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Match Moments
Bill Peters & Vincent
Big Brother Bill and his Little Brother Vincent were matched in November of 2009. Vincent is now 15 years old and a freshman at Crystal River High School. One of the things that this pair shares in common is a deep appreciation of our military and love for our country. Little Brother Vincent is very involved in the JROTC Program at school. He also has an early career objective to join the Navy at some point down the road. Bill beams with joy when he describes the photo shown here: "I cannot over-state how proud I was when I pulled into Vince's driveway to take him to the 9/11 event. Without ever discussing it, he took it upon himself to put on his uniform to show his appreciation for our country and all those who lost their lives on 9/11 as well as all those who have subsequently fought on our behalf thereafter."
Vincent lives with his Grandmother and has been battling health issues for some time. His Big Brother has provided consistent support in his life, helping his Little to build self-esteem and become more mature. Vincent's Grandmother feels that through this match, "Vinnie" has learned that good work ethic is important, which has also encouraged him to think about a career goal. Since being matched with Bill, he has improved in school and now wants to be a part of school clubs. For the past 2 years, Bill has provided wisdom and guidance to his Little Brother, and has helped influence Vincent's goals for his future.
Share your match moments with your Match Manager. You never know, your story could inspire others just like Bill and Vincent.
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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
- 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 Hernando and Citrus Community Based program:
Beverly Hills - 1 girl, 3 boys
Brooksville - 2 girls, 6 boys
Crystal River - 2 girls, 5 boys
Dunnellon - 2 boys
Floral City - 1 boy
Hernando - 1 girl, 1 boy
Homosassa - 1 girl, 3 boys
Inverness - 5 girls, 3 boys
Lecanto - 1 boy
Spring Hill - 9 girls, 30 boys
We also have over 20 children in Citrus County who have asked for a Big in our School Based program, in which our volunteers meet with a child at their elementary 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 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 Sheri Chancey at SheriC@bbbspc.org or 352-422-1329.
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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: 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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Friday, December 2nd
Holiday Party
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Nature Coast Community Church
4890 S. Suncoast Blvd (Hwy 19)
Homosassa, FL 34446
The Nature Coast Community Church is sponsoring a Holiday Party for our matches! The congregation will be providing a gift for all Littles who attend the event. Bigs, please let our staff know a few age appropriate, reasonably priced gift ideas for your Little. The church needs time to plan and shop for gifts, so please RSVP soon. This is a match event, so Littles must attend with their Bigs.
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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 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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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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Movies for $3.00
Spring Hill 8 - Touchstar Cinemas
2955 Commercial Way, Spring Hill
Located on US 19, behind the Outlet Mall and Pizza Hut
Movies that have just left the big screen can still be seen at Touchstar Cinemas for a low price! You not only won't miss out on seeing the next big flick, you will save big and have a selection of pictures you wouldn't see at most any theater. Regular prices are as follows:
$3.00 matinees (before 6pm)
$3.00 children, seniors, students, military
$4.00 adults (after 6pm)
3D films are an additional $3.50
Foreign films are priced differently.
Art Pictures are priced as follows:
$4.00 matinees (before 6pm)
$4.00 children, seniors, students & military $5.00 adults (after 6pm)
For more information: Call 352-666-6566 |
| Activities in Our Community |
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EVERY SATURDAY
Farmer's Market
8:00am-2:00pm
Throughout Downtown Brooksville
The weekly Farmer's Market includes veggies and fruit,"direct from the farms", plants, herbs, soaps, jams, candy and other goodies. Local eateries open for your refreshments. For more information, call 352-848-0090.
FIRST SATURDAY MONTHLY
Home Depot "How to Workshops"
Home Depot Stores
9:00am-12:00pm
Kids' "How to Workshops" are free and are designed for kids of the ages 5-12. The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills as well as tool safety. At the same time, this workshop helps to instill a sense of personal accomplishment. This time of fun allows for quality time between adults and children.
In addition to the new project kit that will be given, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron similar to The Home Depot associates' aprons and an achievement pin.
For more information, visit www.homedepot.com
SECOND SATURDAY MONTHLY Market Days at Heritage Village 9:00am-3:00pm
The Shoppes of Heritage Village
657 N. Citrus Ave.
Crystal River, FL 34428 Market Day with Art is on the Grounds of Heritage Village on the second Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. till 3 p.m. Plants, produce and Local Artistic Talent & Craftmanship are invited to participate. Don't forget to visit the specialty shoppes & eateries in the Historic Downtown District, Citrus Avenue, Crystal River. For more information, call 352-564-1400 or visit: http://www.theshoppesofheritagevillage.com/
SECOND AND FOURTH SATURDAY Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic 10:00am-11:00am Lowe's Build and Grow kid's clinics are a great way to help build confidence! Bring your Little into Lowe's to build their project of the week. Each participant also receives a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch and a certification of merit upon completion of their project. Go to Lowesbuildandgrow.com to sign up at the store nearest you.
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Saturday & Sunday, November 5 & 6
Festival of the Arts
9:30am-4:30pm
Courthouse Square
One Courthouse Square
Inverness, FL 34450
The 40th Festival of the Arts will be held November 5th and 6th around the Courthouse Square in Inverness. This annual event will again feature over 100 artists, who will be displaying a wide variety of artistic creations, including fine arts as well as hobbies and crafts. Historically speaking, this Festival of the Arts is the longest running juried art show in Citrus County and is produced each year as a community service and a means to promote the arts.
A community service event, the exhibitors' booths are set up around the courthouse square and there is a special area for artists from local schools. The work of our talented Citrus County area art students will be featured in the "School Zone", along with children's activities. It's a "must see" for the 2011 festival.
The Festival of the Arts Committee sponsors this event each year, along with the City of Inverness and the Citrus County Chronicle. There is no admission charge. For more information, visit: http://www.inverness-fl.gov/index.aspx?nid=135
Saturday, November 5
Bark Island at Pine Island
7:30am-9:30am
Pine Island Beach
10840 Pine Island Drive, Spring Hill
Bring your 'furry pal' for a great morning of romping in the sand and splashing in the water! Please remember to bring proof of current vaccinations, a leash "just in case" they get rowdy... and clean up after your pet! Admission is $7.00 per car or walk up patron. For more information, call 352-754-4031 or visit www.hernandocounty.us/parks_rec
Saturday, November 12 - Sunday, November 13
38th Annual Fall Harvest of Art
Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm; Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
6131 Commercial Way (US 19 & SR-50), Weeki Wachee.
Juried art show featuring fine art, fine craft, photography and country crafts. Live music festival, childrens' activities, and includes all of the State Park attractions: Mermaid Show, River Cruise tour, and Animal Show. Cost: $5.00 donation; Children under age 6: Free. Free Parking.
7th Annual Nature Coast Pet Expo
9:30am-4:00pm
Tom Varn Park
Darby Lane (off W. Jefferson St.), Brooksville
Events, activities, pet demonstrations, adoptions, vendors, food and beverage. $5.00 for adults, children 12 and under free. "Pets welcome and must have their people on a leash".
November 18th & 19th
Citrus Stampede Rodeo
7:30pm
Citrus County Fairgrounds, Inverness
Get ready to Rodeo! The Citrus Stampede Rodeo is thundering into town, Friday, November 18th and Saturday, November 19th. Gates open at 5:30 P.M. and the show starts at 7:30 P.M. Come early to enjoy great food and novelty vendors, the mechanical bull, and fun for the little ones in the Kiddie Coral and pony rides. This PRCA rodeo event is the annual fund raiser of the Citrus 4-H Foundation benefitting the 4-H Youth Development program of Citrus County. Tickets for adults are $18 ($15 in advance); Children $5 ($4 in advance).
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1 Year
Deborah Chamberlain & Debra
2 Years
Greg Sanderson & Jacob ● Lena Champlin & Xavier ● Laura Fowler & Isaiah ● Lorna Mucha & Zoe ● William Peters & Vincent ● Katherine Leech & Zachara
3 Years
Deanna Sievers & Corinna
4 Years
Eleonor Alido & Hannah
5 Years
Patricia Lima & Colleen
6 Years
Elaine Roche & Danni
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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.)
Vote here!
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