| Match Moments
 China Hall & Megan
It was over 7 years ago when Megan and her Big Sister, China, were matched. Back then, Megan was 8 years old and China had been married only two years. Now Megan is 16 years old, in 11th grade, attending the International Baccalaureate Magnet Program at St. Petersburg High School, and just got her driver's license! As for Big Sister China, she now has three children of her own! Obviously, a lot has changed since this pair was first matched in June of 2003.
Little Sister Megan recalled that back in April of this year; she helped China celebrate her daughter's 4th birthday and China's children all begged to go to McDonalds and Chuck-e-Cheese. Megan said that it was then that she remembered how she used to ask her Big Sister for these things when they were first matched. It made her realize how she has grown, and how things have changed in the last 7 years. Although Megan is now much taller than her Big Sister, China still regards her as her Little Sister! China brags about how Megan has become responsible and mature in many ways. Megan takes her studies seriously, which is why she is in such a challenging scholastic program. In addition, Megan has been working at Sweet Bay Supermarkets since the summer, while also volunteering at Ronald McDonald House and at "Saddle Up" stables. At Ronald McDonald House, Megan helps cook and clean, and at Saddle Up, she helps groom and walk the horses, and give rides to children with handicaps.
Naturally, Megan and China have done lots of fun things together over the years, like roller blading, going to the movies, playing mini golf and going to Busch Gardens, where China got Megan to overcome her fear of roller coasters by going on the "Kwazi. This pair agrees that it's not only the fun things that have made their match so special. Now, Megan says that her Big Sister is helping her to decide which college she will be attending! Recently, China went with Megan and her mother to see Rowland's College in Winter Park.
What warms China's heart the most today is the fact that her Little Sister still tells her friends all about her Big Sister, and "doesn't seem embarrassed to be with me, even when her friends are around!" Both agree that they feel like they are real sisters, and Megan says that she knows she can talk to China about anything. Megan says that China has taught her to not take things so seriously, "like all the drama at school" and to "just let it go and look at the bright side". This pair has become very busy, but they still do special things together once or twice a month, which includes attending a Youth Group meeting every Wednesday at China's church. Little Sister Megan points out though that now she drives herself and they meet there!
Share your match moments with your Match Manager. You never know, your story could inspire others just like Megan and China.
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Our agency is very excited to announce that we have surpassed the number of children we served last year! The year is not over yet though and we still have important goals to reach. We know that you share our vision to help all children achieve success in life, so we would like to share our needs in hopes that you can assist us in reaching our 2 main goals:
- Making more matches between Bigs and Littles: this entails increasing the number of volunteer inquiries via recruitment and marketing. More than 500 children are hoping to be matched with a Big Brother, Big Sister,or Big Couple in Pinellas, Citrus and Hernando counties. About 200 of these children are ready and waiting to be matched with a Big.
- Increasing revenue: via corporate support, sponsorships, individual gifts and participation in special events. The average cost of making a new match is approximately $1,200, including all necessary background screenings, interviews and professional support throughout the first year of the match. Revenue is crucial to making new matches and serving more of the children who are waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister.
There are many ways that you, as a Big, can help: - We have several special events coming up that you can volunteer for, participate in, or donate in-kind items
- We have opportunities in our office for several volunteer positions
- Please visit our website's online database to see if your employer has a matching program. If they do not, please reach out to your Human Resources department or business owner to inquire about starting one. Big Brothers Big Sisters can work with your organization to set up a matching program, or direct payroll deductions for employees who would like to show support in smaller increments.
There are many ways to help Big Brothers Big Sisters reach more children facing adversity in our community - Start Something today!
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Children Currently in the Queue
More than 500 children are hoping to be matched with a Big Brother, Big Sister, or Big Couple in Pinellas, Citrus and Hernando counties. About 200 of these children are ready and waiting to be matched with a Big. The following list shows the number of children who are hoping to be matched in the Pinellas Community Based program:
Clearwater - 25 girls, 44 boysDunedin - 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 more than 170 children who have asked for a Big 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.
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. |
Opportunity - BBBS Office Volunteers
Our agency is in need of several office volunteers, which include the following:
- Marketing & Communications Volunteer
- Statistician Volunteer
- Information Technology Volunteer
- Volunteer Receptionist
- Volunteer Clerical Assistant
Please click here to visit our website and view descriptions for each position
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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. |
| Frequently Asked Questions |
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FAQ: Why does it mean when BBBS says that there are "more than 500 children on the waiting list"?
This has been a common question to our agency since the wording is somewhat vague. Just like volunteers go through a process for becoming a Big, children also go through a process of interviews and screenings. We have about 250 children who have been enrolled, interviewed, accepted, and are now ready to be matched with a Big Brother, Big Sister, or Big Couple. We have approximately 250 additional children whose parent or guardian would like for them to participate in the program, however we have not been able to interview and assess them for the program because we are currently trying to find matched for the other 250 children who are enrolled.
To avoid confusion, we have come up with a different way to state this moving forward:
"More than 500 children are hoping to be matched with a Big Brother, Big Sister, or Big Couple in Pinellas, Citrus and Hernando counties. About 200 of these children are ready and waiting to be matched with a Big." Also, we have renamed the "Children on the Waiting List" section of Match Flash to be "Children Currently in the Queue", as you see in this edition.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Christine Battista, Marketing & Communications Coordinator: ChristineB@bbbspc.org
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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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 The last day to RSVP is Thursday! Tuesday, November 8th Skating Party 6:00pm-8:00pm Super Skate 9185 Ulmerton Road Largo, FL 33771 Thanks to the generous support of the Air Traffic Controllers Association we invite you and your little to join us for a Skating Party. Admission and skate rental is provided. We will also be serving pizza for dinner. Don't miss the fun! To reserve your spot please send your name and your Littles name to Danielle at DanielleL@bbbspc.org This is a BBBS hosted match event. Staff will be present. |
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Frenchy's Gumbo Tennis Classic, November 11-13
Join us for one of the state's largest recreational double's tennis tournaments, with proceeds to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County. In addition to the great competition, come and experience Frenchy's world famous Gumbo, adult beverages, and other delicious local food!
Draw Party for Players: Thursday, November 10th
Frenchy's Saltwater Cafe
Tournament: Friday, November 11 - Sunday, November 13 Henry L. McMullen Tennis Complex
1000 Edenville Ave., Clearwater, FL 33764
**Players, the deadline for registering is Tuesday, November 1st. Applications received between November 2nd-November 8th (5pm) will be charged a $25 late fee.
Silent Auction
The Gumbo Tennis Classic also hosts one of the largest silent auctions in the county with some of the best attractions in Tampa Bay! The silent auction is open to the public on Friday evening and Saturday until 4:00pm. Come out and get your holiday shopping done early, while supporting a great cause!
Volunteers are needed to help at the event. Come out to meet other Bigs and have some fun! *Please note that alcohol will be served at this event, so it is not appropriate for Littles. Sign up to help in the following areas: Silent Auction, Photographer, Ticket Sales, Beer/Wine, Gumbo Food Court or Registration.
Volunteer Shifts Available:
- Saturday, November 12th-Tournament at McMullen Tennis Complex
- SHIFT 1: 7:00am-1:00pm
- SHIFT 3: 5:00pm-10:30pm
- Sunday, November 13th-Tournament at McMullen Tennis Complex
- SHIFT 1: 7:00am-1:00pm
- SHIFT 2: 12:00pm-6:30pm
- SHIFT 3: 5:00pm-9:30pm
Sponsorships and Silent Auction Items Are Also Needed!
To find out additional information, visit our website or contact our Events Coordinator, Dawn Scott: 727-434-3110 or DawnS@bbbspc.org
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Saturday, November 12, 5:30pm-? 
Duncan McClellan Gallery Event to Benefit BBBS
Glass artist Duncan McClellan has chosen us to be the Charity of Choice at his gallery/studio/home, during the St. Pete Art Walk. Duncan will be hosting snacks and a cash bar that evening, proceeds of which will all go to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Please join us to enjoy some wonderful art and company! *Since alcohol will be served, this is not an appropriate event for Littles. Come out to meet other Bigs in the program and help us recruit new Bigs!
View Duncan's website at www.dmglass.com
Click here to RSVP on Facebook
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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.
● November 17th, 8am - Reaching BIG Potential Breakfast - Location: BBBS Office, 918 West Bay Drive, Largo
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Save the Date
Saturday, December 3rd
Largo Christmas Parade
2:00pm-4:00pm
Downtown Largo
BBBS is participating in a live holiday parade! This is a great opportunity to meet other matches and promote the need for more Bigs in our community. For more information about the parade and route, visit http://www.discoverlargo.com/?page_id=168
Stay tuned for more details to come about a BBBS meeting place and time. |
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A Hero's Experience - Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event
It was a night of food, fun, and entertainment as we celebrated our Bigs and Littles at "A Hero's Experience", held at the Mahaffey Theater on September 23rd. With a patriotic theme, matches enjoyed a touch-a-truck display, dressed up in fire and police gear, practiced Coast Guard drills, and made cards for deployed military, among many other fun activities. WKID 96.7FM played dance music, matches enjoyed a dinner catered by Outback Steakhouse, and our Bigs of the Year were recognized. It was a night to remember for all. To view photos from the event, click here.
Frenchy's 23rd Annual Grouper Golf Classic
On October 2nd at Countryside Country Club, we held our annual Frenchy's Grouper Golf Classic. An amazing 41 teams, comprised of local supporters and golfers, enjoyed a great day of golf, for a great cause. All proceeds from the event benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County. A special thanks to Michael "Frenchy" Preston for his continued support and passion for Big Brothers Big Sisters. At the awards banquet, Frenchy challenged the participants to a matching pledge challenge. Golfers pledged a total of $3,840 which have been matched by Frenchy for a total of $7,680! To view photos from the event, click here.
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| Activities in Our Community
The following activites are not hosted by BBBS - Staff may not be present. |
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"Bigs Only" webpage
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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
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Saturday & Sunday, November 5 & 6
Art Harvest
10:00am-5:00pm
Highlander Park
1143 Michigan Avenue
Dunedin, FL 34698
(Southwest corner of Michigan Ave and Pinehurst Road)
The 48th annual Art Harvest, produced by Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin (JLCD), will take place on Saturday and Sunday, November 5 & 6 at Highlander Park in Dunedin. Art Harvest is a juried fine art festival featuring more than 200 artists from around the country. Artists will exhibit in 13 categories of art: ceramics, digital, fiber, glass, graphics, jewelry, metal, mixed media, oil/acrylic, photography, sculpture, watercolor and wood. Local food and beverage vendors will be on site, as well as a children's tent with art projects.
Admission is free. Parking is $5 at Highlander Park and $3 at Dunedin High School from which attendees may walk or use the free shuttle service to Highlander Park provided by Morton Plant Mease. Proceeds from the event are reinvested into the community via the community programs and projects of JLCD. For more information, please visit: www.jlcd.org
Art Arbor Family Festival
10:00am-4:00pm
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
1101 Country Club Way S
St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Artists & crafters from all over the nation will line the shaded paths to display and sell their work at the 31st anniversary of the Art Arbor Family Festival. Don't miss out on this opportunity to get a head start on your holiday shopping and delight someone you care about with a truly unique, hand-made gift.
In the wildlife area there are Reptile & Bird of Prey shows. The green stage businesses will focus on green living and will talk about how you can incorporate their products into your everyday life. Children will enjoy Kid's Crafts, Face Painting and traditional carnival games like the bean bag toss. This event is fun for the entire family. The trails are also open all day with two tram tours every hour during the festival.
Sunday, November 6
Raccoon Run 5K and 1 Mile Fun Walk
9:00am-?
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
1101 Country Club Way S
St. Petersburg, FL 33705
This 5K run and 1-mile Run/Walk takes place at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, a 245 acre oasis of native Florida fauna. This family event is part of the annual Art Arbor Festival, a fund raiser for the Friends of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, Inc. The course is on existing shell and grass trails along the shores of beautiful Lake Maggiore, winding through hardwood hammocks, pine flatwoods, and sand pine scrub. Entry Fees: 5K: $20, 1 mile: $15
Saturday, Nov. 5: Packet pickup and registration available while you're attending the Art Arbor Festival.
Sunday, Nov. 6:
8:00 a.m. - Packet pickup opens
9:00 a.m. - 5K begins
10:00 a.m. - 1-mile Run/Walk begins
Click here for a flyer. Online registration available at www.active.com
Saturday, November 12
Society of Young Magicians/Kids Club
9:00am-?
The Magic Emporium
4429 Gunn Highway
Tampa, FL 33618
If you are between the ages of seven and seventeen, and are interested in the performance of magic, you've come to the right place! The Society of Young Magicians/Kids Club will be held the second Saturday of each month. This is a free event, seating is limited. For more information, call (813) 265-9263. Please make your reservation today! Email: sym@themagicemporium.net
Wednesday, November 16
Youth Summit: Bows and Bowties: how girls and boys tie their OWN knots
3:30pm-7:30pm
Tropicana Field
1 Tropicana Drive
St. Petersburg, FL 33705
FLY (Facilitating the Leadership of Youth), a Community Tampa Bay supported group of youth, will be holding its first Youth Summit of the 2011/2012 school year on November 16 3:30-7:30pm @ Tropicana Field. This first Summit is titled: Bows and Bowties: how girls and boys tie their OWN knots, and will focus on gender interactions between youth in our community as it tries to foster a community with equal respect to all genders. This summit is open to youth 13 years old and up.
Click here for the flyer. Participants can register online at: http://flybowsandbowties.eventbrite.com
Once registered, all participants will receive a waiver that they need to bring to the event.
Thursday, November 17
"Winter: Movie Magic and the Real CMA" - Free Speakers Series
6:00pm-8:00pm
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Clearwater Beach, FL
This FREE Speakers Series is geared toward anyone wanting to learn more about our marine life. Open to all ages. 6-8pm in the Atlantic Bright House Theater.
Sunday, November 20
2012 Model Tampa Bay International Auto
10:00am-6:00pm
Tampa Convention Center
333 South Franklin Street
Tampa, FL 33602
Hundreds of the latest vehicles will take over the Tampa Convention Center for the 2012-Model Tampa Bay International Auto Show. This exciting automotive event will offer an up-close look at the newest cars, crossovers, trucks, alternative fuel vehicles and more, as well as the chance to get behind the wheel and test drive several hot new rides. Admission to the event is $9 for adults, $5 for seniors (62 and older), military (with ID) and children 7-12 and free for children 6 and younger.
Sunday, November 27 (runs through January 7, Thursdays-Sundays)
Nights of Shimmering Lights
Beginning at dusk
Hillsborough County Fairgrounds
Florida 60 & Sydney Washer Rd
Brandon, FL 33567
Nights of Shimmering Lights kicks off its first season with a spectacular light and sound show with over a half million twinkling lights celebrating the holiday season. Drive your car, truck, van or bus to discover why Nights of Shimmering Lights will become an essential holiday tradition for many families. With more than a 600 larger-than-life lighted scenes, tunnels and dancing lights Nights of Shimmering Lights is unique in its custom-designed scenes to celebrate the joy of the season. The cost is $20 per car. Visit their website for a $2 off coupon: www.nightsofshimmeringlights.com
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1 Year
Debra Becker & Nelisse ● Jeffrey Van Dyke & Erik ● Ollie Moses & Jesse ● Diane Davis & Barroniqua ● Alesha Smith & Ikeya ● Ethel Gould & Celeste ● Chloe Reyes & Juniper ● Omar Bravo & Ivan ● Montana Gaunt & Asher ● Karen Peterson & Helena ● Denise Nye & Hailey ● Cynthia Liss & Lula
2 Years
Caitlin Allen & Imani ● Jason and Jill Arnold & Kaden ● David Blunier & Cordaryll ● Robert Riley & Damond ● Ben Leininger & Jameir ● Kristopher Kasey & DaQuan ● Matthew Cimitile & Jonah ● Michael Oddey and Deborah Swift & Zackarey ● Kevin Erdelac & Jayson ● Alicia McShea & Ja'eisha ● Kirby Boeve & Zariah ● Michael Ludwig & Todd ● Michael Sutton & Darius
3 Years
Susan King Dwyer & Aliyah ● Ed and Charla Pinnow & Mathew
4 Years
Daniel Thompson & Corey ● Stephen and Sabrina Schultz & Austin
6 Years
Ed Eager & Marc
12 Years
Robert McDugald & Preston
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Connect with us!
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We need your feedback!
If Big Brothers Big Sisters created a specialized license plate that was available from the DMV, would you consider purchasing it? (Specialty plates usually cost $15-25 more than standard plates.)
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Congratulations to Denise Stoltzfus -- the winner of the $25 gift card for participating in our Big Celebration survey!
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