Mentors Needed! YMCA and BBBS Partner to Provide FREE YMCA Memberships to Bigs and Littles

 January is National Mentoring Month and throughout the month, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the YMCA are partnering together to put out the call to ask adults (Bigs) in North Texas to sign up and become a mentor to kids (Littles) in need in our community. Bigs and Littles have the opportunity to spend time together two to four times per month, and through an ongoing partnership, the Y provides a fun place to do that at no cost. 

The YMCA’s of Dallas and Fort Worth offer free YMCA memberships for Bigs and Littles, valid at all Dallas and Fort Worth Y locations. The YMCA provides healthy activities for Big and Littles to do together including swimming, sports, exercise classes and more experiences that will create long-lasting memories.

Currently, there are more than 500 kids from different backgrounds and situations waiting for a mentor. To learn more and apply to become a Big Brother/Big Sister visit www.ymcadallas.org/BBBS. Existing Bigs and Littles can also use this link to sign up for a free YMCA membership.

In the BBBS community-based program, Littles between the ages 7 – 14 are matched with a Big and are asked to see each other two to four times per month. The Match spends time in the community and plans outings together. Big Brothers Big Sisters is about sharing time together rather than creating time. You can go to the YMCA, park, community events, run errands, go to the library, or work towards a goal together like running a 5k or learning a new skill

 To learn more about the BBBS Community-Based Mentorship program, visit www.bbbstx.org.

Buy a Puzzle, Give a Puzzle

Across Big Brothers Big Sisters there are over 95,000 Littles who are in an active match with a mentor. Matches that are still connected through phone calls, text messages, and video chats today.

In an effort to send some joy at this time, BBBS has collaborated with acclaimed artist Jeff Rogers to design and produce a custom 200 piece "Together" puzzle to send to each one of our Littles.

Please join us today in defending the potential of our Littles by purchasing a puzzle! And for every puzzle you purchase, BBBS will send one to a Little and their family for free!

https://4agc.com/commerce_pages/0e48ca03-8d52-455d-8f18-6644757d8af1

Create Life-Changing Futures with Big Brothers Big Sisters

Clear THE PATH TO A CHILD’S BIGGEST POSSIBLE FUTURE.

Help a local child discover unlimited possibilities.

Create a bigger future for generations to follow.

Big Brothers Big Sisters partners with parents/guardians, volunteers, and donors to provide children with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that changes lives for the better, forever. Our vision is that all children can achieve success in life.

FREE FACT SHEET:

“10 Things to Know Before Becoming a Big”

Download this essential fact sheet at https://www.bbbstx.org/  to learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Black Tie Ball and 90th Anniversary

Please join Big Brothers Big Sisters as they celebrate 90 years of life-changing mentoring in Greater Dallas at this year's Big Black Tie Ball.

Date: Friday, October 6, 2017

Schedule:
7:00pm- Registration/Reception
8:00pm- Dinner and Program
10:00pm - Musical Performance by Matthew Morrison 

 

Location: Hilton Anatole Dallas - 2201 N. Stemmons Fwy Dallas, TX 75207

 

2017 Ball Chairs: Dr. Field and Sabrina Harrison

This year's event will be held at the Hilton Anatole and will feature a gourmet dinner, special musical performance by Emmy, Tony and Golden Globe nominated star, Matthew Morrison, and an exquisite live and silent auction. Don't miss this landmark event, where they will honor their past and look to a future of inspiring mentoring relationships for the children who need it most in our area.

Click here to reserve your seat today!

The Big Run for BBBS

Sylvan Thirty

The Big Run

Benefiting Big Brothers Big SistersSeptember 27, 2014
7:00 am

 

Lace up your shoes, grab a friend and join the fun at The Big Run! From children to seasoned runners, this race is sure to appeal to everyone. The Big Run features a Kids’ 1K, 5K, 10K and a Half Marathon. Walk, run or sprint through Kessler Park, West Dallas and the new Continental Street Pedestrian Bridge on September 27th.

Register today at www.thebigrun.org

Young Professional Fall Fest 2013

Fall Fest is an annual event to bring together the premier young professional groups for a night of networking hosted by DRC Young Professionals, Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, Dallas CPA Society Young Professionals Group, the French American Chamber of Commerce and The Melrose Society.

This event provides a great chance to network amongst a diverse group of business leaders who are committed to the advancement of our region. The hosts are once again expecting over 250 attendees to enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails while listening to a top area DJ all to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters. 

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

6:00-9:00 PM

The Room on Main, 2030 Main St, Dallas

Tickets: $10.00 minimum donation to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters

Click here to register today.

BBBS Lone Star Appoints CEO

 The Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star Executive Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Tammy L. Richards as the mentoring organization’s Chief Executive Officer, effective October 8, 2012. 

Richards comes to the nation’s largest Big Brothers Big Sisters agency after a highly successful career focused in education and technology, most recently as the Associate Dean of the Lyle School of Engineering and the Executive Director of the Infinity Project at Southern Methodist University. 

“We are elated that Tammy will be joining our Big Brothers Big Sisters family,” said Executive Board President Don Carty. “With such an extensive background in both higher education and the technology sector, her ability to lead our organization in developing new funding relationships and setting innovative strategic goals for our organization will immediately contribute to our success."

Prior to Richards’ work in higher education, she held executive marketing and management positions in her career at Texas Instruments Inc. based in Dallas, TX, including Vice President of Marketing for TI’s Educational and Productivity Solutions business where she worked with educators across the globe on the most effective use of classroom technology. 

“The opportunity to lead an organization with such a deep and rich history is an honor and privilege,” stated Richards.  “Joining what is already a recognized leader in the non-profit space is a challenge that I look forward to as we continue to positively impact children’s lives through professionally supported one-to-one mentoring.  We will not rest on our past successes as thousands of children are still waiting for that positive role model in their lives.  Through the generous support of our community, we will achieve new levels of service for the children of our community.”

Throughout her career, Richards has been deeply involved in various community and business organizations, including: President of the Board of Trustees for the Plano Independent School District; Board President of Head Start of Greater Dallas; Board Member of the Greater Dallas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Co-Chair of the Greater Dallas Chamber Women’s Business Conference; and, Co-Founder of the Women of TI Fund.  Richards was selected for Leadership Texas and Leadership Dallas.

Richards is a 1982 graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering.  In 1986, she completed her MBA from the Harvard Graduate School of Business.  She lives in Plano, TX with her husband, Mike Douglass, and her children, Julia and Mark.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Announces mentor2.0

Big Brothers Big Sisters is excited to announce their newest program, mentor2.0, a technology-enriched one-to-one youth mentoring program directly targeting high school students. Through partnerships between Big Brothers Big Sisters, schools, companies and individuals, mentor2.0 will support high-impact mentoring relationships, aimed at providing high school students with the support and guidance they need to graduate high school and succeed in college and the workforce.

mentor2.0 maintains the fundamentals of quality mentoring Big Brothers Big Sisters is known for through one-to-one relationships, providing professional relationship support and maintaining a focus on safety for the benefit of the mentee and mentor. mentor2.0 expands this by using technology for much of the interaction between the mentee and mentor, reducing the in-person time commitment to once every six weeks, and supporting the customized curriculum guide throughout the match interaction.

Thanks to many individual and partners, including Comerica and Ernst & Young, the program is being piloted this school year at North Dallas High School, Kimball High School, Irving High School's AVID program and a local charter school, Uplift Education. The pilot will match 600 volunteers with high school students by the end of the year.

To learn more about mentor2.0, please email mentor2.0@bbbstx.org or call BBBS at 1-866-796-3682.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Appoints New {Texas-sized} CEO!

Video: Charles Pierson Welcome Message

Official Press Release

PHILADELPHIA, PA (April 23, 2012) -- The Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of T. Charles Pierson as the national mentoring organization’s President and Chief Executive Officer, effective June 15, 2012. 

Pierson comes to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America after a highly successful nine-year period as President and Chief Executive Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star, the largest of the mentoring network’s 350 nationwide affiliates based in Dallas/Fort Worth.  In addition to his extensive local agency successes, business management expertise and dedication to Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission, Pierson has served as a three-time Big Brother over the past twenty years. Big Brothers Big Sisters provides children facing adversity strong and enduring one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.

“We are thrilled that Charles will be joining our national organization after such a successful tenure with Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star,” said National Board Chairman Brian Jackson. “His ability to forge new partnerships and develop effective relationships with donors, along with his deep knowledge of mentoring, will allow Charles to immediately contribute to the success of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America."

During his tenure with Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star, Pierson instituted a world-class focus on quality one-to-one staff-supported mentoring, supported by proven, evidence-based outcomes in academic achievement and juvenile delinquency prevention. He established a solid track record in increasing the number of children served; child safety; developing and growing partnerships with financial supporters and other youth-serving agencies; and enhancing community engagement and collaboration, while building a highly effective agency staff.   Pierson is a strategic leader with a breadth of experience with public, private, for-profit and non-profit organizations.  His inspirational leadership has made him a respected advocate, community partner and fundraiser for the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. 

“The opportunity to lead the organization that I care so deeply about is an honor and privilege,” Pierson said. “I take it as my personal responsibility in working with my agency colleagues across the country to ensure that Big Brothers Big Sisters of America continues to make great strides toward achieving indisputable impact on the lives of children through our proven staff-supported, long-term mentoring model.”

Under Pierson’s leadership, Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star received a number of prestigious honors from the national organization, including the National Board of the Year award in 2005 and 2008, the National Agency of the Year award in 2007 and the Pinnacle award (for affiliates performing at the top of their class for two consecutive years) in 2006, 2007 and 2008.  During his tenure, the Lone Star agency completed a $35 million five-year comprehensive campaign, envisioned and created the T. Boone Pickens Mentoring Hall of Fame, and significantly increased major gifts and individual giving as a percentage of total revenue.

Prior to joining Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star, Pierson led a significant business unit of PolyOne, a Chase Elastomer Corporation located in Kennedale, TX.

Pierson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Math and Economics and a Master of Business Administration from Vanderbilt University.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters, the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, holds itself accountable for children in its program to achieve measurable outcomes, such as educational success; avoidance of risky behaviors; and higher aspirations, greater confidence and better relationships. Partnering with parents/guardians, schools, corporations and others in the community, Big Brothers Big Sisters carefully pairs children (“Littles”) with screened volunteer mentors (“Bigs”) and monitors and supports these one-to-one mentoring matches throughout their course. The first-ever Big Brothers Big Sisters Youth Outcomes Summary, released in 2012, substantiates that its mentoring programs have proven, positive academic, socio-emotional and behavioral outcomes for youth, areas linked to high school graduation, avoidance of juvenile delinquency and college or job readiness.

Big Brothers Big Sisters provides children facing adversity, often those of single or low-income households or families where a parent is incarcerated or serving in the military, with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. This mission has been the cornerstone of the organization’s 100-year history. With about 350 agencies across the country, Big Brothers Big Sisters serves nearly 630,000 children, volunteers and families. Learn how you can positively impact a child’s life, donate or volunteer at BigBrothersBigSisters.org.

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LeukemiaTexas appoints new CEO, Mandy Hamilton-O'Neill

LeukemiaTexas, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting the life-threatening blood cancer of leukemia through research and patient aid, recently appointed Mandy Hamilton-O’Neill as Chief Executive Officer.

Before joining LeukemiaTexas, Mandy worked nearly 15 years in the nonprofit sector, leading small and large non-profits, such as the American Heart Association and MADD, focusing on education, health, equality, and victim’s rights. She has been responsible for executing stimulating programs and substantial revenue generation to exceed organizational goals across the country which has resulted in close to $20 million dollars for these organizations.

“I am honored to lead an organization whose mission is so critical, financially supports patients in our great state, and has a dedicated team who works daily to eradicate this disease,” Mandy said. “For close to half a century, LeukemiaTexas has been the leader in improving the lives of those with leukemia and supporting research in Texas and we will continue to champion our cause.”

Mandy currently serves her community as a member of the Women’s Auxiliary of Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, a member of the Auxiliary of the Genesis Women’s Shelter, volunteer for the Kilgore College Rangerette Alumni organization, an official ambassador for the American Stroke Association, a certified Victim Advocate for MADD, and a Big Sister in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. In 2008, Mandy was selected as one of Dallas’ 10 most beautiful women by D Magazine, who also quoted her as “a non-profit’s dream,” noting her appreciation and love to give back.

Mandy is a member of many professional organizations, including the Association of Fundraising Professionals and National Association of Female Executives.

Women That Soar Awards Show Reception

On Thursday, March 15, 2012, Women That Soar, will host a pre-awards show reception to celebrate the Fifth Annual Women That Soar Awards Show at the Reiss Mansion, 5905 Haraby Court in Dallas, Texas from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The reception will highlight Women That Soar’s mission, past accomplishments, and future endeavors. The organization is committed to developing content and events that empower and inspire women to live brilliant lives and Celebrate The Brilliance Within.

Hosted by David Reiss and Julie Ehret, with Advisory Board members Dolores Gomez Barzune, Mary Ann Thompson-Frenk, Carol West and Diane Brierley, the reception seeks to build awareness of WTS' four-tier multimedia platform. Women That Soar, LLC is focused on creating a global media platform that strategically partners with brands looking to build business-to-business relationships and promote their products to women

consumers.

Guests will be treated to a sneak preview of the highly lauded “Women Who Are Soaring” television special scheduled to debut April 1, 2012. The special will highlight stories of women who have defied the odds, who are giving back to their community and who have defined what it really means to SOAR.

The annual awards show serves as the signature event for WTS and allows the company to donate a portion of net proceeds to select non-profit organizations that support the advancement of women and young girls. Previous recipients of Women That Soar donations include the Memnosyne Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Dress For Success and Women Called Moses.

RSVP: info@womenthatsoar.com

Happy 85th Birthday, Big Brothers Big Sisters!

For 85 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been helping change the lives of kids in Texas by giving them the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. Today, Friday, February 24th, the organization celebrates eight and a half decades of volunteers, donors, and advocates just like YOU!

It all started on that date in 1927, when the growing number of boys passing through the Juvenile Court System in Dallas County inspired the humble beginnings of what is now the nation's largest Big Brothers Big Sisters agency. Through the vision of few, hundreds of thousands of Texan lives were changed for the better, forever through the power of one-to-one youth mentoring.

Today, more than ever, BBBS needs volunteers to start something big. What if every child fulfilled their potential? Think how amazing that would be. Now, you can start more Littles on the path to big things.

Click here to learn more about volunteering as a Big Brother or Big Sister.

Black Tie We Love

We're getting ready for the Big Brother Big Sister Black Tie Ball next Saturday!  Here are a few gowns perfect for the event that we found on Sale at Shopbop.com with the code INTHEFAMILY20.  Enter at checkout to receive 20% off your entire order for RSVP Calendar readers!  Get shopping for your next Black Tie Event- The code only works today!

1. Marchesa Notte,  2. Zac Posen,  3. Halston Heritage, 4. Ports 1961

Party at the Palladium with Big Brothers Big Sisters

Saturday, May 14, 2011
Palladium Ballroom - 1135 S Lamar St
6:00 pm - 12:00 midnight

Featuring Live Music from the infamous band Le Freak

Cool River Cafe Party at the Palladium is back like never before! Hosted by former Dallas Cowboy Patrick Crayton, this event is the ending note to the Bright Realty Celebrity Golf Classic for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Disco divas and dudes will be dusting off their platforms and breaking out their bell bottoms for this costume encouraged party. Cool River Cafe's gourmet buffet will keep guests sustained so they can dance all night at this annual event that sells out early each year. With live music, a photo booth, arcade and casino games as well as a live and silent auction, this evening cannot be beat. All food and beverages are included in the price of admission.

Reserve a table for $1,250. Individual tickets are now available for $100 each.
Purchase tickets here

If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of thousands of children in our community, volunteer at the event. Click here to sign up!

Big Brothers Big Sisters Annual Celebrity Golf Classic

Monday, May 9, 2011

Las Colinas Country Club

Featuring two tournaments: 8:00 am & 2:00 pm

The 44th Annual Bright Realty Celebrity Golf Classic benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters is just around the corner. Sign up your team today to ensure your spot in the best charity golf event in the Metroplex! Annually rated as one of the Top 10 Charity Golf Events in the DFW Metroplex by the Dallas Business Journal, this event features an outstanding golf venue, unsurpassed celebrity interaction as well as the best post-party in town.

Our celebrity host for the golf tournaments as well as the Cool River Cafe Party at the Palladium will be none other than San Diego Chargers' wide receiver Patrick Crayton.

Golfer gifts this year will include custom fit sunglasses, embroidered golf shirts, leather golf gloves, two tickets to the "Party at the Palladium" and much more.

Team and Individual Player Registration

Purchase Team Reservations & Sponsorships Online (pdf)

Contact: Tiffany Olson celebrity@bbbstx.org / 817-905-GOLF (4653)

Charitable Causes Happy Hour

Thursday, March 3, 2011

6:00-9:00 PM

Hully & Mo Restaurant

Bring a friend to Hully & Mo's this evening for networking and fun door prizes, while meeting with local charitable groups to learn more about their causes and volunteer opportunities.

America's Future Series Breakfast

The America's Future Series unites prominent business and government leaders share their insights and recommendations for creating a brighter future for our children.

A Discussion on US Global Competitiveness
Featuring:
Tom Leppert - Dallas Mayor
T. Boone Pickens - Legendary Texas oil and gas executive
Don Carty - Retired Chairman & CEO of AMR Corporation
Randall Stephenson - Pres, CEO & Chairman of the Board of AT&T, Inc.
Bill Lively - Pres & CEO, North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

7:30 a.m breakfast

8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. speakers
The Tower Club

Breakfast Included

$100 ClubCorp members/$150 non-members

Table sponsorship $1,000

Register here

All proceeds go directly to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters educational impact programming.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Black Tie Ball

Saturday, November 6, 2010

The Fairmont Dallas Hotel

Regency Ballroom

The Big Black Tie Ball: An Evening of Masterpieces presented by Neiman Marcus celebrates the masterpieces that are the children in our program. Not defined by a single extraordinary element, a true masterpiece represents the sum of ordinary elements placed together in extraordinary cohesiveness. The children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters, as guided by our programs and volunteers, become empowered to identify those positive and unique elements that define who they are and utilize them to fulfill their greatest vision of success for themselves.

This Evening of Masterpieces hopes to inspire you through the people that inspire us every day, our children. The funds raised this evening will benefit the more than 4,000 works of art currently waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister. For each $1,000 raised, one child will be removed from our waiting list and matched to a mentor who will help them realize the masterpiece in each of them.

Individual Tickets are $500. Sponsorships are available from $3,000.

Please click here for more information.

If you are interested in volunteering at the Big Black Tie Ball, please send an email to gala@bbbstx.org or call 888.887.BIGS

Kimberly and Justin Whitman invite you to...

What: Celebrate the opening of Façonnable benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters with Kimberly and Justin Whitman
When: Thursday, November 4th from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: the GALLERIA Dallas, Level One
*complimentary valet parking at the Westin Galleria hotel
RSVP: RSVP@rsvpcalendar.com

Promising Youth Alliance - Launch Party

Launch Party

Thursday, September 30
7:00pm

Jet Linx
7367 Cedar Springs Road
Dallas Love Field

We proudly announce the inception of a new foundation here in the Metroplex, a collaborative effort among three of the most successful providers of youth development services: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, and Phoenix Houses of Texas. These three service organizations are piloting an integrated program of their services at three Dallas schools, creating after-school programming that serves the whole child cost-effectively with best-in-class services from each organization.

Catering by Food Glorious Food
Dancing to live music by Cuvée
Valet parking provided by Jack Boles Parking
Raffle items include 3 day/3 night exclusive vacation package

Currently, 84% of DISD students are economically disadvantaged, and more than 100,000 students in the community are unsupervised after school every day. Research shows that after-school care can significantly improve the lives of our youth and reduce crime and other social problems. PYA programs are designed to improve children’s academic performance, character and leadership development, and overall health – all at lower cost per child.

Contact: John Rodgers / 214-219-7772 / jrodgers@promisingyouthalliance.org