Big Brothers Big Sisters Honors Volunteer “Bigs” of the Year at Match Appreciation Event

More than 350 “Bigs” & “Littles” Enjoyed a Rock Star Experience at Mahaffey Theater 

  Largo, FL (October 7, 2010)- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County honored volunteers and children served with an annual Match Appreciation party at Mahaffey Theater.  The evening’s program recognized volunteers and children served, volunteers of the year, and event sponsors.  Attendees enjoyed a “Rock N Roll Star Experience” theme including limousines, red carpet, volunteer paparazzi and star themed activities.  

  Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas, Citrus, and Hernando Counties serves an average of 1,500 children a year.  While each volunteer “Big” contributes something amazing to the program, the agency highlights a select few volunteers that have made a significant impact on their “Little”.  Volunteers from both the Community Based Program and School Based Program were recognized by the agency.  Community Based volunteers enjoy a one-to-one friendship with a child a few hours a month and enjoy activities in the community.  School Based volunteers also enjoy a one-to-one friendship with a child but the place and time are usually set in a school setting. 

  “Positive relationships with caring adults can have a lasting impact on a child’s life,” said Susan Rolston, Chief Executive Officer.  “We are overwhelmed by the dedication and support of our volunteers who are dedicated to making a lasting impact in the lives of children.  It was especially nice to honor those volunteers who have made an astounding difference in the program.”  

  2010 “Bigs” of the Year:  

  Community Based Big Brother of the Year, George Root III, has been matched with his “Little” since 2007.  As a former student at Stetson Law, George involved his “Little” in on-campus activities and volunteer recruitment for Big Brothers Big Sisters.  George’s consistency and perseverance have truly made a long-term impact for his “Little” and has helped to guide him in decision making. 

  Community Based Big Sister of the Year, Jane Kucin, truly understands the potential of her “Little Sister”.  Jane has consistently encouraged and praised her “Little” during times of self doubt.  This encouragement has enhanced her school work, friendships, and home life. 

  School Based Big Brother of the Year, Mark Dawson, has been a consistent face for his “Little” for the past two years.  Mark’s employer, Wachovia Bank, a Wells Fargo Company, is a Corporate, School Based Partner for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.  Once a week, during his lunch hour, Mark visits with his Little at a nearby school.  Mark’s “Little” surprised him at the event and even had a special letter to read him. 

  School Based Big Sister of the Year, Jennifer Waggoner, has been known to go above and beyond to brighten the day of her “Little”.  Jennifer arrives with her arms full of fun things to enjoy with her “Little” each week to enrich their match experience. 

  High School, School Based Big of the Year, Courtney Benter, a high school student, has been matched with her “Little Sister” for more than a year who attends Chi Chi Rodriguez Academy.  The pair enjoy a variety of outdoor activities together, including golf.  Courtney has taught her “Little” the importance of school performance and friendship. 

  Event sponsors include:  The Gagnon Family Foundation, Outback Steakhouse, Progress Energy Center for the Arts-Mahaffey Theater, Ambassador Limousine and Sedan, Pepsi, and Best Buy.  

  About Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Pinellas, Hernando & Citrus Counties 
Big Brothers Big Sisters helps vulnerable children beat the odds.  The organization depends on donations to help recruit volunteers and reach more children.  Funding is used to conduct background checks on volunteers to ensure child safety; and provide ongoing support for children, families and volunteers to build and sustain long-lasting relationships.  Big Brothers Big Sisters is proven to improve children’s odds for succeeding in school, behaving nonviolently, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and breaking negative cycles.  Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County serves Pinellas, Hernando, and Citrus Counties. For more information, visit www.bbbspc.org.

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Pinellas students make long-distance call to space station

ST. PETERSBURG — Fifteen Pinellas County students made a really, really long distance call Thursday morning — to the space station.

The students, chosen from elementary, middle and high schools, asked astronauts questions for 20 minutes starting at about 11:40 a.m.

"Oh my gosh, it was mind-blowing, it really was,'' said Donisha Pate, 15, a 10th grader at St. Petersburg Collegiate High. "Not everyone gets this opportunity, this chance to be able to talk to someone in outer space.''

Donisha, who asked the astronauts about robotics, said it changed her outlook on astronauts because she realizes now how much research and exploration they are doing. "They're making history, which is mind-blowing,'' she said.

Charissa Lenis asked whether the astronauts could see the Gulf oil spill, and was told that they could before it was capped.

The students spent part of the morning at the Pinellas Science Center practicing the questions they plan to ask flight engineers Doug Wheelock, Tracy Caldwell Dyson and Shannon Walker from the International Space Station more than 200 miles above the earth.

The first question was asked by Sephie Cooper, a ninth grader at Shorecrest Prep who wants to the astronauts what they think is the most important accomplishments of the space shuttle program.

Cody Kronz, a seventh grader at Meadowlawn Middle, wants to ask whether an explosion can happen in space even though there's no oxygen. He said he thought of the question while watching the Military Channel and watching a lot of things blow up.

Earlier Thursday there were several science demonstrations for the students and talks by former space shuttle astronaut Bob Springer.

The event was free and open to the public, but those who couldn't make it to the Science Center could watchstreaming video on NASA's website.

Up to 400 students, educators and others are expected to witness the cosmic chat in the auditorium at the Science Center, 7701 22nd Ave. N in St. Petersburg.

Curtis Krueger, St. Petersburg Times Staff Writer

Pinellas County Volunteers Needed to Make a Big Difference with Big Brothers Big Sisters

Largo, FL (August 13, 2010) – Who taught you to tie your first shoe? Who went to the first game you ever played in? Big Brothers Big Sisters is currently seeking volunteers to be a part of many “firsts” for children right here in Pinellas County. There are more than 200 children on the waiting list hoping for a Big Brother, Big Sister, or Big Couple. By investing just a few hours a month, volunteers can make a life changing impact on a child.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County is in dire need of mentors, especially male and minority mentors. There are more than 200 boys on the waiting list waiting to be matched with a positive role model. More than 74% percent of children waiting for a “Big” are boys, but only 34 out of every 100 inquiries to volunteer come from men. Now more than ever, Big Brothers Big Sisters needs male volunteers to step up and help kids.

Economic circumstances have created a greater need for more families to have professionally backed long-term mentoring support. Single-parent homes, neighborhoods with gangs and crime, poor role models and poverty can lead a child to despair, lack of self-worth and ultimately poor choices. In addition, there are an increasing number of children being raised by relative caregivers in Pinellas County. These caregivers are unexpectedly faced with the challenge of raising children with time and resource constraints. Fortunately there are people who are willing to step up and provide these children with a positive, caring role model.

Mentoring is one of the most rewarding, enjoyable and simple things a volunteer can do. For as little as one hour a week, volunteers can add joy to the life of a child, and ultimately, contribute greatly to his or her potential. Together, “Bigs” and “Littles” do simple, everyday activities, such as going to a sporting event, playing a game, going to a park, or watching movies.

Research shows that having the positive influence of a “Big” makes a real difference in the life of a child. “Littles” experience improvements in academic performance, behavior and relationships at home and elsewhere, according to independent studies. In Pinellas County, kids matched with a “Big Brother” or “Big Sister” are 96.5% less likely to become involved with the Department of Juvenile Justice. “Littles” have also demonstrated better success in school with a 96% promotion rate to the next grade level.
Since 1967, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County has been helping our communities’ most vulnerable children through the power of a relationship with a “Big Brother” or “Big Sister”, giving kids the support and care they need to make good choices. When a carefully screened adult volunteer is matched with a child at risk, the path to their future is repaved with hope.

You don’t have to change your life to change the life of a child.

 Help Big Brothers Big Sisters change the lives of children and learn how you can make a difference by going to www.bbbspc.org or by calling 727-518-8860

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About Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Pinellas, Hernando & Citrus Counties Big Brothers Big Sisters helps vulnerable children beat the odds. The organization depends on donations to help recruit volunteers and reach more children. Funding is used to conduct background checks on volunteers to ensure child safety; and provide ongoing support for children, families and volunteers to build and sustain long-lasting relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters is proven to improve children’s odds for succeeding in school, behaving nonviolently, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and breaking negative cycles. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County serves Pinellas, Hernando, and Citrus Counties. For more information, visit www.bbbspc.org

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