Match Flash Citrus and Hernando December 2011

December 2011

Hernando/Citrus DONATE

Match Moments

Tom Chancey & Ricky

Ricky and his Big Brother, Tom Chancey, were matched in September of 2010. This pair enjoys a wide array of activities. They enjoy playing golf together and going to other sporting events such as Gator football games. Tom and Ricky recently helped build the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall together. Ricky also spends time at work with Tom and has participated in every aspect of the development of new homes. Ricky even has his own hard hat!

Ricky's grandmother, Ronnie, states that since being matched with Tom, Ricky's grades and self confidence have improved tremendously. A few months ago, Ricky was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society and now talks about going to college.

Both Ricky and Tom speak very highly of one another and state that they are each other's family. Grandmother, Ronnie, says that she has been very pleased with the match and thanks BBBS for matching her grandson with such a wonderful mentor. She states that Tom is always there for Ricky and that he is the best Big Brother ever!

Share your match moments with your Match Manager. You never know, your story could inspire others just like Tom and Ricky.

Agency Information

The year is coming to a close and our agency still has 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:

Make more matches between Bigs and Littles
Increase revenue in order to make more matches

There are many ways that you, as a Big, can help:

For the holiday season, please consider participating in our online campaign (details below).
Please visit our 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!

Give the Gift of a Lifetime

As a Big, you know best what kind of impact you have. More than 500 children are hoping to be matched with a Big Brother, Big Sister, or Big Couple in Pinellas, Citrus and Hernando counties. With background screenings, trainings, interviews and professional support for the first year, it costs nearly $1,200 to make and support one new match. Please help other children who are waiting for the same wonderful experience by giving the gift of a "BIG". You know that it will be a gift that will last a lifetime.

Set up a simple online account and direct friends and family by email to give gifts through our secure website. It is a fast way to accept gifts from your supporters over the holidays; gifts that you know will be put to good use at BBBS! Please sign up today at: https://bbbspc.myetap.org/fundraiser/giveabig/

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: 3 boys

Brooksville: 3 girls, 6 boys

Crystal River: 2 girls, 6 boys

Dunnellon: 1 girl, 4 boys

Floral City: 1 boy

Hernando: 2 boys

Homosassa: 3 boys

Inverness: 3 boys

Lecanto: 1 boy

Spring Hill: 10 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.

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

FAQ: Is it ok to buy my Little a gift for the holidays?

Although buying gifts for your Little is not something that we encourage; we do make exceptions if it is for a holiday or very special occasion; i.e. graduation, your Little's birthday. We do ask that you keep the cost of the gift to a minimum, and to please make sure that your Little's parent/guardian is ok with what you are thinking of gifting the child with. It is also important to keep in mind whether your Little and his/her family celebrate the holiday. The reason for all of this is because we do not want you (the Big) to feel as if you are expected to bring gifts and/or feel that you cannot afford to keep up with your match.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Hosted Events
The following activites are BBBS hosted events. Staff will be present.

Saturday, December 17

Mike Alstott Sports Day

Saturday, December 17

9:00am-1:00pm

St. Petersburg Catholic High School

6333 9th Avenue North

St. Petersburg, FL 33710

Thanks to our partnership with the Alstott Foundation, you and your Little are invited to enjoy a fun-filled day with Mike Alstott where he coaches at St. Petersburg Catholic. Enjoy a football clinic, games, face painting, music, autograph session and photos with Mike Alstott. Lunch will be provided for matches and there will be plenty to do for boys and girls of all ages. Littles will also be given a surprise keepsake at the end of the event!

Don't miss out, click here to RSVP today. The final deadline to reserve your space is Wednesday, December 15th, at 5pm.

Please note that this event will be held outside so dress appropriately. In the case of inclement weather, the event cannot be rescheduled.

Those who attend the event will also receive vouchers to the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 8:00pm at Tropicana field. http://www.stpetersburgbowl.com/

**This is a BBBS hosted event - staff will be present.

Tickets Available - Act Fast!

Saturday, December 3

Pancake Breakfast with Santa

Spring Hill Kiwanis Club

Thanks to a generous donation, we have 1 ticket remaining for our matches to enjoy breakfast with Santa.

Saturday, December 3

8am - 11:30am

Grace Presbyterian Church

8375 Spring Hill Drive

Spring Hill, FL 34608

Includes all-you-can-eat breakfast, holiday entertainment and Santa. Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Spring Hill.

**Please Note that ALL tickets must be picked up at the door.

Tickets are given on a first come first serve basis. Email your name and your Little's name to: SheriC@bbbspc.org

"Big" Deals & Specials

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

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.

Community Events by Date

Saturday, December 3

Holiday Lights at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

6:00pm-10:00pm

6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee

Stroll through the park and enjoy the holiday sights and sounds. Santa will make an appearance for photo opportunities. Admission is $2. Call (352) 592-5656.

Hernando Heritage Museum Christmas Candlelight Tour

6:00pm-9:00pm

Hernando Heritage Museum

601 Museum Court, Brooksville

The museum is in the May-Stringer House, a 1854 Victorian home that will be decorated with a lighted tree, ornaments and numerous candles. There will be carolers. Punch will be served. Admission is $5 at the door. Call (352) 799-0129.

"Bark Island" Day

7:00am - 9:00am

Pine Island Beach

10840 Pine Island Drive, Spring Hill

You and your furry pal are welcome at Pine Island for a morning of fun and romping! REMEMBER: Proof of pet current vaccination required to enter, bring a leash "just in case", and clean up after your pet. Free pet nail trimming on site. Admission: $7.00 per car or walk-up guest.

For more information, visit www.hernandocounty.us/parks_rec, call 352-754-4031 or email: recreation@hernandocounty.us

Sunday, December 4

Holiday concert - Sounds of the Season

Hernando Symphony Orchestra

7:30pm

Springstead Theater

3300 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill

Guest performers: Nature Coast Handbells. Excerpts from The Nutcracker, Tannenbaum Fantasia
Winterfest, The Glory of Christmas - soloists: Nature Coast Handbells, A Christmas Festival - soloists: Nature Coast Handbells, Believe - soloists: Nature Coast Handbells, Ukranian Bell Carol Fantasy - soloists: Nature Coast Handbells, Excerpts from The Messiah, Blessed Are They, Christmas Finale, The Bells of Christmas $5-$12; For more info, call 352-683-5113.

Friday, December 9 - Thursday, December 15

Fort Cooper Night Of Lights

Ft. Cooper State Park

3100 S. Old Floral City Rd., Inverness

Admission: Donation. For more info, call 352-726-0315

Saturday, December 10

Inverness Christmas Parade

12:00pm-2:00pm

Citrus High School, Inverness

For more info, call 352-726-2801.

Market Day with Art & Treasures

9:00am-3:00pm

Heritage Village

657 N. Citrus Ave.

Crystal River, FL 34428

Outdoor event consists of Plants, Produce, Pantry, Local Artistic talent with Vintage Collectable & Antiques. Call 352-564-1400 for more info or visit http://www.theshoppesofheritagevillage.com/

Holiday Arts & Crafts Fest

9:00am-4:00pm

Courthouse Square

Downtown Inverness

For more info, call 352-726-2611.

37th Annual Brooksville Christmas Parade

10:00am-12:30pm

Downtown Brooksville

20 N. Main Street, Brooksville

The Brooksville Kiwanis Club announces the 37th Annual Brooksville Christmas Parade coming Saturday December 10th. This year's parade honor's Barb & Steve Manuel as its Grand Marshalls and Pattie Stepbauch as our Hometown Hero. 2011's theme is: "Treasures Under the Tree". Marching Bands, floats, clowns, fire engines, horses, Shriners, and Santa promise to make this year's parade an event not to miss.

The parade begins at Oakwood Drive (next to the Hernando County School Board Office), proceeding down Howell Avenue to Main Street, crossing Jefferson and Broad Streets going North on Broad to Bell Avenue and ending at Jefferson and Bell. The first units kick off at 10 am sharp and the parade lasts until 12:30. For more info, call 352-279-4400.

Friday, December 16

Friday Night Thunder

6:00pm-8:00pm

Inverness Government Center

212 W. Main Street, Inverness

Car cruise in, presented by the City of Inverness and local car clubs. Free show with more than 60 antique, classic, sport and imports. Call (352) 726-2611 for information.

Saturday, December 17

25th Annual Weeki Wachee River Lighted Christmas Boat Parade

6:30pm

Rogers Park

7244 Shoal Line Blvd., Weeki Wachee

The parade, open to all boat owners, is sponsored by Weeki Wachee Marina. The entry fee is an unwrapped toy. There is no cost for spectators. All toys will be donated to the Dawn Center. Call (352) 596-2852.

Coppelia

2:00pm-4:00pm

Curtis Peterson Auditorium

3810 W. Educational Pathway, Lecanto

Enjoy your Saturday afternoon with the very first comedic Ballet. Coppélia will delight audiences old and young as the crazy old Dr. Coppélius, the town toymaker, thinks his favorite doll has come to life! This timeless tale give us life-like toys, adventure, and love. Tickets range from $12.00 to $18.00. Suitable for all ages. For more info, call 352-489-6756 or visit: http://www.vsdance.com/VSDance/Coppelia.html

Saturday & Sunday, December 17 & 18

Winter Waterland Holiday Festival

7:00pm-10:00pm

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee

The event will include holiday-themed mermaid performances, John Leggio's Christmas Spectacular, the Grinchmas show, arts and crafts, and Santa. Tickets are $4 for adults and $2 for children ages 6 to 12. Call (352) 592-5656.

Sunday, December 18

Citrus Springs Christmas Parade

1:00-4:00pm

Citrus Springs Community Center

1570 N. Citrus Springs Blvd., Citrus Springs

For more info, call 352-465-2434.

Tuesday, December 20

Breakfast With Santa

10:00am-11:00am

Citrus Springs Community Center

1570 N. Citrus Springs Blvd., Citrus Springs

$3.00 with a gift for children. Adults - $5.00. For more info, call 352-465-2434.

Match Anniversaries

1 Year

Jacqueline Roberts & Makhia ● Bonnie Rosenberger & Kalyn ● Becky Leavell & Adara

5 Years

Brent Kraus & Shawn

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BBBS Communications Survey
We would like for all of our Bigs to complete the following survey to help us improve our agency communications. By taking a few minutes of your time, we will gain insightful information on how to make the best use of our resources, be able to recruit more Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Big Couples and ultimately serve more of the children who need us.

Click here to take the short survey