Match Flash Pinellas December 2011

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December 2011

Pinellas

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Match Moments

Kerry Tromba and Makayla

Big Sister Kerry Tromba and Little Sister have been matched since December of 2010. In their first year together, this pair has done a plethora of activities, including painting pottery, going swimming, playing video games, going to shows and movies, Busch Gardens, and they have also attended many Big Brothers Big Sisters match events. Big Sister Kerry says that "our very favorite activity together has been one of the most recent. We went and saw Dolphin Tale, the story of Winter the Dolphin. We then went to visit her at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. It was a great trip. We were able to watch dolphin shows, touch stingrays and other sea life, and learn about other animals in the sea. It was interesting to see the different animals, who had been injured, and been through rehab through the aquarium. We had an awesome time! We went to lunch after, which was full of more laughs as always!"

Kerry has noticed a significant difference in her Little Sister and tells her Match Manager, Cristin Garrie, that "I have seen so many positive changes in Makayla in the time we have been matched. She is much more confident, and much more open to trying new things. She openly talks to me about different things going on in her life, and has begun to ask me to teach her things she may not understand. She always has a fun, positive attitude and always likes to have a good time. She is always laughing and smiling, she really lights up a room with her new found confidence!"

When asked what she enjoys about being a Big and how it has impacted her life, Kerry said, "Being a Big Sister has changed my life in more ways than I can count or describe. I really enjoy being a Big because I am able to have a positive impact on a child's life. In today's society, role models aren't very good- especially the role models you see in the media. I enjoy being able to be there for my Little Sister, and be able to let her be herself and have a good time. She has definitely made a huge impact in MY life! This is an experience I wouldn't change for the world!"

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

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 and clothing drive (details below).
We have opportunities for several office volunteer positions.
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/

School Based Clothing Drive

The schools we serve in our School Based program have expressed a desperate need to restock their clothing closets on campus!

Items needed include:

Boys and Girls ages 5-14

Underwear, pants, shorts, shoes, socks, and shirts

Underwear and socks are the most needed items - Only New please! However, gently used shorts, pants, and shirts will be accepted. A couple of our schools require uniforms which include clothing items in light blue, navy, white, and khaki.

Contact your Match Manager to donate clothing. You may deliver to your Match Manager but please don't deliver to the schools individually - BBBS will be delivering to schools right before the holiday break.

You may also deliver or send items to our Largo office.

Contact: Debbie Huffer (DebbieH@bbbspc.org)

Address: 918 West Bay Drive, Largo, FL 33770

Phone: (727) 518-8860

Deadline to donate: Friday December 9th

Your donation up to $500.00 is eligible for a tax write-off. You may contact our office for further details.

Please do not send cash or checks - tangible items are required.

Thank you SO much for considering supporting this giant need in the schools we serve this holiday season!

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. There are currently 86 girls and 246 boys who are ready to be matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister. That is a total of 332 children in Pinellas!

Clearwater: 21 girls, 36 boys

Dunedin: 1 girl, 9 boys

Largo: 16 girls, 25 boys

Indian Rocks Beach: 1 boy

Oldsmar: 3 girls, 3 boys

Palm Harbor: 1 girl, 8 boys

Pinellas Park: 2 girls, 16 boys

Safety Harbor: 3 boys

Seminole: 2 girls, 6 boys

St. Pete: 40 girls, 128 boys

Tarpon Springs: 11 boys

We also have more than 100 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.

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.

Reaching BIG Potential Lunches

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 free, one-hour informational session will provide you with an inside look at what Big Brothers Big Sisters achieves in our community.

Thursday, January 18, 2012, 12-1pm - Big Brothers Big Sisters Office: 918 West Bay Drive, Largo
Thursday, February 16th - St. Petersburg - Location TBA
Thursday, March 15th - Big Brothers Big Sisters Office: 918 West Bay Drive, Largo
Thursday, April 19th - St. Petersburg - Location TBA

Please RSVP to Tirrah Switzer at TirrahS@bbbspc.org or 727-518-8860 x252.

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

Activities in Our Community

The following activites are not hosted by BBBS - Staff may not be present.

"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

Community Events by Date

EVERY SATURDAY

Saturdays at the Morean

10am-12pm

Morean Arts Center
719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg FL 33701

Free art experiences designed for families with children ages 5-10. The Bank of America Children's Learning Center will be open for art exploration, with open art stations and take-home projects. Instructors will be on hand to assist. Price: Free. Phone: (727) 822-7872.

EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY

Sunset Cinema at Pier 60

6:30pm (dusk)

Sunset Cinema at Pier 60

10 Pier 60 Drive

Clearwater Beach, FL 33767

Dec. 2 - ELF (PG)

Dec. 3 - Dr. Suess' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (PG)

Dec. 9 - Scrooge (PG)

Dec. 10 - National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (PG-13)

Dec. 16 - Fred Clause (PG)

Dec. 17 - Scrooged (PG-13)

Free event features artisans, crafters, street performers, and musical entertainment. Bring blankets, low lawn chairs or towels to plop on Clearwater Beach and watch free movies. Concessions for sale. No alcohol. Shows start around dusk, approximately 6:30pm. Price: Free. Phone: (727) 434-6060 or visit http://www.sunsetsatpier60.com/

Starting Friday, December 2

Holiday Lights in the Gardens

5:30pm

Florida Botanical Gardens

12520 Ulmerton Rd.

Largo, FL, 33774

Celebrate the season at the Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation's annual Holiday Lights. More than 500,000 lights will illuminate the thousands of plants and trees that already make the gardens shine year-round. Home-grown entertainers will perform nightly. Refreshments will be available. Santa Claus will be on hand whenever he can get away from the North Pole. A $2 per person donation is requested (no fee for children 12 and younger) to help pay for this family-friendly extravaganza. (727) 582-2100.

Miracle on Cleveland Street With Snow

5:30pm

400 Block of Cleveland Street
Osceola Avenue and Cleveland Street, Clearwater FL 33755

Blizzard conditions are forecast when Clearwater's Cleveland Street District is dressed in white for this holiday event with 12 tons of snow, two giant snow slides (with toboggans), visits with Santa Claus, a tree lighting ceremony, wreath decorating contest and music by Tommy Mara and the Crests. Price: Free. http://www.clevelandstreetdistrict.com/

Friday, December 2

Enchanted Tree Lighting Ceremony

5:00pm-8:00pm

Hyde Park Village Rooftop, Tampa, FL

This event begins a 4 week series of holiday events at Hyde Park. Some holiday events include musical performances, carriage rides, carolers and other children activities.

Directions: Hyde Park Village is located at Swann and Dakota Avenues minutes from downtown Tampa. The Village lies in the heart of the historic district of Hyde Park. It is accessed by I-275, I-75, and Tampa's Lee Roy Selmon Expressway. Price: Free. Phone: (813) 251-3500.

Newton Avenue's Christmas Walk and Bake Sale

7:00pm

Newton Avenue Display
5600 Newton Ave. S

Gulfport, FL 33707

Visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and enjoy fresh baked goods at a display of 12 decorated homes on the 5600 block of Newton Avenue. Lights are on from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. nightly Dec. 2-Jan. 2. New and used toys will be collected for the Christmas Toy Workshop.

Price: Free. Phone: (727) 798-2901

Planetarium Shows

7:00pm

St. Petersburg College
6605 Fifth Ave. N

St. Petersburg FL 33710

Families with children ages 5 and older are invited to the "star theater" that can accurately simulate the night sky at any time or location on Earth. Telescope viewings from the rooftop observatory after the shows. This portion features "Yuletide Skies." Price: Free.

Saturday, December 3

Book Nook by the Bay

10:30am-12:00pm

The Pier Aquarium, St Petersburg

The Pier Aquarium is bringing back a revamped version of the award-winning Book Nook by the Bay. The family program features 1 1/2 hours of scheduled activities the first Saturday of each month. Each month will feature a book from The Pier Aquarium's library, a featured creature from the book, a craft activity to build your own "Fresh Fish Theater" out of a box and making actor stick puppets to build your theater troupe. And of course, Book Nook wouldn't be a book nook without story time and featured book read - or acted out - by the author, guest readers or "real" actors. Price: $5 adults, $4 kids age 6 and up.

Phone: (727) 895-7437, ext. 209

Ruskin Heritage and Tomato Festival

10:00am-5:00pm

E.G. Simmons Park

Ruskin, FL

This year, there will be some new faces, entertainers and activities but as always, lots of things to do. A variety of craft and commercial vendors will be ready to help you find some unique holiday treasures for gift-giving, home decoration and other special events.
This is a perfect time of year to get out and explore a real, 'Old Florida' festival in a town old enough to make the claim! Adults- $5 (includes parking); children under 12 are free

http://www.ruskintomatofestival.org/

Friday, December 9

St. Pete Beach & South Pasadena Holiday Lighted Boat Parade Family Viewing Party

St. Pete Beach Community Center and Horan Park
5:30pm-?

7701 Boca Ciega Drive

St. Pete Beach, FL 33706

Join in on singing Christmas carols and grab some free hot chocolate and popcorn. This family friendly viewing party in Horan Park includes a blessing of the fleet, tree lighting ceremony and the M.A.D.D. Festival of Trees and Wreaths. Price: Free. Phone: (727) 363-9245.

Winterfest Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting

5:30pm-?

Holland G. Mangum Recreation Complex
9100 113th St. N

Seminole, FL 33772

Seminole's tree lighting ceremony with music by the Seminole High School choir, holiday entertainment, a holiday caroling hayride, holiday crafts, bounce houses and the arrival of Santa Claus. Price: Free. Phone: (727) 391-8345.

Saturday, December 10

Christmas Jamboree

10am-?

Pinellas Pioneer Settlement
2900 31st St. S

St. Petersburg, FL 33705

This down-home family celebration includes old-time decorations and crafts, hot apple cider and sugar cookies, music, a hay ride with Santa, horseshoes, sack races and a bean toss. Also, take a tour of the Endicott House and step back in time to a Victorian Christmas.

Price: Free. Bring a canned food item or unwrapped toy. Phone: (727) 893-7326.

Holiday Music Festival

3:00pm-?

Craig Park
5 Beekman Way

Tarpon Springs FL 34689

Enjoy fun holiday music with the De Lei'ed Parrots and shop a variety of vendors for early Christmas presents. Roast marshmallows over the fire pit and be dazzled by the decorated boats bringing in Santa Claus to visit both young and old. Price: Free. Phone: (727) 942-5628. http://www.tsrdonline.com/

Pinellas Park Holiday Parade

6:00pm-?

Pinellas Park Parade Route: Park Blvd. and 58th St.

Pinellas Park, FL 33781

This year's parade, themed "Fabulous Fifties," features bands, floats, soldiers, dancers and equestrian groups. Price: Free. Phone: (727) 547-8050. http://www.celebratepinellaspark.com/

Sunday, December 11

Gift and Plant Sale

10:00am-?

Florida Botanical Gardens

12520 Ulmerton Rd.
Largo, FL 33774

The day-long special event in the formal gardens will feature more than 45 vendors selling an assortment of plants, including orchids, hibiscus, iris, bromeliads, native plants, herbs and citrus. Specialty vendors will offer a variety of items perfect for gift giving, including unique clothing, outdoor items, select food items, crafts, jewelry, candies and more. The Botanical Bounty gift shop will also be offering its beautiful products. Free entry for visitors during the daylight hours.

Sunday, December 18

Great Amazing Race for YOUTH with Buccaneers #28 Kregg Lumpkin

1:00pm-5:00pm

Al Lopez Park, Tampa, FL

Are you looking for a fun, affordable and memory-making activity to do with your kid? Then sign up for the Race! From start to finish, it's the most invigorating outdoor activity for families ever! Whether you run, jog, walk or watch, it'll be an experience they will never forget! Teams of 2 (kid/kid or adult/kid) will race around a 1 mile cross country course that includes up to 8 fun-filled stations. Price: $10. The tasks will include games, relays, obstacle courses and more. Visit GreatAmazingRace.com.

Saturday, Dec. 31

Downtown Saturday Morning Market

9:00am-?

Progress Energy Park/Al Lang Field
180 Second Ave. SE, St. Petersburg

More than 100 local vendors including farmers, growers with fresh produce and gourmet foods. Also, crafts, prepared foods, live entertainment, flowers and plants. For more info, call (727) 455-4921 or visit http://www.saturdaymorningmarket.com/

Match Anniversaries

1 Year

Robyn Stetler & Lily ● Cathy Kutche & Burnette ● Donald Elias & Damien ● Karen Modzelewski & Kylee ● Sarah Boren & Chyanne ● Brendan Behl & Jabari ● Diana Ingham & Cassady ● Karen Herrell & Susanna ● Richard Wolfe & Timothy ● Chrissie Fernandez & Regina ● Avery Davis & Thessalonia ● Darren Caputo & Marquis ● Kerry Tromba & Makayla ● Carrie Mullen & Sinceray ● Jennifer & Sanders & Josalyn ● Lari Averbeck & Aryahna ● Charles Borchardt & Isaiah

2 Years

JamesRoberts & Willie ● Amber Cuffel & Taqushia ● Beth Baker & Skylar ● Melissa Rey & Kyleigh ● Lisa Eck & Kaedn ● Lori Larkin & Beloved ● Kristin Eschenroeder & Taylor ● Linda Dragasits & Trina ● Stephanie Indiviglio & Amiracle ● Enrique Iglesias & Victor ● Shannon Carden & Crystal ● Zack Bayne & Kalem

3 Years

Lucy Rennell & Jolee ● Sheree Johnson & Teriyon ● Michael Propst & DaJuan ● Mary Davis & Shaunice ● Stephen and Angela Henson & Noah ● Lawrence Ahern & Quinton ● William and Barb Bornemann & Erskine

4 Years

Steven and Jennifer Bolton & Armani ● Kewa Wright & Linda

5 Years

Schenique Harris & Darianna ● Beth Bell & Hannah ● William McCarty & Marquiel

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BBBS Match Flash & 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