 NEWS 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kathryn McNeill
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward
954-584-9990
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF BROWARD PLACED IN TOP 6 PERCENT OF AGENCIES NATIONWIDE
Chief Executive Officer Ana Cedeño named CEO of the Year
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County has been recognized as one of the top performing agencies in the nation after accepting the Gold Standard Award from the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and the Nationwide Leadership Council. The award recognizes pace-setting performance in quality service delivery as well as impact to the community’s children.
This prestigious award places Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward in the top 6 percent of Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies nationwide out of a network of more than 400. Only agencies with double-digit growth in revenue and children served were recognized.
“The Gold Standard award is given to our very highest achievers for their sustained impact in helping children reach their potential,” said Judy Vredenburgh, president and chief executive officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. “I am proud to acknowledge their successes and grateful for their breakthrough leadership in service to their communities and to the country.”
This recognition comes as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County celebrates its 35th anniversary. Since 1973, the organization has impacted more than 14,000 children in Broward County with transformational one-to-one mentoring relationships.
“In our 35th anniversary year, we are proud and honored to be recognized for being a leader in the nation,” said Ana Cedeño, chief executive officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County. “Our success is rooted in our excellent volunteers, dedicated board of directors and staff. Thanks to the outstanding support of the community and our partners, we continue to be the premier mentoring organization in Broward County. It’s where little moments truly can make big magic.”
Cedeño was also named as CEO of the Year, the highest professional honor in the Big Brothers Big Sisters National network. She was hand-selected by the National Leadership Council for her strategic leadership, board development and financial management.
Through the leadership of Cedeño and the board of directors, the organization served more than 1,400 children in Broward County last year. By 2010, the goal is to increase that number to more than 2,500 children.
“The work that our organization continues to accomplish has a measurable impact in the lives of the families we serve,” said Cedeño. “We are changing the way our children grow up in the community.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters is the largest youth mentoring organization in the United States. With more than 400 affiliates across all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Guam, it served 255,000 children in 2007, more than twice the number of five years ago. Independent research shows that its model of professionally supported one-to-one relationships between young people and their mentors has a measurable, positive impact. Children in the program are less likely to skip school, begin using alcohol and illegal drugs, and be involved in violence. The organization works with policymakers and community leaders across the country to expand access to mentoring for children in need. The organization is currently focusing on recruiting Big Brothers, especially African Americans and Hispanics.
For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward, call 954-584-9990 or visit www.bbbsbroward.org.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kathryn McNeill
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward
954-791-6210 Ext. 101
kathrynm@bbbsbroward.org
Young Professionals Group to Enjoy Busy Day of Networking on July 10
Six Degrees hosts breakfast with two of Broward’s leading entrepreneurs; mingle at mixer that night
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. – Young professionals are invited to enjoy a busy day of professional development during two Six Degrees events on Thursday, July 10.
The day kicks off with a BigWig Breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. at IKEA, 151 NW 136 Ave. in Sunrise. Cost is $20 for non-members, which includes breakfast at the IKEA restaurant.
Six Degrees’ BigWig events allow young professionals to meet with and learn from prominent business leaders in Broward County. Six Degrees is Broward County’s cutting-edge network of young professionals aged 21 to 40 engaged in supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County. The goals of Six Degrees are to create a platform for members to build relationships, develop philanthropically and expand their professional horizons.
During the July 10 breakfast, attendees will hear testimonials from powerful entrepreneurs Britt Sikes and Sean Guerin, CEOs of U.S. Imaging Solutions, who will speak on their experiences in developing a successful business.
“We are fortunate for our Six Degrees attendees to have access to these two influential members of the Broward community,” said Jennifer Gray, Six Degrees Council President. “Sean and Britt’s business practices and philanthropic ideals are directly right in line with what Six Degrees stands for.”
Later that evening, young professionals can enjoy more networking time during the Six Degrees mixer from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Chima’s Brazilian Steakhouse, 2400 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Cost is $20 for non-members and includes two free drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
Bi-monthly mixers and BigWig events such as those on July 10 are just a few of the ways Six Degrees engages young professionals. Becoming a member of Six Degrees also allows access to Big Brothers Big Sisters’ agency events, giving the opportunity to come face-to-face with children and volunteers and experience the impact the agency has on the community.
Both July 10 events are open to all young professionals. For more information or to become involved with Six Degrees, visit www.bbbsbroward.org or call 954-791-6210. This event is made possible by the support of SolAmbit Law Firm, Crowe, Regions Bank, Sun-Sentinel, Metromix.com, Chima’s Brazilian Steakhouse and IKEA. |
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Big Brothers Big Sisters Partners with South Florida Interactive Marketing Association to Promote Internet Safety through Fundraising Event
Fort Lauderdale- February 19, 2008 - The South Florida Interactive Marketing Association is partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County to conduct a contest with BBBS Bigs and Littles in schools entitled, “ My World on the Web,” promoting safe use of the internet. SFIM will stage a fundraiser on April 11, 2008 at the Fort Lauderdale Grande Hotel & Yacht Club in conjunction with this contest benefiting the agency.
“Casino Night” will be attended by approximately 200 Interactive Marketing professionals from the Miami and Fort Lauderdale areas, primarily. Mock gaming will take place for entertainment purposes and prizes will be awarded.
The South Florida Interactive Marketing Association is a non-profit professional organization with approximately 300 dues-paying members. SFIMA conducts social events and educational seminars, monthly.
Purpose of “Casino Night”
Annually, SFIMA stages one event to benefit charity or community welfare. This year, Casino Night is SFIMA’s primary benefit event. Casino Night will provide a venue for Interactive Marketing professionals to network. Sponsoring corporations are provided an opportunity to reach these professionals through exposure/public relations.
Role of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Broward
SFIMA believes Big Brother Big Sisters of Broward is a viable partner and worthy beneficiary of Casino Night. An organization serving youth in the community complements SFIMA because Interactive technology is an integral aspect of young peoples’ lives. The Internet is a forum for self expression, a creative outlet, an educational resource, and, a means to communicate with friends, family and mentors.
In order to establish a thematic tie-in to SFIMA, BBBS will coordinate a contest. Littles will be invited to submit stories, pictures and/or videos to BBBS illustrating how the Internet plays a role in their social and family lives. SFIMA and BBBS will select the most meaningful submission(s), feature the submissions at the April 11th event, award prizes to the winners and announce Casino Night’s contribution to BBBS.
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Morgan Stanley's Eli Tache Joins Board of Directors
Fort Lauderdale- Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Broward is honored to welcome Eli Tache as a new member of the 2008 distinguished Board of Directors. Mr. Tache is a Vice President/Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley in Aventura. In his role with BBBS, Mr. Tache will work to support the mission of providing a mentor for every child who needs or wants one in Broward County.
Mr. Tache has been a financial advisor since 1988 and has been married for 18 years to his wife Teana with whom he has two sons, Jeremy and Jason. Mr. Tache has extensive experience as a volunteer through his service as a counselor at Camp Fiesta- a summer camp for kids with Cancer. Mr. Tache will use his experience with children to further the vision and reach of the agency.
About Morgan Stanley:
Morgan Stanley is a leading global financial services firm providing a wide range of investment banking, securities, investment management and wealth management services. The Firm's employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals from more than 600 offices in 33 countries. For further information about Morgan Stanley, please visit www.morganstanley.com.
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Daniel K. Rothfeld, President & CEO, Strategy, LLC Joins BBBS Board of Directors
Fort Lauderdale- BBBS is proud and honored to welcome Daniel K. Rothfeld, President & CEO, Strategy, LLC as a new member of the 2008 distinguished Board of Directors. In his role with BBBS, Mr. Rothfeld will work to support and further the mission of providing and supporting high-quality relationships between children and caring adult mentors in Broward County.
Mr. Rothfeld has over 20 years of real estate development and executive management experience within the hospitality and personnel industries. Mr. Rothfeld served as Senior Vice President at Choice Hotels International, Inc. and his responsibilities included leading Product Development, Architecture & Construction Management for all ten (10) Choice brands, Franchise Sales and Strategic Partnerships. During his ten (10) year tenure, Choice became one of the best performing public companies in the hospitality industry, and grew to be the second largest hotel company growing from 2,900 to over 5,000 properties in over 40 countries.
Prior to Choice, Dan was Senior Vice President for Spherion, where he was instrumental in creating several standalone staffing niches in the legal, finance, information technology and healthcare professions, creating a $3B global human resource solution company. Earlier in his career, Dan was a litigation attorney with emphasis in Insurance Defense.
Daniel K. Rothfeld- Member 2008 BBBS Board of Directors
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BERGER SINGERMAN ATTORNEY GREGORY A. HAILE JOINS BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF BROWARD COUNTY
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Gregory A. Haile,an attorney with the Florida business law firm Berger Singerman, has joined the Board of Directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County (BBBS). In this role, Haile will work with the Board to support the mission of BBBS, to provide a mentor for every child who needs and wants one.
Haile is a member of Berger Singerman’s Dispute Resolution Team. He received his B.S. in Justice Studies, magna cum laude, from Arizona State University in 1999, and his J.D. from Columbia University School of Law in 2002 where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar. While at Columbia University School of Law, Haile served as Editor-in-Chief of the National Black Law Journal; Articles Editor of the Journal of Gender and Law; and a member of Who’s Who: American Law Students and BLSA.
He is admitted to The Florida Bar and is President of The T.J. Reddick Bar Association. He is also on the board of the Broward County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division and was recently appointed by The Florida Bar Board of Governors to the Seventeenth Circuit’s Grievance Committee.
Berger Singerman is a Florida business law firm with more than 50 attorneys working out of offices in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Tallahassee. Members of the firm have expertise in all areas of commercial law, including banking, creditors' rights, business reorganization, bankruptcy, corporate & securities, dispute resolution and litigation, white collar crime, real estate, environmental and land use, health care, tax, estate planning, and probate.
Gregory Haile- Member 2008 BBBS Board of Directors |
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DHL Raises Over $19,000 in Donations to Support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward
Donation Made Possible through DHL Express South Florida Market and US corporate offices
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – January 10, 2008 – DHL Express presented a donation of over $19,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County during the 2007 Charity of Choice Holiday giving campaign. The check presentation was made possible after DHL asked their outside counsels to make a donation to BBBS of Broward in place of a traditional seasonal gift. As a result of this request, DHL generated over $19,000 in record-breaking donations for BBBS of Broward.
“DHL is honored to name Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward as our 2007 Charity of Choice. Not only do we have a strong commitment to advancing the practice of mentoring, but we have a continued commitment to supporting the mission of the agency and the children of Broward County,” Said Tony Treglia, vice president of Human Resources for DHL and Big Brother.
The check presentation took place on December 19th at the offices of Big Brothers Big Sisters. More than 19 of DHL’s most valued outside counsels generated donations ranging from $100 - $6,000 during the 2007 campaign.
“We are grateful and honored to have such a generous partner in DHL to help advance the vision of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward,” Said the agency’s CEO Ana Cedeno. “This donation will significantly help us to continue our mission of providing a caring adult mentor to every child who needs or wants one.”
DHL and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward would like to thank the 2007 Charity of Choice donors for their support and generosity. Donors included: Barnes & Thornburg, LLP, Becker & Poliakoff PA, Clarke Silvergate & Campbell, P.A., Epstein Becker & Green, Fischetti & Pesce, LLP, Flynn, Delich & Wise, Kreitzman Montensen & Borden, Littler Mendelson PC, Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP, Lott & Griedland, Miller, Canfield, Paddock & Stone P.L.C, Norris, McLaughlin & Marcus, Schuster Aguilo, LLP, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter and Hampton, Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP, Squire, Sanders & Dempsey LLP, Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP, Winston & Strawn LLP and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP.
About DHL
DHL is the global market leader of the international express and logistics industry, specializing in providing innovative and customized solutions from a single source. DHL offers expertise in express, air and ocean freight, overland transport, and contract logistic solutions as well as international mail services, combined with worldwide coverage and an in-depth understanding of local markets. DHL's international network links more than 225 countries and territories worldwide with over 300,000 employees dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers' expectations.
Founded in San Francisco in 1969, DHL is a Deutsche Post World Net brand. For more information on DHL, please visit www.dhl.com
BBBS Board of Directors Including DHL VP of Human Resources, Tony Treglia during December 19th check presentation. |
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Plantation, FL- November 30, 2007- BBBS, Black & Decker and Plantation Park Elementary partnered together in November to launch a special Bigs In School mentoring program called "Lunch with Littles." The idea for this program came from Black & Decker Employee Relations Manager, Kelly Collins who contacted BBBS after participating in a similar program through BBBS of Baltimore.
"Lunch with Littles" allows the Black & Decker Associates the opportunity to bring their lunch to the school and join their Little for a meal and some quality time to work on academics and become friends. "I am still writing to my Little Sister in Baltimore and I am always thrilled to get correspondence from her, she is a very special young lady," says Collins of her former Little Sister in Baltimore.
Debra Lieberman, Plantation Park Guidance Counselor welcomes the program to her school stressing the need for these children to make a connection with someone who they can talk to when they find themselves running into trouble with school, friends and even life at home. During the afternoon of the kick off, Lieberman warmly welcomed the Black & Decker Associates to the campus telling them to "follow the aroma to the cafeteria."
Black & Decker associates receive red carpet treatment once they arrive for their lunch hour with their Little. They can report to the head of the lunch line so as not to miss a minute of the lunch. "Besides,” Lieberman says,” When was the last time any of these adults were able to find a three-course meal in South Florida for under $2.50. It is a great time for everyone!"
Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to thank the Black & Decker Associates as well as Kelly Collins, Debra Lieberman and Plantation Park Administration for doing their part to make this first-time collaboration a success.
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OFFICE DEPOT Partners with BBBS TO CELEBRATE OPENING OF FIRST store in hallandale beach
Hallandale Beach, December 10, 2007 - Office Depot (NYSE: ODP), a leading global provider of office products and services, celebrated the opening of its first store in Hallandale Beach on Thursday, December 6, 2007, at 2:00 p.m. The store is located at 1039 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd., in the Winn Dixie Shopping Center.
About the New Office Depot Store in Hallandale Beach
According to Store Manager Steve Nelson, the new Hallandale Beach store features Office Depot’s industry-leading M2 retail format. M2 offers customers the most enjoyable shopping experience in the industry – in a format that is intuitive, logical and designed specifically for the way people make purchase decisions.
Products are grouped in highly visible, strategically located “pods,” with core supplies at the outer perimeter of the store – signed for optimal visibility and easy purchase – and furniture and technology at the center – to better support consultative sales.
The new Office Depot store employs approximately 20 full- and part-time associates. It houses more than 7,500 technology, furniture and supply products as well as Design, Print and Ship services in 21,623 square feet of customer space.
Store hours are Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The telephone number for the store is 954-455-6542.
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Office Depot Store Manager- Steve Nelson, BBBS Board President- David Greenberger and
BBBS VP of Development- Danay Torano
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BBBS would like to thank Office Depot of Hallandale Beach for their generous donation to the children of Broward County. |
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Brothers Big Sisters Raises funds to the tune of $180,000 at the 5th Annual Déjà vu Fundraising Event and Musical Celebration
Fort Lauderdale, November 5, 2007- The 5th Annual Déjà vu “Class Reunion” presented by MetroPCS benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Broward was held on Saturday, October 20th at the Bahia Mar Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale. Raising a record-breaking $180,000 the 2007 Déjà vu “Class Reunion” was the single largest fundraising even in the agency’s 34 year history in Broward.
Distinguished child advocate and community leaders honored at the 2007 Déjà vu “Class Reunion” for their significant contribution to their professions and to the mission of the agency were: Cindy Arenberg–Seltzer, Susie & Alan B. Levan, Traci Martineau and Ben Williams. The event was chaired by Linda Stepenovitch.
"Deja Vu supporters are driven by the agency’s mission of providing a mentor to each and every child who needs or wants one and they take pride in the fact that our ability to serve more children is directly tied to their fundraising efforts," says BBBS of Broward’s CEO, Ana Cedeno, attributing the exceptional fundraising achievement to agency Board of Directors, staff and corporate sponsors.
Déjà vu “Class Reunion” was the culmination of the past 4 years of celebrating the pop culture of decades past with thematic décor, entertainment, costumes, music and even auction items ranging from 1950’s to 1980’s. Highlights of the evening included a performance from former American Idol contestant Dezmond Meeks, who sang the music of James Brown, Michael Jackson and Prince, a local High School core of drummers and other vegas style live musical performances provided by Sixth Star Entertainment & Marketing.
With over 400 guests dressed in flamboyant retro attire, Déjà vu participants truly embodied the spirit of decades past as well as the powerful and timeless philosophy of mentoring.
BBBS of Broward thanks Déjà vu “Class Reunion” title sponsor MetroPCS as well as Sixth Star Entertainment & Marketing, Bahia Mar Beach Resort, DHL, Bank of America, Garrido & Wooden Wealth Management, Sun-Sentinel, Comcast, Ultimate Software, JM Family Enterprises, Van Dee Services, Maroone and everyone else who made this event possible. The 2008 Déjà vu event will mark the agency’s 35th Anniversary in Broward County and is tentatively set for October 2008.
Click HERE to visit the 2007 Deja Vu "Class Reunion" Photo Album!
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Cooper City High School Class of 1977 Collects Donations for Bigs in Schools
October 10, 2007- Thanks to the loyal support of Cooper City Class of 1977, BBBS of Broward was honored to accept a donation collected at a recent 30th Class reunion.BBBS's Vice President of Development accepted the monetary donation from Louis Subirats who is also a member of the Class of 1977 Reunion Committee of Cooper City High School. Donations were collected from those who attended the recent reunion held in Hollywood Beach. Subirats and other Alumnus were pleased to know that the funds collected would go to current Bigs and Littles participating in the Bigs In Schools program at Cooper City High School.
BBBS of Broward would like to thank CCHS Class of 1977 for their support of future Bigs in Littles who will one day be proud CCHS alums. BBBS of Broward has been delivering mentoring services to CCHS and CCEM for more than 5 years.
Louis Subirats presents BBBS Vice President of Development, Danay Torano with a check for funds raised during the Cooper City High School Class of 1977 30th Reunion.
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FORT LAUDERDALE- SEPTEMBER 25, 2007 – Associates from Jackson-Hewitt participated in a half-day, “Build-A-Bike” workshop to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County on Wednesday, September 26th.
The goal of the workshop is to engage 80 participants from Jackson-Hewitt in a high-energy fun-filled event designed to help them get better acquainted on a more personal level and to experience an event where they work together to not only achieve a goal (building a bicycle), but each team member also benefits from the personal reward of “giving back to society” as they award bicycles to 12 needy children enrolled in mentoring programs through Big Brothers Big Sisters. This activity will contribute a memorable gift to children who would otherwise never have the joy experiencing their first ride on their own bicycle.
The culmination of the workshop was when BBBS Littles arrived and received quite a surprise when they learned that they all were the recipients of brand new bikes!
The “Build-A-Bike” workshop is one of the many training programs conducted by The Leadership Institute. Other programs offered by this international training company include: public speaking, leadership, and teambuilding. This event will mark a first-time partnership between Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward and Jackson-Hewitt.
BBBS of Broward would like to thank the associates of Jackson-Hewitt and Margie West along with the Leadership Institute for giving our Littles the opportunity to participate in such a wonderful event.
Please enjoy a few Magic Moments from the “Build-A-Bike” Event!
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Bank of America & Florida Marlins Host Youth Baseball Clinic for BBBS Littles
August 16, 2007-BBBS Littles, ages 7-12 along with their Bigs and Parents attended the “Bank of America Youth Baseball Clinic”, at Dolphin Stadium on August 16th to learn the fundamentals of the game from Major League Baseball Legend Andre Dawson, Jason Wood, Infielder for the Florida Marlins, and Marlins coaches Jim Presley and Rick Kranitz. The clinic, a partnership between Bank of America and the Florida Marlins, featured drills and instruction on hitting, fielding, throwing, and base running from Dawson, Wood and the Marlins coaches. Dawson, whose career highlights include being one of only three members of the 400 Home Run-300 Stolen Base Club, and Wood, a 4-year Major League veteran, spoke with the young athletes about their careers in baseball and how their experiences have helped them achieve on and off the field.
BBBS would like to thank Bank of America and the Florida Marlins for giving our Littles a dream day of larger-than-life baseball with MVP treatment.
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BBBS BOARD, STAFF & COMMUNITY PARTNERS LET THEIR TASTE BUDS DO THE FUNDRAISING AT THE 1st ANNUAL BENIHANA MARLINS CELEBRITY COOK-OFF
Fort Lauderdale, August 8, 2007- The Florida Marlins teamed up with Benihana’s master teppanyaki chefs at the Benihana Marlins Celebrity Cook-Off on Sunday, Aug. 5. The event took take place at the Benihana’s Miramar restaurant , following the Marlins’ home game against the Houston Astros.
In a first-time partnership with Benihana, BBBS Board and staff enjoyed an evening of Marlins players, coaches and Benihana’s knife-wielding, steak-flipping showman chefs as they prepared and served Benihana’s famous Japanese cuisine. The evening's menu included tender steak, juicy chicken, succulent shrimp, salad, soup, rice and ice cream. Proceeds from the event will go directly to BBBS of Broward and SOS Children's Villages.
BBBS would like to especially thank Nancy Olson from the Florida Marlins Community Foundation, Jeannie Means from Benihana of Miramar, the Florida Marlin's Wives and BBBS Board Members David Greenberger, Tony Treglia, Leon Garza and Shawn Wooden for showing their support of the agency and the chlidren of Broward County.
Pictured Above (left to right)
David Greenberger - President of the Board - Owner SCG and Associates
Shawn Wooden - Board Member and Miami Dolphins Alumni player - Partner -Garrido and Wooden Wealth Management
The chef in the red hat is baseball great Andre Dawson, Assistant to the President of the Florida Marlins- Tony Treglia - Board Member - DHL Corporation - VP of Human Resources
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FORT LAUDERDALE— JULY 13, 2007 — Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Broward announces the appointment of Danay Torano to the position of Vice President of Development. In her role at BBBS of Broward Torano will oversee the agency’s funding and development efforts and create new solutions for cultivating donors in the community.
Prior to joining BBBS, Torano worked for the South Florida Sun Sentinel for 6 years as Charities Manager, managing the Sun-Sentinel Children’s Fund and community wide philanthropic initiatives.
“Danay’s proven track record and extensive experience with philanthropic funding and foundation management makes her a natural fit for Big Brothers Big Sisters,” said Ana Cedeno, CEO of BBBS of Broward. “Big Brothers Big Sisters is committed to bringing together the best talent in our field to serve the greatest clients in our community; the children. As the VP of Development, Danay will play a major role in this agency’s ability to provide a mentor for every child who wants or needs one in our community.”
For more information on becoming a BBBS donor, sponsor or corporate partner contact the BBBS Development office at (954) 791-6210 ext. 103 or email danayt@bbbsbroward.org.
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BBBS Honors Volunteers of the Year at 2007 Appreciation Event
Fort Lauderdale, FL – Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Broward hosted its annual Volunteer Celebration and Recognition event on Thursday, June 14, at Blue Martini in Fort Lauderdale. The evening included a heart warming awards ceremony and served as a reunion for volunteers past and present as well as board members and other community supporters.
In the past year, 845 volunteers have touched, transformed and enhanced BBBS of Broward representing thousands of hours of life-changing mentoring for the children of Broward County. Also recognized for their contributions to the agency were BBBS Board Members, corporate sponsors and community partners whose generosity allows the agency to provide mentors to hundreds of children every year.
More than 100 guests attended the celebration to honor the 2007 Honorees:
Big Sister of the Year - Dianna Martin
Big Brother of the Year - Anthony Williams
School Based Big of the Year - Kathy Zuendel
2007 Leadership Circle Award - Leon Garza
Corporate Partner of the Year - Tony Treglia / DHL
MVP Award - Shawn Wooden
Community Partner of the Year - Van-Dee Services
At the end of the program Jorge Garrido was honored for his term as Chairman of the Board.
BBBS of Broward would like to thank Blue Martini of Fort Lauderdale and most importantly the volunteers and agency supporters for continuing to give of yourselves and your talents selflessly each and every day.
Click HERE to View 2007 Volunteer Appreciation Photo Album!
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A DAY OF FISHING, FUN AND FRIENDSHIP AT THE 28th ANNUAL BBBS FISHING TOURNAMENT PRESENTED BY DHL
Fort Lauderdale – June 22, 2007- More than 100 first-time anglers sunk their fishing lines into the Atlantic, Saturday, June 16th at the 28th Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Fishing Tournament presented by DHL and hosted by Chaperone Yachts/Marco Chile. Most of the children who participated in the tournament had never been out on the water. For many, this was an opportunity of a lifetime to share a half-day with an experienced fishing guide, reeling in the “big one” with their Big.
Since 1979, BBBS and Richard Bertram Yachts have partnered to provide at risk youth ages 6 to 18, accompanied by their mentor, a day to explore a world without walls that is far outside of their own. In a historical tournament first, BBBS and Freedom Waters Foundation collaborated this year to provide safe and comfortable boating access to children with mental and physical disabilities.
“Through the dedication and support of multiple organizations and sponsors, this tournament has redefined the sport of fishing for our captains and reinvigorated everyone’s passion for mentoring,” said Ana Cedeno, BBBS Chief Executive Officer.
The morning of the tournament the clouds rolled in but fortunately, the rain didn’t stop the kids from pouring into the Bahia Mar Marina for a day at sea. Every young angler was provided with an official tournament t-shirt, fishing gear and a fully staffed boat to take them to Fort Lauderdale’s premier fishing or cruising spots.
“We always say that it is difficult to tell who is more excited about the fishing; the captains or the kids. This tournament is the agency’s longest running and most anticipated event,” said Nancy Park, BBBS tournament organizer.
Afternoon activities will included a dockside pizza party and snacks provided by Beef O’ and a highly anticipated awards ceremony for the top catches of the day. Prizes were awarded to the following lucky anglers:
BIGGEST FISH
1st Place (tie) :
2nd Place
MOST FISH
- Blake (age 12) aboard Hawkeye- Captain Dave Hickok- 17 FISH
SMALLEST FISH
1st Place
- Anthonee (age 9) aboard Mon Cherie IV- Captain Mark Bruck- 2.5"
2nd Place (tie)
- Marques (age 11) aboard Chas'N Dreams- Captain Chas Camacho- 3"
- Blake (age 12) aboard Hawkeye- Captain Dave Hickock - 3"
BEST SPORTSMAN AWARD
Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to thank the following sponsors for their support: John Weller, Debbie Dye, Bahia Mar Marina, DHL, Big Louie’s Pizza, Tormenter Tackle, Chaperone Yachts, Freedom Waters Foundation, Beef O’ Brady’s of Sunrise, Captain Marks’ Products, Bass Pro Outdoor Store, Volunteer Broward and all of the volunteer boat Captains & Owners who make this day possible.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2007 PHOTO ALBUM!
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BBBS of Broward, United Way of Broward County and Leadership Broward Partner to Introduce
INSPIRE WITHIN: A Mentoring Program for Youth in Transition
Fort Lauderdale, April 16- On May 9th, 2007 history will be made in Broward County as the Inspire Within Mentoring Program kicks-off for 50 very special youth and volunteers. BBBS of Broward has partnered with United Way of Broward County and Leadership Broward to address the needs of a seemingly forgotten population of youth in Broward County. That population is the more than 100 young men and women who will “age-out” of the foster care system in the next 12 to 24 months. Shortly after turning 18, these youth are faced with the responsibility of supporting themselves financially and emotionally. With little or no education or job training, the odds for success are virtually insurmountable as are the feelings of hopelessness and desperation. Faced with so few options, many of these youth will end up on the streets, in homeless shelters and in some cases, jail.
United Way, BBBS of Broward and Leadership Broward have developed a first-of-its kind collaboration to provide 50 youth with a mentor during this tumultuous time of transition from the foster care system to the real world. The goal of this new program is to provide 50 mentors to support foster youth ages 17 to 21, through the transition to adulthood. The Inspire Within Mentoring Program will provide that VITAL connection to a mentor during a historically traumatic transition.
Thanks to Leadership Broward’s intense campaigning and recruitment for volunteers in the community and to the hard work of youth serving agencies throughout Broward County, BBBS of Broward has been able to interview, and “match” nearly all 50 of the program participants.
Throughout the next year, BBBS will assume the critical role of managing and supporting these 50 “matches” as they navigate the rough waters between foster care and young adulthood. These 50 mentors will be charged with providing the youth in transition the invaluable resource of their time, advice and guidance as they make the most important decisions of their lives.
The Inspire Within Mentoring Program Launch Party will take place on Wednesday, May 9th at “McDivots” located at the Carolina Golf Club in Margate, FL. If you are interested in becoming a mentor to a youth in transition through the INSPIRE WITHIN program, please contact the BBBS office at (954) 584-9990 ext. 103. To request more information about this program please e-mail BBBS of Broward at info@bbbsbroward.org.
Click HERE to view the INSPIRE WITHIN photo album
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USA TODAY Salutes 25 National Charities
Aprl 16, 2005- On September 15, 2007, USA TODAY will celebrate its 25th Anniversary of providing quality reporting to the American public. To mark this occassion, USA TODAY is thanking the America for its support for the past 25 years by proudly saluting the nation's generosity. USA TODAY has chosend 25 national charities and will celebrate the mission and impact of each of these charities over the next 25 weeks. Not only was Big Brothers Big Sisters of America chosen for this distinguished honor, but the agency will be the first charity featured in the 25 weeks of celebration. By visiting the link below, you can view USA TODAY's webpage honoring BBBS and you can vote on the stories which impact you most and you can share your personal stories for others to read.
Please help us celebrate the mission of BBBS and share your own stories through USA TODAY! Please click on the USA TODAY 25th ANNIVERSARY LOGO below and don't forget to post your own comments after reading those of others around the country.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, The Arby's Foundation and USA TODAY thank you for sharing your BIG MAGIC! |
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BBBS Board Members Bring "Wooden's Classroom MVP" Program to
Sanders Park Elementary
Fort Lauderdale- March 8, 2007- BBBS "MVP's" Jorge Garrido and Shawn Wooden visited Sanders Park Elementary School on March 5th to speak on the importance of positive thinking and being a role model as part of the popular "Classroom MVP" program. | | | | | |
