IN THIS ISSUE
Rededication On March 11th, we rededicated the E. David Woycik Jr. Building. Photo Gallery on page 3
Scholarship Four Littles in our program were awarded the Jeff Grant, Glenn Trovato and Michael J. Weisbrod Scholarship. Find out who on page 2!
Agency Events April 28th is our annual Walk for Kids’ Sake presented by GEICO. Registration info on page 2.
big news spring 2012
A publication of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island
2012 Bigs of the Year
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, celebrating our Bigs On Tuesday, April 17, we celebrated our Bigs and over 25,000 cumulative hours of time and energy spent annually to positively impact the lives of children on Long Island.
George Carrillo’s Little Brother Manuel wrote in his speech, “George is always interested in my ideas and what I have to say. . . This makes me feel supported and understood.”
“Each of you here tonight continues to make a difference,” remarked Susan Samaroo, COO of BBBSLI. “Together we are starting something big on Long Island.”
Little Sister Joanna said about her Big Sister, Pat, “Whenever Pat comes to pick me up, she always says, ‘Today will be an adventure!’ I want to thank Pat for being a part of my life.”
College Big of the Year Hofstra University Mentoring Program George Carrillo Big Sister of the Year Patricia Casella of Northport, NY Matched since 2005 Big Brother of the Year Robert Young of Locust Valley, NY Matched since 2007
Big Brother of the Year Robert Young’s Little Brother is away at Arizona State University, and his mom, Donna, spoke on their behalf. “There is no denying Bob’s time, energy, kindness and influence on my son has greatly contributed to making him the happy and thriving young adult that he is today.”
From top left to bottom: Big Brother of the Year Bob Young and Donna, mother of Little Brother Christian; Big Sister of the Year Pat Casella and Little Sister Joanna; College Big of the Year, George Carrillo Photo credit First Frames Photography
From the COO Happy Spring! In January, we launched the ‘It’s Your Turn’ recruitment campaign featuring our very own Big Brothers. In hopes of completing 100 interviews with potential male volunteers by September, we challenged the community to become Bigs themselves or share the message with friends and family. However, we have only reached 20% of our goal and we are almost halfway to September. We have a growing waitlist of Little Brothers. Now, it’s your turn- will you share this message? I recently read a note from a Little Brother to his Big. He wrote, “Thank you for all the times we went out and had a great time. You say it’s no big deal- but it is.” Changing lives is a big deal. With your continued support we can start something big here on Long Island and continue to make a difference in the lives of those children and families who need us most. Why not join us this Saturday at our Walk for Kids’ Sake at Jones Beach? Registration info is on page 2. Or, check out our match highlights online to see what mentoring is all about. Perhaps you could be a ‘big deal’ to a child on our waiting list.
spring 2012 bbbsli.org
Board Update
We would like to thank Andrew Corrado and Joseph Sparacio, who after many years of dedicated service, have stepped down from our Board. Mr. Corrado will now serve on our President’s Council. We are proud to announce and welcome our newest members of the Board of Directors. Kathleen Courtney Kathleen Courtney recently ended her five-year tenure period as the Chairwoman of the Riverhead Industrial Development Agency and formerly led the office of Regional Grants Services at Eastern Suffolk BOCES where she supervised a $38 million budget representing federal, state, corporate and member-item funding. Mrs. Courtney is a recent retiree who resides in Aquebogue. Daniel C. Gibbons, Esq. Daniel Gibbons is an attorney with Nixon Peabody, LLP, one of the largest law firms in the world. He earned a degree in Business Economics from the University of Delaware and a J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law. He resides in Garden City with his wife and children.
Scholarship Winners
Four BBBSLI Littles Receive Financial Awards for College We are thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2012 Jeffrey Grant and Glenn Trovato Scholarship and the Michael J. Weisbrod Memorial Scholarship Award, an opportunity open to all past and present participants in our programs who are pursuing higher education for the first time. The families of Jeffrey Grant, Glenn Trovato and Michael J. Weisbrod have generously made possible this scholarship opportunity in memory of their loved ones. Scholarships are awarded to those who demonstrate high levels of motivation, responsibility and resiliency as well as financial need.
fall to pursue a career in Speech Pathology. Joshua DeOliveira, a senior at Great Neck South High School, is a former Little Brother in our program. A driven young man, Joshua is pursuing his goal of a career in welding, and is a member of his school’s Robotics Club, Photography Club, Car Club and is also a member of the American Welding Society. Joshua’s desire to give back to his community inspired him to become a volunteer to Alert Engine, Hook Ladder and Hose Co. No.1. He will attend SUNY Delhi this fall.
Denisse Giron, a senior at Sacred Heart Congratulations to Academy, has been Somer Guerrido, matched with Big Denisse Giron, JoshSister Vanessa since ua DeOliveira and 2009. A dedicated Thomas Slome Eric Rivkin, each of and driven student, Thomas Slome is a Partner at Meyer, whom received beDenisse is a member Suozzi, English & Klein, LLP, a general tween $2,500 and of the National Honpractice law firm. He received a B.A in $5,000 towards their or Society, Science Economics from the State University of college education! National Honor SociNew York at Stony Brook and earned his ety, Tri-M Music HonJ.D. from Rutgers Law School. Mr. Slome Somer Guerrido, a Photo from top to bottom: Scholarship recipient and Little or Society, French resides in Rockville Centre with his wife senior at Roosevelt Sister Denisse Giron; Scholarship recipient Joshua DeOliveira National Honor Sowith Susan Elliott, Principal of Great Neck South High School; and children. High School, was Scholarship recipient and Little Brother Eric Rivkin ciety and a Science matched in 2004 to Kathleen Stanley Olympiads CompetiBig Sister Jaclyn. Somer is a member of Kathleen Stanley is the Senior Vice Presitor. She is also the President of the French her High School’s Yearbook Committee, dent, Regional Sales Manager of Capital Club and a Student Council RepresentaDrill Team and the Liberty Partnership One Bank. She earned her B.B.A. in Martive, and is a Camp Anchor volunteer. She program. For the past three summers, keting from Hofstra University and is a plans on attending Buffalo State College Somer has also done community service Certified Treasury Professional and Acas a Biology/Pre-Med student. at the UCP Center. “I live in a rough neighcredited ACH Professional. Ms. Stanley borhood. . . but it does not stop me from Eric Rivkin, a senior at Commack High resides in Hicksville with her husband getting an education. My Big Sister Jaclyn School, was matched in 2007 with Big and three children. has inspired me to go to college.” She will Brother Jon. An impressive student, Eric is attend Nassau Community College this a member of the Spanish Honor Society and is a member of the school marching band, school newspaper and school journal. Eric has also interned since his sophomore year for the New York Wizards and Walk or Run for Kids’ Sake on launched his first charity basketball tournament at the age of 13. He will attend Northeastern University in the fall. www.bbbsli.kintera.org/5K
Have You Registered Yet? April 28th, 2012
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A Rededication Celebration
On Sunday March 11, BBBSLI celebrated the re-dedication of their office in Levittown, the E. David Woycik Jr. Building. The celebration also announced the naming of the Commercial Industrial Brokers Society (CIBS) Conference Room and presented the installation of solar energy by Sunstream USA in the agency’s efforts to go green. The event was attended by Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano and New York State Senator Kemp Hannon.
Nearly $20,000 Raised for BBBSLI
The Spring Poker Tournament, presented by Steve Madden Limited, was a tremendous success, held at Social Sports Lounge & Kitchen in Uniondale. The Grand Prize winner, taking home a trip for two to Las Vegas donated by Pete Maniscalco of Courtyard Travel, was Mark Vigilante. In April, the East End Poker and Black Jack Tournament, held in memory of John J. Courtney, raised nearly $4,000 for BBBSLI’s East End mentoring program. Presented by Built on Pride, the tournament was held at the Hotel Indigo in Riverhead. Taking first place in Poker was John Artarian and first place in Black Jack was Irene Dachhtera.
UPCOMING EVENTS JUNE 4TH 16th Annual Golf Tournament Join us for the 16th Annual Golf outing to be held at Muttontown Country Club, East Norwich, NY
OCTOBER 6TH Presidential Gala Mark your calendars for our most prestigious event of the year! Crest Hollow Country Club, Woodbury NY
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BBBSLI Big Sister Recognized by Mentoring Partnership of Long Island BBBSLI Big Sister, Chris Gadinis, was recognized by the Mentoring Partnership of Long Island as a recipient of the 2012 Mentoring Achievement Award. Pictured L-R: Carolyn Irvin, Public Affairs Manager State Farm Insurance (conference underwriter); Franca Floro, Director of Programs & Training for the Mentoring Partnership of Long Island; and BBBSLI Case Manager, Mary Vissichelli, accepting the award on behalf of Ms. Gadinis.
Donate Your Tickets!
If you or someone you know has tickets they cannot use, please consider donating them to BBBSLI for our Bigs & Littles. Contact: Jamessina Hille, 516.731.7880 x222 or jhille@bbbsli.org
Our Team In Support of Mentoring
Slomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation The Slomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation awarded BBBSLI a $7,500 grant in support of our mentoring programs. Pictured above is William Tymann, BBBSLI CEO, and Daniel Komansky, President and Director of the Slomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation.
Donate with Ease
Donation Center Unveils Refurbished Bins Island-Wide Every BBBSLI clothing drop location throughout Long Island is now fitted with our bright white, modern clothing donation bins. The Donation Center is also debuting brand new chuteless bins in several locations. Their chuteless, wide-mouth design allows donors to easily place large bags into the bin with ease. Find a convenient bin location near you online at bbbsli. org. Or, schedule a free home pickup with our new ‘Pick Your Date’ scheduling tool. We always provide tax-deductible receipts. Schedule a pickup today - it’s the simplest way to Start Something Big!
Board President Robert Treat Rinear CEO William Tymann COO Susan Samaroo CDO Mark Cox Newsletter Editor Jamessina Hille
Contact Us Nassau 516.731.7880 Suffolk 631.273.1469 East End 631.287.0086 Donation Center 631.234.0000 Email volunteers@bbbsli.org Web www.bbbsli.org spring 2012 bbbsli.org p4