Murder Mystery Dinner Fundraiser

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Big Brothers Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Florida are proud to present their first Murder Mystery Dinner, a fundraiser benefiting our mission of helping youth reach their full potential. We will host the fundraiser on Friday, October 30th, at Archer Hall. The money raised by this event will allow our organization to match more youth in our community with positive adult mentors. Tickets are $35.00, and everyone must purchase them in advance by October 29th. Guests will enjoy an Italian-style meal, one complimentary cocktail, and the mystery-comedy play “House on the Cliff.” The staff at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Florida is thrilled to provide the community with this opportunity to learn more about our organization and have a fun-filled night with great food and excellent performance. So kick off your Halloween weekend with a night to remember. We’re dying to see you there! When: October 30, 2015 Where: Archer Hall 16671 SW 137 Avenue Archer, FL 32618 Time: Doors Open/Cocktail Hour – 6:00 p.m. Dinner served – 7:00 p.m. Curtains – 8:00...
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WILL YOU BE MY BIG SISTER OR BIG BROTHER?

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These are just two of the 285 children that we currently have on our waiting list and they are ready to be paired with positive role models today. Become a Big Brother or Big Sister, and help us make a lasting impact on their lives with one-on-one mentoring relationships. Hundreds of children have already benefited from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Please help us give these children an opportunity to experience the joy that comes along with this life-changing friendship. Graham  is a bright 8 year old and is currently in the 2nd grade at an Elementary school here in Alachua County. Some of the things that Graham likes to do are ride his scooter, play on his nanny’s IPad and hang out with his friends. He likes going to school and his favorite subject is Math. He describes himself as fun, smart and protective. Graham would like a Big Brother who is similar to him and who will be...
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Macy’s Thanks for Sharing Campaign

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Supporting Macy’s “2014 Thanks for Sharing Campaign”, benefits BBBS and other charitable causes. Mark Your Calendar September – December 31st, Macy’s will donate $10 of you $25 enrollment fee to local and national charities. You will enjoy 10% rewards on most Macy’s Card purchases. To register, go online, call 1-888-933-6229, or ask a sales associate at any Macy’s store. For More Information call Nikki Naylor at 352.375.2525 Join us as we lend support to  Macy’s 2014 Thanks for Sharing Campaign. Macy’s is one of our most valued supporters; your enrollment can foster change. Macy’s Thanks for Sharing Campaign has helped raise more than $65 million for charitable causes. Imagine what we can accomplish for the future with your participation. Enrollment is easy. Simply call 1-888-933-6229, visit macys.com/thanks or ask a Sales Associate at any Macy’s store. Together, we can make a difference....
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American Icon Search

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In celebration of National Mentoring Month the American Icon Search premier performance was launched on Friday, January 27th at Bo Diddley Community Plaza in downtown Gainesville. It was successful in displaying local talent and unifying the Gainesville community in support of its performers.  Many audience members joined in with the musical selections of featured talent by dancing along in the crowd.  Parents, family and friends all attended to cheer on their loved ones as they participated in the first round of competition.  Participants enjoyed having an opportunity to perform and the winner will advance to the state finals for a chance to win a $50,000 music production package from 3RDLEVELMEDIA. Owner and CEO of 3RDLEVELMEDIA, Ali Awolowo, working together with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Florida and SAFEID4FAMILIES has constructed a traveling talent search which will continue to be held in various counties throughout Florida. Congratulations to the winner of the competition, 17 year old Sandra Goetten....
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New BISSness Bigs Inspiring Scholastic Success Update

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Welcome back to the kickoff of another exciting year! We are so grateful for your participation in the BISS program, formerly Bigs in Schools and Sites, which is now called Bigs Inspiring Scholastic Success! All of our Littles are looking forward to spending time with you again and all of the new opportunities you will make available to them. We can’t wait to hear about all the fun activities and accomplishments you and your little ones make together at your monthly Match Support! Thank you to all of our Bigs who respond each month promptly, as these match support are required by the Department of Education, and your promptness is necessary to help us meet their expectations. For those Bigs returning from previous years, we have a new program available to you; we have added an enhanced school-based opportunity which will allow you greater flexibility in contracting and arranging activities with your Little outside of the school environment and beyond the usual allowances...
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Attn. Parents: National Mentoring Month

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As part of our recruiting efforts for National Mentoring Month, we are trying to attract as many volunteers as possible to match with the children on our waiting list.  To help increase efforts of pairing matches, we would like to personalize our campaign by featuring pictures of potential Littles on our waiting list onto the website and newsletter. Presently, we do not have enough mentors to meet the needs of all of our children effectively. Our vision is to provide mentors to all the children in our program that wants one.  Therefore, we are requesting from all parents of the children on our waiting list, photo submissions of their child or children in order to captivate the interest of potential volunteers and elicit their readiness in becoming mentors.  By publishing this promotion, viewers can place a face of a child benefiting from having a Big Brother or Big Sister.  It is our intention to get as many applicants as possible so...
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Community Spotlight: Barzella Papa

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Community Leader: Barzella Papa This month’s spotlight turns to Barzella Papa, president and CEO of the Gainesville Community Foundation. She is also a wife and mother-of-two, who has lived in Gainesville for 12 years. Ms. Papa graduated from the University of Alabama with a BA in Communications where she won several local and national awards for her writings and worked for several years at Southern Living and Time Life Books. Papa is also board member for the Ronald McDonald House, University of Florida Performing Arts, Meridian Behavioral Healthcare and Association of Fundraising Professionals. She is also the past president of the Junior League of Gainesville. GCF, founded in 1998, exists to promote and facilitate philanthropy, and to strengthen relationships between charitable organizations and donors. The foundation raises funds and acts as stewards of money reserved in endowments. Papa believes that community foundations are the fastest growing facet of philanthropy. She said to think of them as saving accounts. At a time of need,...
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