Match Moment
Big Sister Gina Folk & Janiah Big Sister Gina Folk and Little Sister Janiah have been matched since June of 2005. When this pair first met, Janiah was very quiet, timid, and unsure of herself. During the first year and a half of their match, Big Sister Gina initiated all of their conversations and got a lot of one-word answers from Janiah. Gina believes that consistency is key to building trust in a relationship and made every effort to show Janiah that she would grow up to be a reliable adult. After the first year and a half, Janiah started to open up to her Big Sister Gina and is now able to talk about anything; from what Janiah wants to be when she grows up, to how she is progressing in school. This match has done all types of activities together, from movies, to baking, to working on scrapbooks to commemorate their time together. Big Sister Gina is thankful for such a rewarding experience and takes great pleasure in watching Janiah grow into an adolescent. Gina & Janiah enjoy watching their relationship with one another grow and evolve as the years go by. Gina has seen many changes in Janiah since becoming her Big Sister; she states Janiah has become quite confident in herself and is a "poised young lady". Janiah asked Gina if she will always be her Big Sister because she is an adult that "always listens" to her. Gina says she will happily be Janiah's Big Sister forever! Share your match moments with your Match Manager. You never know, your story could inspire others just like Gina and Janiah. |
| Agency Information & Events |
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We need our Bigs in a BIG Way for Bowl for Kids' Sake!
Bowl for Kids' Sake, presented by Bright House Networks, is about having fun to help kids continue on a positive path. It is Big Brothers Big Sisters' largest fundraiser, raising the funds needed for children right here in Pinellas County - children just like your Little!
By supporting Bowl for Kids' Sake, more Bigs and Littles can be paired up, more friendships can be gained, and improved outlooks on life can be started.
Bigs, if you raise $240 during the campaign, your Little in the program will receive a $50 savings bond.
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Bowl for Kids' Sake is fun and easy! Just follow the simple steps below:
1-Start or join a team. Teams are formed with five bowlers or members. Consider creating a team with family, friends or co-workers. Register online at https://bbbspc.myetap.org/fundraiser/PinellasBFKS2012/
2-Start securing sponsorships. Each bowler should have a goal to raise at least $240, so that their team can exceed the minimum of $1,200 per team.
The best part? All event expenses are completely underwritten by our corporate sponsors. That means 100% of the money raised by bowlers goes directly toward supporting children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters in your community.
3-Start bowling. After you have raised your money, it's time to have fun! You'll receive two free games of bowling (shoe & ball rental included!). Plus the chance to reach other incentive levels!
Sign Up Online to Participate!
Big Brothers Big Sisters utilizes an online fundraising site for Bowl for Kids' Sake. Register online with just a couple of clicks, upload your email contacts from GMAIL, Yahoo, AOL and more!
The website is very easy to use, but if you experience any difficulties please do not hesitate to let us know. You can reach out to 2012 Bowling Party Dates & Locations
Be sure to select the date, time and location of your bowling party preference when you register:
Saturday, March 3, 2012 - 12:30pm or 3:30pm
Sunrise Lanes
6393 9th St. N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Saturday, March 10, 2012 - 12:30pm or 3:30pm
Countryside Lanes
27867 US 19 N.
Clearwater, FL 33761
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Bowl for Kids' Sake Campaign Incentives
In addition to the weekly promotions you can also earn other incentive levels at the end of the campaign. All bowlers are asked to raise a minimum of $240, but this is just a start!
Individual Awards:
$240-Bowl for Kids' Sake T-Shirt
$500-Bowl for Kids' Sake T-Shirt and $50 in gift cards
$1,200-Bowl for Kids' Sake T-Shirt and $200 HSN gift card
Team Awards:
$1,200-Pizza party while you bowl! Includes a large pizza and two drink tickets per bowler.
$2,500-Pizza party and personalized BFKS bowling shirts with your team name to be delivered to your team captain before your bowling session (if raised before February 17, 2012).
Big League Award:
(Companies/Organizations with 3 or more participating teams are eligible)
1st Place-Top fundraising company/organization presented the "Start Something League" award and receive a special team celebration.
Throughout the campaign there will also be weekly incentives for tickets, hotel stays and more! What are you waiting for? Sign up today!
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Children Hoping for a School Based Big Brother or Big Sister
The list below reflects the number of children who were not able to be matched this school year. We currently have a total of 54 children hoping for a School Based Big.
Belleair Elementary School - Clearwater: 1 girl, 5 boys
Campbell Park Elementary School - St. Pete: 2 girls, 8 boys
Chi Chi Rodriguez Academy - Countryside: 2 boys
Cypress Woods YMCA - Palm Harbor: 1 boy
High Point Elementary School - Clearwater: 6 boys, 4 girls
John Hopkins Middle School - St. Pete: 4 girls
Lakewood Elementary School - St. Pete: 1 girl, 2 boys
Ozona Elementary School - Palm Harbor: 3 girls
Ozona YMCA - Palm Harbor: 2 girls, 1 boy
Sandy Lane Elementary School - Clearwater: 1 girl, 1 boy
Sunset Hills Elementary School - Tarpon Springs: 4 boys
Sunset Hills YMCA - Tarpon Springs: 3 girls, 3 boys
Thurgood Marshall Fundamental - Palm Harbor: 1 boy
The School Based program is ideal for someone who needs a consistent schedule to meet with their Little Brother/Sister and has time during the day. Volunteers meet with a child at their elementary or middle school for one hour per week. 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.
Children Hoping for a Community Based Big Brother or Big Sister
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 261 boys, for a total of 347 children!
Clearwater: 15 girls, 37 boys
Dunedin: 4 girls, 8 boys
Indian Rocks Beach: 1 boy
Largo: 13 girls, 32 boys
Oldsmar: 2 girls, 5 boys
Palm Harbor: 7 boys
Pinellas Park: 3 girls, 18 boys
Safety Harbor: 2 boys
St. Petersburg: 43 girls, 135 boys
Seminole: 6 girls, 10 boys
Tarpon Springs: 6 boys
The Community Based program is ideal for someone who has more free time during weekends and evenings and prefers a flexible schedule. Volunteers take the child on 2 outings per month for 2-4 hours, at times that are convenient for both the Big and the Little.
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.
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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, February 16th - SPC Allstate Center, Conference Room 110: 3200 34th Street South, St. Petersburg
- Thursday, March 15th - Big Brothers Big Sisters Office: 918 West Bay Drive, Largo
- Thursday, April 19th - SPC Allstate Center, Conference Room 110: 3200 34th Street South, St. Petersburg
Please RSVP to Tirrah Switzer at TirrahS@bbbspc.org or 727-518-8860 x252. |
| Frequently Asked Questions |
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Why does my Match Support Specialist ask so many questions, especially safety questions, during monthly and quarterly contacts?
As you all know, child safety is our top priority, but the development of your relationship with your Little and the Little's personal development are also extremely important to us. We want to make sure that the children we serve in BBBS are getting the most out of their experiences of being matched with our Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Big Couples. Although some questions may seem repetitive and unnecessary to you, we want to provide good customer service to you and ensure child safety.
Your Match Support Specialist works hard to support your match to the highest level, and in order to do so we need your cooperation and understanding when completing these contacts with us. Thank you all for your dedication to your Little and your cooperation in responding to us in a timely manner for your scheduled phone, email and/or in-person contacts. If you have any further questions concerns regarding this FAQ, please feel free to call Mandy Bisceglia, Director of Community Based Programs, at 727.518.8860 x228.
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| BIG Opportunities for Littles |
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Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Essay Contest
ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A $5,000 SCHOLARSHIP!
In honor of Black History Month, Regions is proud to offer the Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Essay Contest!
Write a 500-word essay about an African American who has inspired you, and you could win one of twenty-five $5,000 scholarships. Contest is open to high school seniors in Regions' banking areas who will attend college this year.
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Give Kids A Smile! Children's Dental Access Program
The Give Kids A Smile Pinellas event provides free desperately needed dental services to local qualifying children from low-income families. This event is part of the American Dental Associations' Give Kids A Smile Program.
This Pinellas Event takes place Friday, February 3, 2012. Over 125 dentists, hygienists and assistants, along with corporate sponsors will come together to answer this need. Please visit www.GKASpinellas.com for additional information and to register for the event. Or contact your child's school social worker or nurse. |
Thanks to our supportive community partners, we are able to offer our Bigs and Littles great discounts for local businesses and activities. If you, or someone you know would like to offer a special opportunity for our matches, please email Christine Battista, Marketing & Communications Coordinator: ChristineB@bbbspc.org.
Below are our newest offers available. Please be sure to thank our wonderful community partners when you take advantage of these great offers! Check our website often for a complete list of Big Perks: www.bbbspc.org/bigperks
Liberty Lanes
Enjoy 2 hours of bowling with your Little for only $9. Includes a lane rental, balls, and up to four pairs of bowling shoes. No coupon necessary - just let the attendant at the desk know that you are a Big in Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Liberty Lanes is located at 11401 Starkey Road in Largo. For hours, please visit www.libertylanesbowling.com or call 727-397-3947.
I9 Sports Leagues i9 Sports puts the fun back where it belongs! We organize youth sports leagues for kids 3-14 in Southern Pinellas County with sites in St. Pete and Largo. Our focus is on FUN: no drafts or tryouts and every child plays at least half the game; CONVENIENCE: 8-week long program with practices and games only ONE day a week on Saturday mornings and no required volunteering or fundraising; SAFETY: all coaches and referees undergo background checks. Bigs, visit www.i9sports.com or call (727) 499-8151 for more league details to see which sports are offered for the upcoming season! We're offering a special $99 rate for BBBS - that's $36 saved from the full program fee. Visit our website or call to register. With i9 Sports, everyone plays and everyone wins.
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Match Events
The following are BBBS hosted events - staff will be present. |
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Be Your Personal Best: A Day for the Girls - Now re-opened due to popular demand!
Sunday, February 12th, 2:00pm-5:00pm
Belleair Country Club
1 Country Club Drive
Belleair, FL 33756
Join us for a brand new match event at Belleair Country Club! Enjoy an afternoon of food, fun and learning! A light meal will be served, along with tea, while Little Sisters benefit from an etiquette class. Girls will also have the opportunity to watch demonstrations for hair, nails, make-up and matches can have their photos taken together!
We send special thanks to those who have volunteered their time for this new match event! The etiquette class is being generously provided by: Protocol by Priscilla. We would also like to thank Penny Jackson from Mary Kay, Photography by Jazzy, More2Life, and Big Sister Alexandra Fenn for nail painting.
Register TODAY - this event is only to the first 35 Big/Little Sister matches. *Registration ends February 9; or as soon as all spots are filled.*
Attire: be sure to dress in your "Sunday best" for this event! Jeans are not permitted at the Country Club.
To register, click here. |
Save the Date!
The BIG Celebration
Friday, April 27, 2012
Mahaffey Theater
400 1st Street S.
St. Petersburg
Please save the date for our annual BIG Celebration - BBBS's signature event of the year to honor all of our Bigs, donors and corporate sponsors who are committed to changing the lives of children facing adversity in our community. Look for your save the date in the mail soon!
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| Tickets Available for Matches |
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Armed Forces Military Museum
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm; Sunday 12pm-4pm (closed Mondays and major holidays)
2050 34th Way North
Largo, FL 33710
Thanks to a generous donation from the Armed Forces Military Museum, we have 50 tickets for Littles and 50 tickets for Bigs to enjoy the museum for free. Tickets are good for anytime the museum is open.
**Please Note that ALL tickets must be picked up at our office or at Gold's Gym.
Big Brothers Big Sisters: 918 West Bay Dr., Largo FL 33770 (Mon.-Thurs. 9am - 6pm, Fri. 9am - 4pm)
Gold's Gym: 203 38th Ave. N., St. Petersburg (Open 24 hours from 5am Monday-9pm Friday; Sat. 8am-7pm; Sun. 8am-5pm)
*If you select to pick up tickets at Gold's Gym, please note that we need 1 full business day (excluding weekends) from the time you request tickets to transport your tickets from our office to Gold's.
Tickets are given on a first come first serve basis.
NEW! To claim your tickets, click Here and be sure to enter both your name, your Little's name, and if you are part of a Big Couple, the other Big's name where prompted (blue button).
We can not respond to email requests for tickets.
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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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Be sure to visit the "Bigs Only" section of our website to view recurring community events that you and your Little can take part in. 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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Each Saturday
Sunset Cinema at Pier 60
6:00pm
Pier 60
10 Pier 60 Drive
Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
Bring blankets, low lawn chairs or towels to plop on Clearwater Beach and watch free movies. Conceesions for sale. No alcohol. Show starts around dusk. Price: Free. For more information, contact (727) 434-6060 or www.sunsetsatpier60.com.
February 4 - PG-13 rated film The First Grader
February 11 - PG rated film Grease
February 18 - PG -13 rated film The Blind Side
February 25 - PG-13 rated film Real Steel
Saturday, February 4 Sci-Fi and Sky Night Event 5:30pm
Science 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 observing "SATURN". Telescope viewing: 6:30pm-9:30pm
Planetarium show - "Hubble Show"
Planetarium times: 5:30pm, 6:05pm, 6:40, 7:50pm, and 8:25pm
Join us for a very special guest speaker Daryl Schrader, Professor at SPC - "Lecture on Light". Lecture time: 7:15pm-7:45pm. Movie: 8:00pm "Lost In Space" The movie will be shown in our rear courtyard. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets! In the case of inclement weather the movie will be held inside. $3.00 Per Person Donation. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase: between 6:00pm-9:00 pm.
Please R.S.V.P. for planetarium shows by February, 4th until 4pm.
Limited seating is available for each planetarium show! (727)384-0027 or soneal@sciencecenterofpinellas.org. Safety Harbor Touch-A-Truck 10:00am Safety Harbor City Park 940 Seventh St. S. Safety Harbor, FL 34695 Kids and adults can grab the wheel or honk the horns of vehicles they see on the streets every day. Vehicle operators on hand to talk about their use and how they operate. Bayflite helicopter will also be landing and taking off at the even and families can learn more about safety from Pinellas County 911 and SafeKids. Price: Free. For more information, contact (727) 724-1572. Saturday, February 11 Bike Safari 9:00am Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way St. S St. Petersburg, FL 33705 Grab your helmet, some water and a snack. Get ready for a bicycle exploration of the 245-acre nature preserve where you'll see alligators, bald eagles, gopher tortoises and ospreys. Plus you'll rid through five ecosystems. Two rides available for different skill levels. The "Adventure Trek" is for those with cycling experience and mountain bikes (9-10:30am). The "Leisure Ride" is better suited for children and those without "off road friendly" bikes (10:30-11:30am). Sun block and bug spray are suggested, and a sense of adventure is required. Price: $5.00 (includes preserve admission). For more information, contact (727) 893-7326. Lego Building 10:00am
Southwest Recreation Complex and Pool
13120 Vonn Road
Largo, FL 33774
Monthly program helps children learn about construction, programming and teamwork skills while creating their own Lego masterpieces. This month's theme is "Transportation." Price: $7.00. For more information, contact (727) 518-3125.
Sunday, February 12 Alligator Walk
11:30am
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
1101 Country Club Way S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Learn about the habitat, eating habits and other mysteries of our state reptile, the American Alligator on this hike through the preserve's wetlands. Price: $3, $1.50 children. For more information, contact (727) 893-7326.
Saturday, February 18 Royal Lipizzan Stallions Winter Training 10:00am
Herrmanns Royal Lipizzaner Ranch
32755 Singletary Road
Myakka City, FL 34251
The fabulous flying white Lipizzans who performed the rare and beautiful "Airs Above the Ground Mounted" as seen in Walt Disney's Miracle of the White Stallions train here in the Tampa Bay area. Visitors are welcome to watch beauty and grace of the original Lipizzan Stallions of Austria as they are put through their paces in their winter training home. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to get closer to the arena to watch practice. Price: $5.00. For more information, contact (941) 322-1501 or visit www.hlipizzans.com.
Fancy Nancy Party
11:00am
Safety Harbor Public Library
101 Second St. N.
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
Children ages 12 and younger are invited to hear a fun Fancy Nancy story, play games, decorate a glamorous tiara and enjoy delicious treats. Registration required. Price: Free. For more information, contact (727) 724-1525, ext. 118.
Sunday, February 19
$5 Day at the Zoo 9:30am
Lowry Park Zoo
1101 W Sligh Ave.
Tampa, FL 33604
Load all the kids into the car and get ready to visit all your favorite animals. Everyone gets into the zoo for $5 today. Price: $5. For more information, contact (813) 935-8552.
Saturday, February 25 Battle of Ballast Point Civil War Reenactment 10:00am Fort De Soto Park 3500 Pinellas Bayway S. Tierra Verde, FL 33715 The 97th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Re-enactor Regiment hosts this American Civil War weekend encampment and historical battle re-enactment. Camp open to the public with ongoing events all day. Battle re-enactment at 1:30pm daily. Other Civil war era demonstrations, infantry drills and rum and fife music performances. Price: Free. For more information, contact (727) 430-8136. Saturday Guided Hike at Weedon Island 9:00am
Weedon Island Preserve
1800 Weedon Drive NE
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Pull on your grubby sneakers and join a hike through coastal mangroves and upland ecosystems. Learn about the coastal environment and the early residents of this area. Bring water and hat. Recommended for ages six and older. Price: Free, but registration required. For more information, contact (727) 453-6500.
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1 Year
Samantha Fenwick & Dane'Jah ● Evan Wilcox & De'Lazarus ● Marcie Ceron & Sasha ● Ty Lieu & Terence ● Tabatha McCarty & Kellie ● Vivian Sierchio & Amari ● Mary Avramidis & Somer ● Gary Grant & Isaiah ● Amanda Kracht & Kendra ● Chelsea Shoemaker & Brianna ● Linda Price & Beverly ● Barbara moon & Andrea ● John and Sandra Leanes & Antonio ● Robert Walker & David ● Aida Brown & Danielle
2 Years
Griffin and Annaleise Partilla & Omarion ● Marcia Wels & Joetta ● James Nichols & Carson ● David Fuller & Jesse ● Philip Collier Jr. & Alexander ● Gabriel Abdulshafi & Ayonna ● Shana Sobie & Cammie ● Catherine Bruger & Bailey
3 Years
Anthony Ewonaitis & Noah ● Greg Bowen & Cameron ● Jane Kucin & Faith
4 Years
Heather Walker & Anike ● Adrienne Becker & Alexis ● Vianca Dudgeon & Elizabeth
5 Years
Erik Frechette & Darrien
6 Years
Julie Chalhoub & Lumesha
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Agency Help Needed with Adobe Forms
If you or someone you know has experience using Adobe Professional (version 10), we could really use your help! We are looking for someone who is able to make occasional changes to our volunteer application. Please contact Christine Battista at ChristineB@bbbspc.org if you are able to assist with this.
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2 Bikes Available
We have a donation of a bike for 4-5 year old boy or girl, with training wheels that can come off. We also have a medium size bike for a 6-8 year old boy. If your Little could use one of these, please email: ChristineB@bbbspc.org
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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.
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Support BBBS through Matching Gifts
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. |
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Office Volunteers
Our agency is in need of several office volunteers, which include the following:
- 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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New Home or Phone?Please help us keep our records up to date.
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Connect with us!
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