Big Brothers Big Sisters to Host Annual Rock ‘N Roll Party for Volunteers and Children

More than 350 “Bigs” & “Littles” to Enjoy a Rock Star Experience

 

Largo, FL (September 22, 2010)- Limousines, red carpet, volunteer paparazzi and star themed activities will all be a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters annual match appreciation event. The evening will honor volunteer mentors and others involved with the organization including volunteers of the year, children served through the program, and event sponsors. Attendees will be greeted by volunteer paparazzi as they exit limousines and parade down a red carpet. Once inside Mahaffey Theater the star experience will continue as guests will create their own Hollywood Star; dance to the hippest DJ; participate in other star themed activities; and enjoy food provided by Outback Steakhouse and Pepsi.

 

Because of the urgent need for volunteer mentors, this event will double as a recruitment opportunity for the organization. There are currently more than 200 children on the waiting list for a “Big Brother” or “Big Sister.” Attendees are encouraged to bring a guest that might consider volunteering as a “Big.” Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County matches an adult volunteer (a “Big”) with a youth (a “Little”) based on common interests, convenient location, and goals. The tri-county agency serves on average 1,500 children a year throughout Pinellas, Hernando, and Citrus Counties.

 

“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. We hope to provide an evening that both the volunteer and child will remember for a lifetime.”

 

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.

 

Rock N Roll Party “A Star Experience”

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Photo & Video Opportunities Available

 

Who: All Press Invited to Attend

Date: September 24, 2010

Time: 6:00-9:00 PM

Location: Mahaffey Theater, Downtown St. Petersburg

 

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 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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Volunteer Florida Wants You To Listen In

The Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (Volunteer Florida) announces a telephone conference call to which all persons are invited.

DATE AND TIME: Thursday, July 8, 2010, 8:00 a.m. – until all Committee business is complete

PLACE: Conference Call: 1(888)808-6959, Passcode: 1918015#

GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: Committee meetings as follows:

  9:00 a.m. Volunteer Service
10:00 a.m. Finance
11:00 a.m. Communications
  1:00 p.m. Grants/AmeriCorps
  2:00 p.m. Legislative
  3:00 p.m. Disability Outreach
  4:00 p.m. Emergency Management
  5:00 p.m. Executive

Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 3 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting: Kristin Mullikin at (850)921-5172. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice). If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at this meeting or hearing, he/she will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence from which the appeal is to be issued. For more information, you may contact: Kristin Mullikin at (850)921-5172 or kristin@volunteerflorida.org.

 

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The Volunteer Way is Looking For Volunteers in Moon Lake

MOON LAKE — The Volunteer Way held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new outreach center in Moon Lake last Tuesday.

"People in Moon Lake are kind of abandoned," said Martha O'Brien, assistant chief executive of the Volunteer Way, a charity that feeds and clothes hundreds of families each month.

"Most people don't get out of Moon Lake because they don't have transportation and there is no public transportation in that area," she said.

The center at 10008 Moon Lake Road has been partially open since the winter and is building services slowly, O'Brien said.

She said the organization is desperate for volunteers — so services at the new center have depended on the schedules of the thin staff.

"We need retirees," O'Brien said of her volunteer shortage. She said many volunteers offer their time on weekends, but she needs help during the week at Moon Lake and the agency's other locations. The organization has a hydroponic farm in New Port Richey to grow food for the homeless, if any gardeners have free time.

Read full article here.

 

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Longtime Civic Volunteer Honored

By JEANNIE CARLSON

Article published on Tuesday, May 18, 2010

NORTH REDINGTON BEACH – At the May 13 town hall meeting, the town of North Redington Beach honored Joseph Baldanza posthumously as Citizen of the Year.

Baldanza passed away March 12 at the age of 78.

Born in New York City in 1932, Baldanza was a long-time and beloved resident of North Redington Beach. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Terry, their four children, 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Mayor Bill Queen presented the award to Baldanza’s widow and his brother, Jimmy. Terry Baldanza, thanked the town for the award. His brother, Jimmy, said, “I wish he was here to receive it himself.”

Queen eulogized Baldanza as the “ultimate volunteer” with a litany of his contributions to the town. Highlights of Baldanza’s contributions included, serving on the planning and zoning boards, running the audio-visual at town meetings, involvement in the annual Christmas boat parade, hot dog chef at the town’s picnics, chauffeuring the judges for the town’s Christmas decorating contests, and being the “ultimate” Santa for many years at the town’s Christmas tree lighting and Santa Parade events.

 

For the full story, visit TBNWeekly.com

 

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