Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Florida

Attn. Parents: National Mentoring Month

admin — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:54:52 +0000

As part of our recruiting efforts for National Mentoring Month, we are trying to attract as many volunteers as possible to match with the children on our waiting list. To help increase efforts of pairing matches, we would like to personalize our campaign by featuring pictures of potential Littles on our waiting list onto the website and newsletter.

Presently, we do not have enough mentors to meet the needs of all of our children effectively. Our vision is to provide mentors to all the children in our program that wants one. Therefore, we are requesting from all parents of the children on our waiting list, photo submissions of their child or children in order to captivate the interest of potential volunteers and elicit their readiness in becoming mentors. By publishing this promotion, viewers can place a face of a child benefiting from having a Big Brother or Big Sister. It is our intention to get as many applicants as possible so we can match all of our children on our waiting list. Your participation is crucial in helping us convey our message.

If interested in submitting a photo, please do so as soon as possible. Please provide the child’s name, age and phone # for our references. Names will not appear on the publication. Photo submissions can be sent by email to ada@bbbsmidflorida.org or mailed to 1155 Northwest 13th Street Gainesville, FL 32601, attention Ada Del Gais. Call us if you have any questions at 352.375.2525.

American Icon Search

admin — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:52:38 +0000

In celebration of National Mentoring Month the American Icon Search premier performance was launched on Friday, January 27^th at Bo Diddley Community Plaza in downtown Gainesville. It was successful in displaying local talent and unifying the Gainesville community in support of its performers. Many audience members joined in with the musical selections of featured talent by dancing along in the crowd. Parents, family and friends all attended to cheer on their loved ones as they participated in the first round of competition. Participants enjoyed having an opportunity to perform and the winner will advance to the state finals for a chance to win a $50,000 music production package from 3RDLEVELMEDIA.

Owner and CEO of 3RDLEVELMEDIA, Ali Awolowo, working together with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Florida and SAFEID4FAMILIES has constructed a traveling talent search which will continue to be held in various counties throughout Florida.

Congratulations to the winner of the competition, 17 year old Sandra Goetten.

New BISSness Bigs Inspiring Scholastic Success Update

admin — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:32:39 +0000

Welcome back to the kickoff of another exciting year!

We are so grateful for your participation in the BISS program, formerly Bigs in Schools and Sites, which is now called Bigs Inspiring Scholastic Success! All of our Littles are looking forward to spending time with you again, and to all of the new opportunities you will make available to them.

We can’t wait to hear about all the fun activities and accomplishments you and your little make together at your monthly Match Support! Thank you to all of our Bigs who respond in a timely manner each month, as these match support are required by the Department of Education and your promptness is necessary to help us meet their expectations.

For those Bigs returning from previous years, we have a new program available to you; we have added an enhanced school-based opportunity which will allow you greater flexibility in contacting and arranging activities with your Little outside of the school environment, and beyond the usual allowances of the BISS program. This opportunity will be available to Bigs who have demonstrated a positive history within the existing program and have been diligent in completing their Match Support on time. As always, please let us know if you have any question or concerns. Have a great year, enjoy yourselves, and make an impact!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Florida’s Miracle on 13th St.

admin — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:17:59 +0000

How does one say thank you to a community that has given so much? To say thank you doesn’t come close to expressing what’s truly in our hearts.

Christmas Countdown – Tuesday, November 29, 2011, contributions for the annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Christmas party began to commence. Eric Jewell from KTK 98.5 radio station donated the first gifts collected by the radio station for our toy drive. Thank you Eric and KTK 98.5 for your efforts and contribution to the children in our program; we are extremely grateful!

Tuesday night, staff soon realized that there was a massive shortage of gifts. In an organization that services over 300 kids, there were only 40 toys available to distribute. The daunting realization that some children would potentially go without a Christmas gift caused some contemplation of cancelling the Christmas party altogether, considering it was that Friday, December 2nd. Despite some doubt that we could obtain so many toys in so little time, BBBS decided to walk on faith. Every year this celebration gives presents to the many families in our program who greatly appreciate and need them. As a result Big Brothers Big Sisters sought other options, as John Bonacci was not willing to cancel the Christmas Party. At this stage, Big Brothers Big Sisters had only three days left to find the necessary amount of presents for all of the children and were searching for a miracle.

The countdown continues. John immediately contacts Rebecca Lakkis, Board President of Big Brothers Big Sisters and the rest of the Board. Ms. Lakkis reaches out to UF colleagues Christine Simpson of the UF Foundation and Margaret Gaylord of UF Warrington College of Business who arranged a toy drive and miraculous arrived within the next 2 days with TRUCKLOADS of gifts for our children. Thank you so much for your bountiful hearts and helping our event be the success that it truly was. The next step was to further publicize the urgency in getting enough presents for the kids. John makes a call to TV 20. Mike Gismondi from TV 20 comes to BBBS and interviews John on the toy shortage so as to help direct more community attention towards the approaching event. He came to the office and took pictures of the toys we had and informed the community via TV coverage and newspaper announcement, just how badly BBBS could use their help to better spread Christmas cheer to our children. Mike spent the next two days interviewing Board members and staff. His coverage was broadcast the same night and a public service announcement appeared in newspaper the next day. People came from everywhere to assist with our cause. An employee of Cox Cable Company viewed the TV broadcast and came the next day to BBBS, asked what our needs were and later brought bags and bags of toys. He said that the broadcast had really touched his heart and that he and his family decided that they would do what they could to help the children in our program. And they really came through. Thank you so much Mr. Scott Phillips. A UF Student, who also saw the broadcast, unified her club and in one day orchestrated an entire toy drive, also bringing in many bags of toys by that Friday morning. A UF teacher gave extra credit to her students who either volunteer to help wrap toys, bring in a toy and/or work at the Christmas Party. Friday afternoon she personally brought in the bags of toys collected from her and her students. Thank you, thank you, Ms. Kate Fletcher. They are so many other stories as to how our community came together to save Christmas for our BBBS Christmas Party. And one more story to show how this domino effect circulated in Gainesville. A cashier from Wal-Mart who after hearing a woman in the checkout line, tell someone she was buying toys for the children in BBBS because she saw the broadcast in TV 20 that there was a shortage, led that other person add gifts to her shopping cart as well, to donate to BBBS. After ringing up their purchases the cashier felt moved to do the same. Once she clocked out, she too bought gifts and arrived at BBBS with a few bags of toys. She said that in her heart she could not let go the opportunity to do something to help BBBS with their cause. The Boys and Girls Club, a partner of BBBS donated their surplus so that all the children could receive toys. Thank you, Keith Blanchard, for your generosity in providing toys for our toy drive. Based on broadcasts by TV 20, the public announcement, word of mouth and the kindness of the Gainesville community, between Thursday and Friday there was an enormous amount of additional toys. Without Mike’s tenacious efforts and his commitment to deliver a heartfelt message that allowed a community to come together and bring the Christmas spirit to our agency on 13th Street, we would not have been successful. Mike is an energetic and amazing young man (a God sent) who also delivered truckloads of toys himself that Thursday and Friday. He was greeted with a lot a tears from BBBS staff, and there are truly no words, none, that can express how thankful we are to Mike Gismondi of TV 20. Mike, you are incredible.

And let’s not forget our Board of Directors. In the past we have mentioned in our newsletters that we have the most fantastic members a Board could have. But this Christmas season, that statement falls short. They too were amazing in coming through for BBBS. They donated money, toys, but most important, they donated themselves by assisting us pick up toys, checks, food, and helped us service our families at the Christmas Party. Thank you, you are truly remarkable.

Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to humbly thank the many contributors to the success of the Christmas celebration. Our goal was to collect at least 300 gifts, but a surplus of about 3-4 times as much was received during this toy drive. The office was overwhelmed by Christmas spirit as so many bags of gifts were donated that there was difficulty finding places to stack them all. The community outreach and response, as well as friends and staff members who assisted are all greatly appreciated! Our staff, volunteers and interns who worked hard to get the gifts wrapped for the Christmas Party and who worked the Christmas Party, please know that we couldn’t have done without you. Thank You!

As a result, our party was an enormous success. Many kids receive more than one gift and tears of joy streamed down the checks of parents who didn’t think they would be able to give their children a Christmas at all. They were so incredibly thankful for the giving of fellow members of our community. But this year we went a step further. Families who had heard the broadcast or read about the toy drive, and who were having a hard time getting their children Christmas gifts called us, and we were able to assist them with gifts for their children. By December 23rd all the gifts donated to BBBS had been distributed to our families and to those in need in our community. What a joyous time for us; what a blessing to have received such a bounty of gifts and to be able to help our community in a time when so many had lost their jobs or were truly in need of a Christmas Miracle.

The outpour of community unification and Christmas spirit, witnessed by Big Brothers Big Sisters was so incredible. A special thanks to everyone that passed forward a spirit of giving during this holiday season, being a part in a “God sent miracle” manifested in the giving hearts of so many {see names below}. If we’ve left anyone out, please email ada@bbbsmidflorida.org and the announcement will be made on our next newsletter.

“In the history of BBBS, or since I’ve been here, we have never collected this many toys. I cannot fathom the miracle we witnessed during this Christmas season. The emotions we went through in seeing a community come together for our kids was utterly miraculous. I still choke up when I look back, almost in disbelief at how God worked in the hearts of this community by bringing so much joy to those that benefitted from their bounteousness. To realize that when people are given a chance to do something that benefits others, there is no economy too low that can stop them when unified. This was a blessing that words cannot express. Thank you, Gainesville, thank you everyone, for your generosity and may God continue to bless all of you in abundance”, commented Ada Del Gais. John Bonaci stated, “In a season of giving, it was heart warming to see the outpouring of support from the community to ensure that our children had a holiday to remember. In a time when we do not have enough volunteers to match with all of our children on the waiting list, these kids need to know that someone out there cares about making their life better, and that’s what we’re all about.”

Again, Thank you!!!

Rebecca Lakkis
TV 20, Mike Gismondi
TV 20, Paige Beck
Margaret Gaylord
Christine Simpson
Keith Blanchard
Kate Fletcher
Kipp Hayes
Dennis Franklin
Jeremy Staun
Keith Westbrook
Larry Hartfield
Leon Larson
Paige Allison
Sarah Catalanotto
Andy Wilcox
Betsy Albury
Bill Salus
Carly Barnes
Carol Ninehan
Carolyn Brown
Charna Cohn
Christopher Atkinson
Clifford Hayes
Cynthia Butler
Cynthia Frenchman
David Brown
Deanne Moler
Deborah Lundy
Debra Vance- Skaff & William Skaff
Diane Heaney
Dr. Christopher James
Edward Jones
Eloise Sramek
Emily Young
George Cawthon
James Heaney
Janet Witte
Janice Green
Jeanne McNulty
Karen Whitney
Kate Gruber
Katherine Peterson
Kathy Croley
Kimberly Brown
Kristin Bird
Linda Duncan
Lynne Vaughan
Mark & Russell
Marte House
Mary Paxton
Melissa Atyeo
Nancy Burns
Paul Maren
Paul Robell
Paula Fussell
Richard Wojtowicz
Romina Serrano
Ron Peebles
Roxie Gordon
Scott Philips
Sharon Abare
Sharon Larkin
Sharon Wojtowicz
Sheila Forehand
Susan Gair
Susan Robell
Sylvia Maggio
Travis Godwin
William McCormick

Match Spotlight: Patrick & Andrew

admin — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:51:32 +0000

Every day we meet new people having no idea the role they will play in our lives. This is much like what happens when a Big is matched with a Little, you never really know the end outcome. Patrick and Andrew were matched about four years ago. There match has technically closed due to Patrick relocating for Grad school, but that has done little to halt their friendship. “Andrew and I plan on staying friends for life. “ Patrick says he initially wanted to become a Big because of his own experience as a child of divorce, “I was fortunate, in that my mother met a wonderful man, who became an amazing step-father and friend to me. Many children however, aren’t presented with opportunities and advantages that I had myself.”

Though Patrick and Andrew have done many activities together, “the most memorable times have been talking to him mano a mano, about life, and the world, and people, and trying to clue him in a little bit on how big the world can get, and how fast life can start to move.” It’s clear to see that it is really the small things that count. Another BIG event the two have shared together is the wedding of Patrick and his now wife. Patrick recently got married on Oct. 15, 2011 and when it came time to pick his groomsmen Andrew was an obvious choice. “Andrew hasn’t merely been a mentee to me, he’s also been a friend that I’ve spent no small amount of time with–he’s my little buddy. It was really a ‘no-brainer’.” Andrew might even have stolen the show as he walked Patrick’s grandmother down the aisle “he was incredibly handsome (according to all the ladies).” Andrew’s mother says he thoroughly enjoyed it and was surprisingly not nervous.

Andrew’s mother Jennifer says that Patrick is not just a mentor but rather family. “We love Patrick.” She is very appreciative of the role Patrick has played in Andrew’s life as a male figure. “Patrick always makes times for Andrew when he calls and that is really special,” exclaims Jennifer. For this reason Jennifer wants to be certain that people realize that these Big Little relationships can turn out to be something more and even when a match is closed a friendship and mentorship can continue to last and flourish forever. Of this experience Patrick says, “It has definitely been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had the privilege of taking part in.”

Community Leader: Jeremy Staun

admin — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:28:43 +0000

Here at Big Brothers Big Sisters, Nationwide is “on our side” as we are proud to recognize board member, Jeremy Staun, AVP/Nationwide. Staun moved from Iowa to Gainesville with his wife and two young daughters 18 months ago. He states that Gainesville has been very welcoming and the transition has been quite easy on both him and his family. They love the small town atmosphere, warm weather, the proximity to beautiful beaches and Disney World, and of course all the excitement from sporting events that come from living in the Gator Nation!

After moving to Gainesville, Staun claims that many people talked with him about the importance of getting involved with the Gainesville community. After spending some time looking at different charities, he came across an opening in Big Brothers Big Sisters and his heart was set. He remembers being involved with his local Big Brother Big Sisters in high school and how rewarding it was to be involved in such a valuable organization. “[S]o I did not hesitate to join the board. It has been a very rewarding experience, which I am happy to contribute to”.

Staun also commented on how he sees the relationship between Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Community growing in the future. “Nationwide and Big Brothers Big Sisters have successfully partnered together for many years in Gainesville and that partnership continues to thrive. Our associates continue to see the impact that the organization not only has on the lives of children, but also the effect on our community through sponsored events…but more important the time that Nationwide’s “Bigs” get to spend with their “Littles”.

Nationwide serves the community in many other ways besides their partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Staun states, “In addition to funding, you will see Nationwide Insurance associates volunteering throughout the Gainesville community for the United Way ‘Days Of Caring’, Meals on Wheels, and other causes that are near to their hearts. Plus, every quarter, our associates in Gainesville select a local nonprofit to support through a donation drive. “On Your Side” is a phrase that is featured in our advertising campaign, but it is honestly how our associates and agents live our lives.

Jeremy Staun is definitely an asset to the community and a wonderful role model for the future generations he continues to serve. From everyone at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid Florida, we thank you for all that you do!

American Icon Search Auditions

admin — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:59:36 +0000

Event Description:

Event Date

01/13/2012

Event Time

From: 05:00 – To: 07:00

Event Venue

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Florida

Event TimeZone

US/Eastern

Gainesville Community Teed Off its 5th Annual Fall Classic Golf Tournament

admin — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 07:29:25 +0000

On Saturday, September 3rd, 2011 individual golfers and teams arrived at the Ironwood Golf Course at 7:30am to register for the 5th Annual Fall Classic Golf Tournament benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Florida. Four person teams were eligible for course contest, challenges and a golfer “goody bag”. Individual golfer’s were paired with each other to make teams of four. Contest included longest drive, longest putt, closest to the pin, and closet to the fairway on each nine. Prizes included a cruise for four or a 2011 Cadillac SRX, a foursome of golf at Amelia Island Plantation Resort, a foursome of golf at Haile Plantation, and a foursome of golf at Ironwood Golf Course Thank you to all those that participated and showed up to support our programs. Once again thank you to our sponsors:
We would like to give a BIG “shout out” to all the participants, board members and staff who stepped up to the tee for the 5th Annual Fall Classic Golf Tournament presented by
Macy’s in association with Publix Supermarkets and Free & Accepted Masons of District 14
hosted by Ironwood Golf Course.
None of this would have been possible without their commitment to BBBS .
BIG thanks to board member and Tournament Director Keith Westbrook, whose hard work, dedication and perseverance ensured that we had another successful Fall Classic Golf Tournament. We would also like to thank our Board Members listed below for working with us on the day of the event, the caterers who donated the food for the event and our Sponsors, whose continuous support of Big Brothers Big Sisters is deeply appreciated.

Caterers:

Adam’s Rib

Moe’s Southwest Grill

Supporters:

Av Med Health Plans

AXIS Training Studio

Capital City Bank

Dorn’s Liquors & Wine Warehouse

Free & Accepted Masons of District 14

Gainesville Television Station

Grabado’s Award & Trophy

Ichiiban Sushi

Ironwood Golf Course

Keith Westbrook Insurance

LJ Percussion

Nationwide Insurance

Palm Gainesville Cadillac

PPI Sports

RBC Bank

University Pawn & Jewelry

Williams Innovations

Board Members:

Keith Westbrook

Paige Allison

Sarah Catalanotto

Dennis Franklin

Kipp Hayes

Larry Hartfield

Rebecca Lakkis

Leon Larson

Jeremy Staun

Celebrating a Decade of Friendship – Congratulations ERIC & ROD!!!

admin — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 06:56:05 +0000

Eric and Rod celebrate 10 years of friendship. To many of the youth we serve, 10 years is a lifetime. But to one match at Big Brothers Big Sisters, it is the beginning of a lifetime. It’s been ten years since Eric and Rod met for the first time. Rod was seven years old when matched with his Big Brother Eric. Rod is now seventeen and his relationship with his Big is still going strong. Throughout the years Eric has witnessed Rod grow both physically and emotionally. From being shy around strangers and his answers being one word at most, Rod has grown both in stature and in poise. Eric stated proudly that Rod has developed confidence, and a great speaking voice. Eric has helped him apply for jobs, has taught him how to drive, to cook and together they have attended UF football and basketball games. Now, at 17, Eric says that Rod is bigger than him. “I like it that he doesn’t hurt me when we play touch football and he’s always willing to get together. He adds, “I really liked to see the energy and joy he exhibits when we do things that he has always wanted to do but was never able to do”. Eric has been a part of many milestones in Rod’s life and is always there to encourage him to stay in school, play sports, and think about the future. He is both wonderful and a blessing.” Rod’s mother, Linda has stated that she couldn’t ask for a better Big Brother. We are proud to celebrate Eric and Rod and all the matches celebrating their anniversary this month.

Volunteering just a few hours a month with a child can start something amazing. So why not apply to be a Big today. There are kids out there ready to get started. Are you?

Match Spotlight: Natalia & Zeimyra

admin — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 06:39:22 +0000

Natalia and Zeimyra have been matched with Big Brothers Big Sisters since August of 2010. For little over a year Natalia and Zeimyra have been spending time together, getting to know each other, and growing as people. Natalia had nothing but good things to say about her little, Zeimyra. “She’s GREAT,” Natalia exclaimed when asked about her little. One of Natalia’s favorite memories of spending time with her little was during her trip to a trail in Gainesville. Natalia had brought her camera and Zeimyra just had a blast taking pictures and posing. She also had great things to say about Zeimyra’s mother who she described as “AMAZING,” she is always there for her daughter. Zeimyra’s mother, Yaravi, feels just as great about Natalia. “I love her to death,” Yaravi stated. Natalia couldn’t be happier about her match. Natalia initially joined Big Brothers Big Sisters with hopes of making an impact on someone’s life and that’s exactly what happened, except at times her little was not the only one who reaped the benefits of being a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters. “You get as much out of it as you give,” says Natalia. This is something she wanted other Bigs to realize, Big Brothers Big Sisters is what you make of it. You learn so much about yourself as a Big. Having a Big Sister has had a major impact on Zeimyra as well. “Having a Big Sister is like having a best friend who is very helpful and always there,” Zeimyra stated. “I played guitar in the school band and it met so much to me that my Big Sister was there,” Zeimyra added. They also enjoy doing various activities with each other, including going to the movies, pottery, going to the springs and they also have cooked together. Yaravi can tell that her daughter truly enjoys being with Natalia. Yaravi says that Zeimrya loves Natalia and gets excited whenever Natalia calls or text her to make plans. Yaravi also adds that Natalia is a part of her family and that she loves her as if she was her daughter.