Big Picture
November 2014
A Message From Executive Director William Salcedo
Dear Friends,
October was a busy month for our agency, first with the Concours d'Elegance car show and followed by our Annual Gala just two weeks later. These were the last two special events of 2014 and their success was crucial to meet the needs of our annual operating budget.
We often mention that BBBSMMC is a "donor-driven organization." But what does this really mean? Some nonprofit organizations are funded primarily through government or foundation support and others, like our agency, are primarily supported through donations. This ranges from the many individuals who donate $10 to thousands of dollars, as well as those of you who attend our special events each year. Our five fundraising events support nearly half of BBBSMMC's operating budget that enables us to provide our 1:1 mentoring.
BBBSMMC staff and volunteers work tirelessly to make sure that our special events promote the positive impact mentoring makes on the children in our communities, while providing you, our donors, with events you enjoy. Thank you to all of our donors and those who attend our special events including our Gala, which is highlighted in this issue. Make sure to follow us on Facebook for more pictures of this and all of our events!
Sincerely,
William Salcedo
Executive Director
SPOOKTACULAR
Adam & Seven on Halloween
Little Brother Seven with
his Big Brother Adam at the Halloween Party!
The exceptional students of Saint John Vianney High School once again hosted the Annual BBBS Halloween Party on November 1st. Bigs & Littles came dressed in their costumes and went trick or treating around the hallways of the high school. The members of Saint John Vianney's Key Club put together a SPOOKTACULAR party filled with dancing, games, crafts, face painting, music, treats, and more! Special thanks to Saint John Vianney's Key Club and staff for organizing this great event for our Bigs & Littles!
Two New Programs Kick Off!
BBBSMMC had two new programs kick off this school year! The Beyond School Walls Program at Raritan Bay Medical Center began on October 29th with 15 bright-eyed teens excited to get a closer look at what the healthcare field has to offer. Hospital employees volunteer to mentor these students from Perth Amboy High School who are interested in the medical field. So far the students have attended an orientation on confidentiality and hospital policies and have toured the Cardiac Department. As with all BBBS programs, this one allows time for the students to get to know their mentors.William DiStanislao, Vice President/Operations of Raritan Bay Medical Center serves as a mentor in this program and stated, "Being new to the area, this is an excellent way to support the community by helping shape a local student's future for the better by exposing him or her to the evolving world of healthcare."
Students with their Mentors from Raritan Bay
Students with their High School Bigs/Tutors
Perth Amboy High School
Students with their Mentors from Raritan Bay Medical Center!
Thurgood Elementary
Students with their High School Bigs/Tutors!
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The BIG Event
BBBSMMC hosted its 16th Annual Matching Smiles Gala on Friday, October 17th, and the theme was "Midnight Masquerade." The event was held at Buona Sera Palazzo in Ocean and this year's honoree was the Hope for Children Foundation of New Jersey. The Foundation has been supporting the children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters since 2008.
Three pairs of Bigs and Littles served as ambassadors for the evening greeting guests and sharing their stories. BBBSMMC staff has the privilege of hearing about the impact of mentoring every day, but our Gala was a chance for our supporters to hear for themselves about these amazing friendships.
Christian & Ray at the Gala
Little Brother Christian with his Big Brother Ray at the Gala!
Happy 8th Anniversary!
Big Brother Ray & Little Brother Christian reached their 8-year anniversary of friendship on November 20th. Over the past 8 years, Ray & Christian have shared in a number of activities ranging from visiting the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia to attending the BBBSMMC Annual Fishing Trip and going to sporting events. During his speech at the Gala, Christian conveyed confidence in his personal growth and future. Christian is thankful to Ray for showing him different experiences he would not have been able to do and for being a good friend who is always there for him. Christian once told Ray, "I am going to take care of you when you are older."
Congratulations to our
Bigs & Littles celebrating
their match anniversaries
in November!
Big Brother Jim & Little Brother Ali   7 years
Big Brother Josh & Little Brother Trevon   4 years
Big Sister Brittany & Little Sister Ah'Naizah   1 year
Big Sister Julie & Little Sister Naializ   1 year
Big Brother Buki & Little Brother Justin   1 year
Big Brother Ethan & Little Brother Seth   1 year
A Little Life is Waiting for a Big Change
Wilmer is an active 5th grader who is doing very well in school. His favorite subject is Math. He loves playing and watching soccer, football, and wrestling. His mother believes he would benefit from having a Big Brother because he doesn't have anyone else in his life. "He has always wanted a brother, and he wants someone to play with and show him new things," she said. Wilmer is open to all fun activities & would love to go to a football or soccer game, movies, mini golf, or bowling with his new Big Brother.
Find out how to BECOME A BIG at www.bbbsmmc.org
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Isaiah
Isaiah would like to go on walks, do activities, and just talk with his Big Brother. On December 2nd, you will have the unique opportunity to donate directly toward helping us find a Big Brother for Isaiah!
Mark your calendar and set a reminder to donate
on Tuesday, December 2 at www.bbbsmmc.org!
Project Isaiah: December 2, 2014
Purchase a new Subaru by January 2nd and help make a BIG difference in a child's life! Freehold Subaru has chosen Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth & Middlesex Counties (BBBSMMC) as their hometown charity for their Annual "Share the Love" Event.
For each car that is purchased,
Freehold Subaru will donate $250 to BBBSMMC!
subaru share the love event
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth & Middlesex Counties
305 Bond Street, 2nd Floor | Asbury Park, NJ 07712