Big Brothers Big Sisters Specialty License Plate

Great News! Earlier this year Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida, Inc. was successful in getting the Florida Legislature to approve a new Big Brothers Big Sisters Specialty License Plate. We are working hard, to pre-sell 1000 of these vouchers throughout Florida, which will trigger the actual production of these new license plates here in our state. Our agency goal is to pre-sell 35-50 vouchers. By purchasing a voucher you help us spread the word about Big Brothers Big Sisters wherever you drive. All you need to do is visit your local county tax collector office, and take along a copy of the voucher. Be sure to SAVE the voucher they give you, as you’ll need it to get your actual license plate once they go into production (i.e., once We pre-sell 1000 of these vouchers). Thank you in advance for your support. Once your plates are received and placed, you’ll be helping our children by promote mentoring in our communities. By purchasing...
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WILL YOU BE MY BIG SISTER OR BIG BROTHER?

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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Reunite Now!

Are you looking for a long lost Big or Little? Go to ReuniteNow.org and sign up to join the Alumni network. The more people that join, the more reunions we’ll be able to help make possible! We also encourage you to utilize social media by joining the Big Brothers Big Sisters Alumni Facebook Group and sharing you story! Wondering why Big Brothers Big Sisters launched our ReuniteNow.org campaign? Well here’s your answer! Read an article on a former Little Brother’s quest to find his long lost Big....
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Macy’s Thanks for Sharing Campaign

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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Thank You Publix!

On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and the children we serve in our community, we wish to thank Publix Supermarket Charities for their commitment and support to Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Mid-Florida. Publix has awarded BBBS with a grant for $5500. With their contributions, Publix aids us in continuing the work we do for the community. Without generous donors like Publix, we would not be able to thrive within the Gainesville community. Publix is a long-standing partner of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Publix was founded in 1930 and is the largest and fastest-growing employee-owned supermarket chain in the United States. Publix and its associates excel in community involvement, volunteerism, and a commitment to our market areas and beyond. In addition, Publix’s commitment to diversity has contributed to its success in being a great place to work and shop. Ms. Ada Torres-Del Gais, COO, stated, “Not many businesses or people open a place in their hearts for others...
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Sixth Annual Golf Fore Kids’ Sake

Join Us! Sixth Annual Fall Classic Golf Tournament, Friday, May 4th! Registration begins 7:30 am, presented by NAIFA Gainesville in association with Modern Woodmen of America and Gainesville Cadillac hosted by Ironwood Golf Course benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Florida. Registration fee for an individual golfer – $65, Team participant – $250. Grand Prizes includes for a Hole in One, a cruise for 4 or a 2012 Cadillac SRX sponsored by Palm Gainesville Cadillac Refreshments will be available. To become a sponsor contact John Bonacci, CEO Big Brothers Big Sisters or call Keith Westbrook, Tournament Director. For more information click on Events tab...
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Giggle in Gear!

“Giggle in Gear is all about getting fit by having fun! Whether you’re a kid or teen, parent or teacher, it’s time for you to get your Giggle in Gear!” Giggle in Gear is an organization that focuses on healthy living for all ages. Their goal is to keep people active while having fun doing so. GIG! shares healthy, creative and tasty food recipes which are featured on their website. They also have GIGaways in which they give away free prizes to attract more attention to the aims of their organization. There are several events that Giggle in Gear hosts in order to fulfill their positive mission: Zumba fitness and exercise, fruits and veggies on wheels through their “Mobile Market” and their gardening project, to name a few. Through fun filled events GIG! encourages people to choose more healthy eating options. GIG! hands out recipe cards that break down recipes relatively at low cost. On February 4th, 2012, Giggle in Gear held their...
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American Icon Search

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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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Florida’s Miracle on 13th St.

How does one say thank you to a community that has given so much? To say thank you doesn’t come close to expressing what’s truly in our hearts.   Christmas Countdown – Tuesday, November 29, 2011, contributions for the annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Christmas party began to commence. Eric Jewell from KTK 98.5 radio station donated the first gifts collected by the radio station for our toy drive. Thank you Eric and KTK 98.5 for your efforts and contribution to the children in our program; we are extremely grateful!   Tuesday night, staff soon realized that there was a massive shortage of gifts. In an organization that services over 300 kids, there were only 40 toys available to distribute. The daunting realization that some children would potentially go without a Christmas gift caused some contemplation of cancelling the Christmas party altogether, considering it was that Friday, December 2nd. Despite some doubt that we could obtain so many toys in so little time, BBBS...
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