| Match Moments
Anike and Heather
Little Sister Anike and Big Sister Heather Walker have been together for 2 1/2 years and Anike is now in 6th grade. At the start of the match, Heather described her Little Sister as shy, but always up for an adventure. Over the past couple of years, this pair of sisters has grown closer and experienced many adventures that they will both remember for a lifetime.
Sisters Anike and Heather share many common interests. They are both animal lovers, so it is no surprise that many of their outings involve animals. Anike and Heather have visited the SPCA together to visit the homeless animals, Horse Power for Kids to ride horses, and they have also gone to the American Invitational Horse Show. Big Sister Heather has two dogs, so this match also enjoys taking them for walks and playing at the dog park together. When Anike and Heather are not hanging out with 4-legged friends, you might find this match having fun times at Big Brothers Big Sisters match events.
One of the useful lessons that Heather has taught Anike is how to cook food from scratch. Rather than going out for meals, this match has cooked up things like hamburgers and french fries from scratch, and even their own home baked cookies. Heather has made a point to teach Anike not only a practical skill, but the importance of eating healthier.
Anike tells her Match Support Specialist, Cindy Brenner, that she always has fun with her Big Sister. She especially likes that she gets to see Heather as often as she does. Anike's favorite thing about her Big Sister is that she takes her fun places. When asked to describe Anike, Big Sister Heather says that she is very easy going, and like many middle school students, "easily excitable over pretty much anything that they do"!
Share your match moments with your Match Manager. You never know, your story could inspire others just like Anike and Heather. |
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100 Men in 100 Days Results
From June 1st-September 8th, Big Brothers Big Sisters participated in the "100 Men in 100 Days" campaign to recruit more male volunteers in Pinellas, Hernando and Citrus Counties. We received 86 applications from male mentors! Thank you to everyone who helped us spread the word about our need for male volunteers!
Although the campaign is over, there are still approximately 400 boys waiting for mentors in our community! Please reach out to your friends, family, and coworkers. Men can become Big Brothers in the Community or School-Based programs. We also have a "Sports Buddies" program where you can spend two outings a month enjoying or participating in a sport. Tickets are charitably donated or provided at a reduced rate by our generous Sports Buddies partners.
Click here to read more about the need for men on our website
Click here to learn more about Sports Buddies
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Children currently on the waiting list who are waiting to be matched
Do you have friends or colleagues who are interested in getting involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters? If you would like to host a recruitment drive or lunch and learn at your office, place of worship, networking group or social club please contact Christa at ChristaW@bbbspc.org or 727-518-8860 x227.
Clearwater - 25 girls, 44 boys Dunedin - 3 girls, 11 boys Largo - 10 girls, 25 boys Indian Rocks Beach - 2 boys Oldsmar - 2 girls, 4 boys Palm Harbor - 11 girls, 12 boys Pinellas Park - 2 girls, 12 boys Safety Harbor - 3 boys Seminole - 6 girls, 6 boys St. Pete - 32 girls, 124 boys Tarpon Springs - 4 girls, 10 boys
We also have over 170 children on our waiting list in our School Based program, in which our volunteers meet with a child at their elementary or middle school for one hour per week. This program is ideal for someone who needs a consistent schedule to meet with their Little brother/sister and has time during the day. Some of our School Based Bigs choose this program because they want to invest their lunch break one day a week, or they have kids at home but they still want to get involved.
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Join us as we proudly take part in Macy's best Cardholder event,Thanks For Sharing. As one of our valued supporters, you'll have the opportunity to champion great causes like Big Brothers Big Sisters and get 10% rewards on most Macy's Credit Card purchases.
Macy's Thanks For Sharing has raised more than $80 million for charitable causes in just eight years. Imagine the possibilities for the future with your support.
Beginning September 14, 2011, put your $25 enrollment on to your Macy's Card and you'll accumulate 10% rewards on most of your Macy's Card purchases from the day you enroll through December 31, 2011. Thanks to you, Macy's will make a $10 donation for each enrollment,up to a total of $15 million, with the first $3 million raised benefiting Go Red For Women. The balance, up to an additional $12 million, will be donated to Make-A-Wish Foundation®, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®, Futures Without Violence™, formerly Family Violence Prevention Fund as well as local charities like ours. Enrollment is easy. Simply visit macys.com/thanks, ask a Sales Associate at any Macy's or call 1-888-933-6229. Together, we can raise hopes and make magic.
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| Frequently Asked Questions |
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FAQ: What are some signs that my Little may be a victim of bullying at school?
Unfortunately, getting bullied at school is a real issue for kids today, and it continues to be on the rise, and happening at younger ages. In a recent survey, at least 7 out of 10 children say that they have been bullied at least once at school, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and more than half of all bullying incidents go unreported.
Seven potential indicators of a child being bullied are: a drastic drop in grades, the child begins being mean to his/her siblings, the child claims to be sick and not able to go to school, unexplained bruises or injuries, the child asks to bring their lunch to school so they don't have to buy it and eat with others in the cafeteria, sudden mood changes, and changes in sleeping or eating habits. If you or your Little's parent/guardian start to recognize some of these signs in your Little, please take the signs seriously. For more information on bullying and what to do about it, please visit the National Crime Prevention Council's website.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters Hosted Events
The Following activites are BBBS hosted events. Staff will be present.
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Thursday, October 27
Pumpkin Carving Party
5:30pm-8:00pm, Open house
Smith & Associates Real Estate Office
330 Beach Drive NE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Big Brothers Big Sisters is joining with Smith and Associates Real Estate to host the 3rd annual Pumpkin Carving Party.
Dinner will be provided and after eating and carving pumpkins sports equipment will be on hand for the enjoyment of all across the street at Straub park. Don't miss the fun! Please RSVP with your name and your Littles name to Danielle at DanielleL@bbbspc.org
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Reaching BIG Potential Events
Do you know someone who wants to learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters or get involved? Consider inviting them to attend one of our Reaching BIG Potential Events. This one hour, free informational session, will provide you with an inside look of what Big Brothers Big Sisters achieves in our community.
Please RSVP to Tirrah Switzer at TirrahS@bbbspc.org or 727-518-8860 x252.
● October 20th, 5:30pm - Reaching BIG Potential After Hours - St. Pete Location: TBA
● November 17th, 8am - Reaching BIG Potential Breakfast - Location: BBBS Office, 918 West Bay Drive, Largo
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Not So "Little" Opportunities for Littles
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Barnes Scholarship - Applications Due October 15th
The Barnes Scholarships were established in 1999 to help college-bound teens who are high academic achievers, who have overcome significant obstacles in their lives and who have financial need. Each of the four winners is eligible to receive up to $15,000 per year for four years to attend any nationally accredited college or university. The scholarship may be used to pay for expenses related to the cost of college attendance. The students must be enrolled full-time and remain in good academic standing to continue to receive the scholarship.
High school seniors from these Florida counties are eligible to apply: Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough. Application period: July 1 to October 15. On-line applications only. Click here to apply. |
| Activities in Our Community
The following activites are not hosted by BBBS - Staff may not be present. |
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"Bigs Only" webpage |
In an effort to streamline Match Flash, we have moved all recurring community events to the "Bigs Only" section of our website. Please click on the links below to view the information most helpful to your match:
Match Activity Ideas - organized by age group
Big Perks - coupons and deals for local activities
Community events - recurring events organized by day of the week |
Florida Aquarium Tickets
Florida Aquarium 701 Channelside Dr Tampa, FL 33602-5614 A donation of two complementary tickets for the Florida Aquarium have been given to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Tickets are given on a first come first serve basis. Contact DebbieH@bbbspc.org to claim tickets. Clearwater Marine Aquarium 249 Windward Passage Clearwater, FL 33767 Tickets
Big Brothers Big Sisters has received four complimentary tickets for admission to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Dolphin Shows
Thanks to a generous donation from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, we have a limited number of coupons for $2.00 off general admission.
Regular admission prices are: $12.95 for adults, $8.95 for seniors over 60,
$7.95 for children from ages 3-12.
Tickets are given on a first come first serve basis. Contact DebbieH@bbbspc.org to claim tickets. All tickets must be picked up at our office or at Gold's Gym
Big Brothers Big Sisters: 918 West Bay Dr., Largo (Mon-Thurs 9am-6pm, Fri. 9am-4pm)
Gold's Gym*: 203 38th Ave. N., St. Petersburg (Open 24 hours from 5am Mon. - 9pm Fri., Sat. 8am - 7pm, Sun. 8am - 5pm) |
 Tuesday, October 4
Lightning Launch Tickets 7:00pm St. Petersburg Times Forum 401 Channelside Drive Tampa, FL 33602 The Tampa Bay Lightning is calling the Bolts Nation to join the players, coaches & staff of the 2011-12 Tampa Bay Lightning to celebrate with a rockin' night to launch the season! The season launch will feature pulse-pounding videos, a first-hand look at the newly renovated St. Pete Times Forum, an introduction of the 2011-12 Tampa Bay Lightning roster and will culminate with a special concert by one of rock music's all-time greats, the Steve Miller Band. Through Big Brothers Big Sisters, you are eligible for complimentary ticket vouchers. To obtain tickets, e-mail Debbie Huffer debbieH@bbbspc.org with information as to how many vouchers you are seeking to obtain. Tickets are first come first serve. |
Friday, October 14
Kenny Rogers Tickets 8:00pm Mahaffey Theater 400 1st Street South, St. Petersburg Due to a very generous donation from the Mahaffey Theater Foundation, we have 20 tickets for our matches to attend the Kenny Rogers concert at the Mahaffey Theater!
Award winning, legendary country music artist Kenny Rogers returns to Progress Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater on Friday, October 14 at 8:00 PM. Spend an intimate evening with Kenny Rogers and his band as they deliver timeless classics and new material from the Love of God album. To obtain tickets, e-mail Debbie Huffer at debbieH@bbbspc.org. Tickets are first come first serve. |
As an extra benefit of being a Big, the agency receives a limited number of tickets for you and your Little to attend sporting events. Although we would like to accommodate all who would like tickets, we are limited in resources. Please be patient when responding about tickets and know that we always do our best to respond to your request as quickly as possible.
ALL tickets are 'First Come, First Serve'! When requesting a ticket, please email your name, your Little's name, the tickets you are requesting and your preferred pick up location to DebbieH@bbbspc.org
All tickets must be picked up at our office or at Gold's Gym
Big Brothers Big Sisters: 918 West Bay Dr., Largo (Mon-Thurs 9am-6pm, Fri. 9am-4pm)
Gold's Gym*: 203 38th Ave. N., St. Petersburg (Open 24 hours from 5am Mon. - 9pm Fri., Sat. 8am - 7pm, Sun. 8am - 5pm)
*Please note there is a 24 business-hour delay in getting tickets to Gold's gym, after they have been requested. For example, if you request tickets on a Friday, they will not be available at Gold's Gym until Tuesday morning.
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 October 22
USF Bull Tickets 12:00pm Raymond James Stadium 4201 North Dale Mabry Highway Tampa, FL 33607 Thanks to a generous donation from the University of South Florida's Bulls, we have 12 tickets to enjoy for the USF Bulls vs. the Cincinnati BearCats. |
Saturday, October 1
A Taste of Greece
6:00pm-11:00pm
Dodecanese Boulevard
Tarpon Springs, FL
This event features live music brought by Greek musicians along with Greek food and street performers. Supported in part by the National Endowmen for the Arts, this event seeks to preserve Greek culture and invites you to come along.
For more information: 727-937-6109
Beginning Wednesday, October 5 Kohl's Cooks for Kids - Family Cooking Classes 6:30pm-8:00pm Anona Aftercare Center
13233 Indian Rocks Road, Largo
This is a special 5-week series (designed for children ages 8 and up) that focuses on good nutrition, making healthy choices, and gaining valuable culinary skills. Spring sessions start on October 5th. Space is limited! To enroll, call All Children's Hospital at 727-767-2308 or email Fit4AllKids@allkids.org
Saturday, October 8
Sci-fi and Night Sky 7:00pm-10:00pmScience Center of Pinellas County Inc. 7701 22nd Avenue North St. Petersburg, FL 33710
Join the Science Center of Pinellas and the St. Petersburg Astronomy Club for a fun family evening to observe the full Moon.
Movie: Despicable Me (PG) Movie Time: 8:05pm
The movie will be shown in the rear courtyard. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets! In the case of inclement weather the movie will be held inside.
Telescope viewing: 8:15pm-10:00pm
Doors open at 6:30pm
Planetarium show: Moon Dreams
Planetarium times: 7:00pm, 7:30pm, 8:00pm, 8:30pm, 9:00pm
Guest speaker will be Peter Chitko from NASA
Lecture time: 7:00pm-8:00pm
$3:00 donation per person. Please R.S.V.P. for planetarium shows by October 7 until 4:00pm
For more information: (727)384-0027, contact pbittaker@sciencecenterofpinellas.org or visit www.sciencecenterofpinellas.org
Saturday, October 29
Witchstock Set
3:00pm-11:00pm
Florida Avenue between County Road 1 and 11th Street,
Palm Habor, FL
Blending the atmosphere of Halloween and Woodstock, Witchstock introduces a free street celebration. There are costume contests for adults, children, and pets. Live music and other entertainment will be present.
For more information: 727-483-9210
Saturday, October 15
Octoberfest on the Beach
11:00am-7:00pm
Kolb Park
Indian Rocks Beach
All day food and fun with arts and crafts, contests, vendors and silent aution. Kinderfest from 11:00am-2:30pm. Continuous live music all day by Cathy's Lorelei German Band & MC - Mark Ralston. FREE! For more information, visit oktoberfestonthebeach.com
Palm Harbor Arts and Crafts Show
9:00am-3:00pm
Unity Church of Palm Harbor
1960 Tampa Road, Palm Harbor
Unity Church of Palm Harbor is sponsering the third annual Arts and Crafts Fair. More than fifty vendors will be at the church's grounds. This event benefits community charities. For more information call: 727-784-7911
Saturday, October 22
British Car Show
10:00am-3:00pm
Main Street, Safety Harbor
Over 250 vintage cars will be displayed while car owners will answer questions spectators may have. There will be live music and concessions.
For more information call: 727-724-1572 |
1 Year
Melissa Trinh & Danyell ● Jennifer Zinge & Danielle ● Erik Scott & Tyron ● William Blihovde and Ana Chapa & Reese ● Ashley Smith & Cassandra ● Julia O'Keefe & Gabrielle ● Judith Hall & Cierra ● Megan Spriggs & Shekera ● Samantha Locsin & Tatyana ● Tim and Adrienne Conwell & Ishaun ● Anny Mendez & Ashonti ● Armina Deyro & Charniece ● Angela Burger & Nitelayh ● John Richardson & Antuann ● Carrie Showalter & Angelique ● Steve Fisher & Devon ● Sean Bradley & Donald
2 Years
Sylvia Gutierrez & Sellena ● Melissa Pietrangelo & Alysia ● Allison Regoli & Akira ● Sara Cadwallader & Angelica ● Lonnie and Mary Hawkins & Gerricko ● Sapan Desai & Baylor ● Adam Prawer & Luther ● Deanna Stokes & Joleshia ● John Fenech & Justin
3 Years
Steve Clem & Jordan ● Beau Zimmer & Bailey ● Jessica VanWormer & Selena ● Douglas Spiker and Christine Battista & Garion ● Fred Potekin & Sean ● Scott Ashby & Cade ● Dominic Nelson & Austin
4 Years
Chris Bristow & Christopher ● Donald and Annette Duchess & Jamaine ● Adrienne Reddick & Adrianna ● Rick Tutwiler & Hyadi
5 Years
Cliff Cook & Jakhaun |
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