

Winners Announced For Deloitte Scholarships to Fund STEM Students in Tampa

By bbbs In The News

Update! The recipients of the BBBSA Youth Equity and Empowerment Scholarship with support from the Deloitte Foundation have been announced! The scholarship program will provide young people with financial support for college and credentialing programs through the awarding of 60 scholarships that will total $350,000 nationally. The winning Littles in our local area are:

Brianna B.

Mathew B.

Kenny D.

Jia W.

Littles in a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program with career interests in accounting, finance, economics, engineering, computer engineering, computer science, information systems, technology, data science, data analytics, and math were eligible. The Deloitte Foundation Scholarships were available to youth living or planning to attend a higher learning institute in 13 areas, including right here in Tampa, FL! Other regions were: Chicago, IL, Hartford, CT, Kansas City, MO, Milwaukee, WI, Minneapolis, MN, Nashville, TN, New York, NY, Omaha, NE, Parsippany, NJ, Philadelphia, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, Seattle, WA.

“We know when young people gain exposure and access to educational and career opportunities, it widens their view to the possibilities and potential ahead of them in life and career,” said Artis Stevens, president and CEO, BBBSA. “With the support of organizations like the Deloitte Foundation, we continue to empower the next generation on a path to graduate with a plan for their futures.”

“We are thrilled to be able to support an organization that continues to change lives through mentorship,” said Erin Scanlon, president, of the Deloitte Foundation. “Big Brothers Big Sisters of America uplifts communities and helps to empower youth so that they can aspire to fulfilling lives and careers.”

BIG thanks to the Deloitte Foundation and our National office for making this opportunity possible.

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About The Deloitte Foundation

The Deloitte Foundation, founded in 1928, is a not-for-profit organization that supports education in the U.S. through a variety of initiatives that help develop the next generation of diverse business leaders, and their influencers, and promote excellence in teaching, research and curriculum innovation. The Deloitte Foundation sponsors an array of national programs relevant to a variety of professional services, benefiting high school students, undergraduates, graduate students and educators. Learn more about the Deloitte Foundation.

Dec 17

Macy’s Launches Multi-Year Partnership to Empower Youth Through Mentorship

By bbbs In The News, Match Events

Thank you, Macy’s, for the VIP shopping experience for more than 120 of our Littles this holiday season! Our kids were treated to this private shopping session at multiple Macy’s locations throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties at Brandon Town Center, Countryside Mall, Tyrone Square Mall, Westshore Mall, and Wiregrass Mall.

After our Matches enjoyed breakfast (also provided by Macy’s), our Littles opened their curated gift bags, each one featuring a $50 Macy’s gift card inside! Then everyone got to shopping for the perfect presents, mailing their letters to Santa, and wrapping everything up with a bow!

We are honored to partner with Macy’s as part of their Mission Every One community empowerment initiative. You can still help spread the cheer: Until Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2022, Macy’s shoppers have the option of donating online at macys.com, or rounding up in-store purchases. “Mission Every One helps Macy’s direct our social impact work to the causes and communities that help shape a brighter future for all, but most importantly for young people,” said Bobby Amirshahi, senior vice president of Macy’s, Inc. Corporate Communications and head of Macy’s community and social impact work.

Read more about the Macy’s partnership with our National office, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

Big Brothers Big Sisters’ evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships.

Nov 02

November Conversation Starters

By bbbs Resources

It’s November and we’re fully in Fall! Here are some ways to get the conversation rolling with your Little:

National Aviation History Month: Research the history of Aviation and make some paper airplanes together.

-November 2^nd is “Look for Circles Day”. How many circles can you find around you in 30 seconds?

-November 3^rd is Sandwich Day. What kind of sandwiches are your favorite? What is the definition of a sandwich? Is a hot dog a sandwich? How about a burrito? What do you like to eat with your sandwiches?

-November 4^th is King Tut Day. Who was King Tut? Research King Tut and come up with 5 facts about him.

-November 11^th is Veterans Day. Do you or your Little know any Veterans? Research what Veterans Day is. Does your Little ever consider joining the military?

-November 14^th is Young Readers Day. What does your Little like to read? What did you read when you were young? If your Little was an Author, what would they write about?

-November 15^th is America Recycles Day. Why is it important to recycle? Learn about the process of recycling.

-November 16^th is Fast Food Day. What are some of your favorite spots to grab a quick bite? If you made your own Fast Food restaurant, what kind of food would you serve? Is there a way to make fast food healthier?

-November 20^th is Beautiful Day. Sometimes we have a tendency to focus on the negative. Let’s think about some things that we find really beautiful. Think about beautiful scenery, sounds, smells etc. Look up some beautiful pictures and take some time to admire them.

-November 24^th is Thanksgiving Day. What are some things that you are Thankful for? How do you show people that you are Thankful for them? How do you celebrate Thanksgiving? What are some of your Thanksgiving traditions?

-November 28^th is Red Planet Day. Research the Red Planet. Come up with 5 facts about the planet together.

Oct 18

October Match of the Month

By bbbs Match Stories

As we close out Hispanic Heritage Month, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay would like to share a note from one of our Match Support Specialists, Sergimar Henriquez. Our MSS team is key to the continued success of our youth mentoring programs. Sergimar shares:

“Little Brother Alexander and Big Sister Carmela have been matched for three years but, every time I check in, it seems like they have been matched for five years or even longer! When I first started working with them, Carmela explained that Alexander had only been in the US for 3 years and was struggling to acclimate to his new environment. Furthermore, Alexander’s family speaks only Spanish, adding yet another barrier to accessing certain spaces and resources.

“Thankfully, Carmela can truly relate to her Little because she also had to learn English when she started school in the US. This is a topic that also hits home for me. I struggled to learn English myself and took ESL courses throughout elementary and middle school; it is not easy or fun. (I was born in New York, but my family is Hispanic, and Spanish is the primary language spoken at home.) Alexander is steadily improving his English with the phone app Duolingo and of course, consistent help from his Big.

“Carmela shows Alexander it is crucial to learn English to succeed in school, but also highlights the importance of being bilingual — an asset for his future education and career. In addition to Spanish, Carmela helps Alexander with math concepts to ensure his overall academic success.

“Big Carmela goes above and beyond to help Alexander succeed by giving him positive encouragement, guiding him with his goals, and celebrating his accomplishments. I know Alexander and his family truly appreciate her tireless commitment to this Match. I am proud to serve as the duo’s Match Support Specialist and look forward to continuing to support them through their mentorship journey.”

If you would like to learn about becoming a volunteer Big with BBBS Tampa Bay, click here.

Oct 13

Deloitte Scholarships to Fund STEM Students in Tampa

By bbbs In The News

Our National office recently announced the creation of the BBBSA Youth Equity and Empowerment Scholarship with support from the Deloitte Foundation. The scholarship program will provide young people with financial support for college and credentialing programs through the awarding of 60 scholarships that will total $350,000 nationally.

Littles with Big Brothers Big Sisters that are current high school seniors year will be eligible to receive scholarships through the program. The scholarships are for students with career interests in accounting, finance, economics, engineering, computer engineering, computer science, information systems, technology, data science, data analytics and math. Scholarships will be available to youth living or planning to attend school in 13 markets, including right here in Tampa, FL: Chicago, IL, Hartford, CT, Kansas City, MO, Milwaukee, WI, Minneapolis, MN, Nashville, TN, New York, NY, Omaha, NE, Parsippany, NJ, Philadelphia, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, Seattle, WA

“We are thrilled to be able to support an organization that continues to change lives through mentorship,” said Erin Scanlon, president, Deloitte Foundation. “Big Brothers Big Sisters of America uplifts communities and helps to empower youth so that they can aspire to fulfilling lives and careers.”

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About The Deloitte Foundation

The Deloitte Foundation, founded in 1928, is a not-for-profit organization that supports education in the U.S. through a variety of initiatives that help develop the next generation of diverse business leaders, and their influencers, and promote excellence in teaching, research and curriculum innovation. The Foundation sponsors an array of national programs relevant to a variety of professional services, benefiting high school students, undergraduates, graduate students and educators. Learn more about the Deloitte Foundation.

Oct 03

October Conversation Starters

By bbbs Resources

October is a time for sweaters, costumes, gourds and more! Remember, the first quarter of school ends in mid-October. Ask your Little how they feel like they are doing in school so far. What could they do to bring grades up next quarter?

-October 3rd is National Child Health Day-What does your Little do to stay healthy? Talk about things that your Little can do to be even more healthy.

-October 5th is National Do Something Nice Day-What is something nice that your Little has done for someone else lately? Write a card to someone just to let them know you appreciate them. Do an extra chore at home. Do something nice for your community.

-October 7th is World Smile Day! What makes you smile? Draw a picture of something that makes you smile. What do you to do make others smile?

-Oct 14th is World Egg Day. Do you like eggs? How do you like to eat them? They are healthy and full of protein. How many animals can you think of that lay eggs?

-Oct 14th is National Dessert Day! What is your favorite dessert? Ice cream, pie, cake, cookies? Do you know someone who loves to bake? Do you like to help? What is your favorite thing to bake? Design a cake or a new, crazy flavor of ice cream.

-October 17th is National Pasta Day! Spaghetti, Fettuccini, Ravioli, Macaroni. Do you like pasta? What is your favorite? Check out this link on the history of pasta!

-October 20th is National Youth Confidence Day-What is something your Little is really good at? Have them teach you all about it!

-October 25th is International Artist Day. What kind of Art do you like to do? Drawing, Painting, Making Jewelry, Music, Poetry? Who inspires you to make art? Who do you know that makes art? Do you have a favorite artist? Show your Little your art and ask them to share with you!

-Halloween is coming up! Is your Little participating? If so, how? Dressing up? Trick or Treating? Remind your Littles about Halloween safety (stay with a group or adult, check candy, food allergies, pumpkin carving etc.)

-Talk about your favorite candy! Invent your own candy bars. Draw a picture of the wrapper design.

-This is a spooky time of year with scary images and movies. What are some things that scare you? Spiders, snakes, ghosts, heights, the dark? Ask your Little if they are afraid of anything.

Bigs of the Year 2023

BIG & LITTLE SISTERS OF THE YEAR

Big Sister Deen and Little Sister Ariyanah

BIG & LITTLE BROTHERS OF THE YEAR

Big Brother Brian and Little Brother Angel

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

How to participate in Bowl For Kids’ Sake