IN THIS ISSUE
Kicks for Kids Former Little Brother and Renarts Footwear donate 50 pairs of shoes. 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 Walk for Kids’ Sake Raises $70,000 p.2 and upcoming dates for our 2013 Golf Tournament, Presidential Gala on page 3
big news spring 2013
A publication of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island
2013 Bigs of the Year
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, Celebrating Our Bigs On Tuesday, April 23, we celebrated our Bigs at the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, generously sponsored by Sperry Associates FCU. “Sperry Associates Federal Credit Union is honored to sponsor the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island Volunteer Appreciation Dinner in celebration of mentoring and making a difference in the lives of children in our community,” said Kevin Healy, CEO of Sperry FCU. During the evening’s program, volunteer mentors (‘Bigs’) who have been matched for five or more years were recognized. BBBSLI also proudly announced the Bigs of the Year, those who have gone above and beyond in support of a child facing adversity: College Big of the Year Hofstra University Mentoring Program Sean Williams
Big Sister of the Year Lisanne Lange of Mineola, NY Matched since 2003 Big Brother of the Year John Murphy of Williston Park, NY Matched since 2005 Sean Williams’ Little Brother, 8-year old Mukesh, wrote in his speech, “I’ve known Sean for some time now and feel very comfortable around him. I do not ever feel that he judges me. Sean is always encouraging me to do my very best. Sean is a very helpful person.” Little Sister Nicole has been matched for 10 years with her Big Sister, Lisanne Lange, and wrote “Thank you for supporting me and helping me grow up. You have inspired me to be a Big Sister- every little girl should get to experience a relationship like ours.” Big Brother of the Year John Murphy’s Little Brother wrote a heartfelt letter, sharing “I remember John always telling me that life is better than money and cars. He taught me that family is the most important thing in life. He has always been caring for my family and me and never once gave up on me.”
From the CEO We are well on our way navigating through the tedious process of fully restoring our warehouse which was destroyed by Sandy. Like many Long Islanders, we eagerly await actual reconstruction to begin. Yet we look forward to a new and stronger facility in the near future. Sandy didn’t stop us for long due to the extraordinary resilience and dedication of our Donation Center staff, mentoring program staff and volunteers and families in our agency. With the end of April showers brings a bright 2013, and again we look to serving more families and children in need of our services. With the continued support of all of our readers, we will climb to new heights. Thank you, always, for your unwavering support of our Littles.
From L-R, Big Sister of the Year Lisanne Lange, College Big of the Year Sean Williams and Big Brother of the Year, John Murphy.
spring 2013 bbbsli.org