scoop THE big
2014 Spring Newsletter
www.bbbsli.org
A Case Manager With Big Goals Catching up with Sheniqua Lee
In July of 2004, Sheniqua Lee was matched with a Little Sister and nearly ten years later Sheniqua now supports over sixty matches as a BBBSLI Case Manager. “Being a former Big has helped a lot when it comes to suggesting activity ideas, but more importantly, I know exactly what it is like to be in the shoes of a volunteer, so I try to provide the right support in making sure it is a positive experience for the match,” said Sheniqua. “It has definitely been comforting for our Bigs to be able to speak with someone who has gone through the process.” What separates the organization from other mentoring agencies is the professional support provided by the team of extraordinary Case Managers. From match activity suggestions to a supportive voice, BBBSLI Case Managers are determined to ensure that every match has an experience that changes lives for the better, forever. “I have done a lot of volunteer work in the past and have worked with other charities, but no other organization lives up to its mission like BBBSLI,” Sheniqua added. “Now as a Case Manager, I have the opportunity to see several matches in action and it is truly an inspiration.” BBBSLI is continuously looking to assist more children across Long Island as well as attract wonderful volunteers willing to make an impact on a child’s life.
“The best part about being a Big Sister was that I was able to go out, have fun and still have a positive impact on someone. “ - Sheniqua Lee
spring 2014 bbbsli.org
“Little Brother” Joe Meets NY Islander Josh Bailey
CEO Mark Cox Board Chair John Talotta Board of Directors Gary Barello Stephen Cohen James Conboy Kathleen Courtney Daniel Gibbons, Esq. Steven Goodman Dan Greenburg Scott Horowitz James Metzger Gerard E. O’Connor Michael Paley Regina Schilling Jeff Schwartzberg Mark Sidoti, Esq. Thomas Slome Kathleen Stanley Joy M. Watson, Esq. E. David Woycik, Jr., Esq. Newsletter Editor Chris Cosentino
Big Shots
“Little Brother” Phillip & NY Islanders’ Superstar John Tavares “Big Sister” Maryanne & “Little Sister” Diamond
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 2014 bbbsli.org p2
“Big Brother” Mike & “Little Brother” Juan at the NHL Stadium Series at Yankee Stadium
Events Recap Holiday For Kids’ Sake Assists More Than 120 Families The annual Holiday For Kids’ Sake program brings new gifts and delicious meals directly to BBBSLI families just in time for the holidays. Just like Santa Claus, a fleet of more than 50 dedicated volunteers packed their cars at Arrow Transport & Storage in Hicksville and set out to greet over 120 BBBSLI families across Long Island. BBBSLI received more than $25,000 in donations and gift cards, plus an extraordinary amount of new toys for children of all ages. Some notable contributors this year included: Advantage Title, Certilman Balin, Corporate Coffee Systems, The Federated Group, Garden City Hotel, The John Theissen Children’s Foundation, The Lamplighters, MSC Industrial Supply, New York Auto Giant, Nixon Peabody, OpenLink, Sports Authority, Steve Madden and the Whitmore Group.
Winter Blast Brings Smiles To Over 70 Matches As part of its on-going professional support of mentoring matches, BBBSLI coordinates match activities throughout the year. In celebration of National Mentoring Month, on Saturday, January 25th, the agency hosted the 2014 Winter Blast & Book Fair sponsored by Target. Two hundred Bigs and Littles enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon at Dave & Buster’s in Farmingdale where every Little went home with a backpack full of books and school supplies.
Phil & Jesse
Nneka & Natatia
Malachi & Mike
Poker Night Sponsored By Steve Madden Raises $21,000 On Tuesday, March 11th, more than one hundred guests participated in the BBBSLI Poker Night sponsored by Steve Madden. The sold out event took place at Social Sports Kitchen in Uniondale and raised $21,000! Gary Smith of Merrick was crowned the tournament champion and won a Connecticut Resort Casino VIP Getaway for two. Remarkably, this is his fifth consecutive appearance at the coveted final table. Smith’s full house defeated Bernie Shapiro of Long Beach on the final hand. Mr. Shapiro took home an East End vacation package as the tournament runner-up. Table sponsors included: CardWorks, Chips Technology Group, Executive Business Association, Iron Cove Partners, Merrick Madmen and the Whitmore Group.
Rob Salvatico & Jason McKenna
Mark Cox, Jamison Skala & Regina Schilling spring 2014 bbbsli.org p3
Incorporated in 1977, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island is a private, non-sectarian, not-for-profit, 501c3 tax exempt organization. We assist children who are at-risk because of family or personal situations. There are no fees for the families in our program. Our mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.
Let Us Help With Your Spring Cleaning! Bag all your unwanted clothing and household items and schedule a pickup online at bbbsli.org, call 631.234.0000 or visit one of our conveniently located bins by using our bin finder online!
Enroll Your Child or Become a Big
TODAY Call 516.731.7880 Upcoming Events Walk -A- Thon May 10th Eisenhower Park www.bbbsli.kintera.org/5K spring 2014 bbbsli.org p4
Golf Tournament June 2nd Muttontown Country Club 516.731.7880 x214
Summer Sizzle Poker July 29th Social Sports Kitchen 516.731.7880 x214