Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties Announces 2011-2012 Board of Trustees

bbbspbmc — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 17:13:07 +0000

For Immediate Release
Contact: Kara Thornberry
kthornberry@mentorbig.org
Phone: 772-283-8373

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties Announces 2011-2012 Board of Trustees

Stuart, FL (July 18, 2011)- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties (BBBS) is proud to announce their 2011-2012 Board of Trustees members. The 2011-2012 board is enthusiastic about serving children facing adversity in Martin and Palm Beach Counties and looking forward to an exciting 25th Anniversary year.

“I don’t serve on many boards,” said Florida Representative William Snyder. “But the passion our CEO Bill Bee exudes is contagious. I believe by investing pennies in children now, we can save thousands down the road by diverting children from a life that ends in crime and jail time. Programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters will be the future of the nonprofit world.”

“This is an incredibly strong and committed board. We are lucky to attract such dedicated community leaders,” said Bill Bee, President and CEO of BBBS.

The new board of trustees includes:
Chairman: John Yudin, Partner, Guy, Yudin & Foster, LLP
Chair Elect: Larry Stern, Chief of Staff, LaBovick Law Group in Palm Beach Gardens
Vice Chair: Gary Vonk, President of Keiser University, West Palm Beach Campus
Vice President: Richard Levine, General Manager, Macy’s, Treasure Coast Mall
Treasurer: Michelle Nelson, Regional Manager, Treasure Coast South Region, PNC Bank
Secretary: Mary Healy, President, Q.S. International, Ltd.
Dr. Doug Warns
Dr. Madeline Warns
Frank Byers, Jr, President, Byers Auto Group
Gary Uber, President, Family Private Care
Spencer Davis, Vice President of Commercial Banking, SunTrust Bank
Ken Ringe, President, Bayview Construction
Richard Worthy, Florida Power and Light
Chief Frank J Kitzerow, Town of Jupiter Chief of Police
Rep. William Snyder, Florida House of Representatives
George W. Bush, Partner, Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, Beard, Sobel, Bush & McCluskey, LLP
Janice L Jennings, Esq, Principal, Law Office of Janice L. Jennings, West Palm Beach
Denny Sullivan, Manager, Publix Super Markets, Jupiter Farms
Susan Maupin, General Manager, Macy’s, Palm Beach Gardens
Conrad Steinhardt, Owner, Cubby Co.
Honorary Chair Emeritus: Mel Nobel, President of The Travel Guy in Palm City

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties
BBBS provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one to one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Since 1986 the organization has provided mentors to children in Martin County and since July 2010 in Palm Beach County. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) recognized the Martin County organization in 2007 as one of the 35 best performing agencies nationwide. BBBSA recognized CEO Bill Bee as “CEO of the Year – Small Agency Category” in 2007. South Florida Business Leader Magazine ranked BBBS Martin County in 2009 and again in 2010 as one of the top 100 South Florida small businesses. Visit www.mentorbig.org to learn more.

President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Visits Palm Beach and Martin Counties

bbbspbmc — Wed, 25 May 2011 14:45:10 +0000

For Immediate Release
Contact: Kara Thornberry
kthornberry@mentorbig.org
Phone: 772-283-8373

President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Visits Palm Beach and Martin Counties

Stuart, FL (May 23, 2011)- Karen Mathis, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America visited Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties last week, meeting with board members and agency advocates in support of the recently expanded agency. Ms. Mathis gave presentations, met with the board of trustees and select supporters and visited State Attorney Michael McAuliffe’s office to meet with Career Skills Program mentors.

“I look forward to seeing this agency continue to grow,” said Ms. Mathis. “It is important to emphasize that Big Brothers Big Sisters is a donor supported volunteer driven organization, and our agencies need significant support on the local level to provide our programs to children facing adversity. We are an independently evaluated mentoring organization with proven outcomes and impact. These programs change lives, and I am excited to see the Palm Beach community getting involved.”

“We truly enjoyed Ms. Mathis’ visit. Her enthusiasm, encouragement and support will go a long way towards our expansion,” said Bill Bee, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties. “Her vision and can-do attitude towards improving the lives of children is inspiring. We hope to harness the positive energy she created as we continue our expansion process into the Palm Beaches.”

More than 200 children are on the waiting list for a Big Brother or Big Sisters in Palm Beach and Martin Counties. Volunteers and financial support are needed to provide a positive role model to these children facing adversity. To volunteer or donate, please visit www.mentorbig.org. You contribution might be the start of something big.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties

BBBS provides at-risk children ages 6-18 with volunteer mentors who serve as positive role models. Since 1986, the organization has provided mentors to children in Martin County and since July 2010 in Palm Beach County. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) recognized the Martin County organization in 2007 as one of the 35 best performing agencies nationwide. BBBSA recognized CEO Bill Bee as “CEO of the Year – Small Agency Category” in 2007. South Florida Business Leader Magazine ranked BBBS Martin County in 2009 and again in 2010 as one of the top 100 South Florida small businesses. Visit www.mentorbig.org to learn more.

Roger Dean Stadium Slammin’ Saturday

bbbspbmc — Thu, 05 May 2011 15:45:40 +0000

For Immediate Release

Contact: Aleisha Garcia

agarcia@mentorbig.org

Phone: 772-283-8373

Stuart, FL (May 4, 2011)- Join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Inc. (BBBS) at Roger Dean Stadium on May 28^th to watch the Palm Beach Cardinals take on the Lakeland Flying Tigers!

Roger Dean Stadium’s ‘Slammin’ Saturdays’ offers a full evening of fun with live music and a grand finale fireworks display.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Big Brothers Big Sisters this year for Slammin Saturdays,” said Lisa Fegley, Assistant General Manager at Roger Dean Stadium. “We’re looking forward to a great time!”

Gates open on May 28^th at 5:35 and the first pitch is scheduled for 6:35 PM. Discounted advanced tickets are on sale now at www.mentorbig.org and BBBS offices at 5033 SE Federal Hwy, Stuart FL 34997 for $5 each.

Can’t make it to the ball game? Purchase tickets for a “Big” and “Little” and sponsor a day of fun! Buy tickets online or at our office and we will be glad to send a “match” to the game.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties

The 15th Annual Big Taste and Big Tournament Raises Big Money

bbbspbmc — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 15:31:43 +0000

For Immediate Release
Contact: Kara Thornberry
kthornberry@mentorbig.org
Phone: 772-283-8373

The 15th Annual Big Taste and Big Tournament Raises Big Money For Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties
Stuart, FL (April 14, 2011)- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Inc (BBBS) is excited to announce the 15th Annual Big Taste and Big Tournament raised an estimated $60,000 on April 5, representing an increase of over 30% from the previous year despite weather concerns.

“We are proud to be the recipient of such community generosity,” said BBBS President/CEO Bill Bee. “The food was fantastic- our presenters really outdid themselves this year. Everyone enjoyed themselves while supporting our programs for local children. We are lucky to live in such a charitable and giving community, and we thank everyone for their support. As our community knows, we will use these funds efficiently and effectively to improve the lives of our local children.”

2011 Taste Winners
Best Soup: Artichoke Cafe for Bistro Soup
Best Salad: Key Lime Cafe for Triple Cherry Berry Salad with Grilled Chicken
Best Appetizer: Ian’s Tropical Grill for Hawaiian Escolar Sashimi
Best Entree: Palm City Grill for Parmesan Crusted Seabass
Best Dessert and Best Presentation: Edible Spirits for Banana Coconut Rum Cake

Competitors included- Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, Big Apple Pizza, Big Kahuna, Carmella’s Brick Oven Pizza, Charlie’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill, Chef Mark Muller, Indian River State College School of Culinary Arts, Jersey Mike’s Subs, La Bortaga, Manero’s, Mulligan’s Beach House, Padrino’s Original Hoagies, Palm City Grill, Palm Cove Sports Grill, Panera, Pei Wei Asian Diner, Publix Super Markets, Southern Pride, Splash Poolside Bar and Grill, The Chef’s Table, The Evergreen Club and TooJay’s.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties

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The Palm Beach Opera Family Opera- A “Big” Treat

bbbspbmc — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 18:50:37 +0000

For Immediate Release

Contact: Kara Thornberry

kthornberry@mentorbig.org

Phone: 772-283-8373

The Palm Beach Opera Family Opera- A “Big” Treat

Stuart, FL (March 23, 2011)- Children and mentors participating in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties programs were excited to see the Family Opera presentation of Cossi Fan Tutti on February 26th.

This special performance included a full orchestra, lavish scenery, large chorus, and Palm Beach Opera’s talented Young Artists in an abridged 90 minute version of Cossi Fan Tutti. It featured the best musical highlights of the opera as well as narration of the story and translations projected above the stage so children could understand every word. Set changes took place with an open curtain, giving children an exclusive glimpse into how the magic happens on the opera stage. Pre-performance in the Lobby guests visited “education stations” featuring musicians, singers, make-up artists, costume designers, and more. After the performance, meet the artists for photos and autographs in the theater lobby.

The Palm Beach Opera donated tickets to this unique experience to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties. Mentors and children from both counties jumped at the chance to attend.

“It is a change for our students and an opportunity for them to experience another realm of reality”, said Principal Lockhart of Palm Beach County’s Roosevelt Middle School. “For sure it is something they may never forget.”

“Big Sister” Analia Borges and her “Little Sister”, Cindy Velasquez with some of Cindy’s family.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties