As ducks are usually attracted to water, even rain showers couldn`t

As ducks are usually attracted to water, even rain showers
couldn’t stop 15,000 racing rubber ducks from competing
for great prizes at the 23rd Annual Big Brothers Big
Sisters Duck Race at Rocketts Landing. The Grand Prize
winner, Merrick Avery (pictured to the left,) a Rockett’s
Landing resident was in attendance to claim her 2012
Nissan Versa, provided by Priority Automotive Group,
and Care Advantage (as a group) won more prizes than
anyone has even received at any one Duck Race.
Duck Race organizers estimate 5,000 festival goers attended the free afternoon
event, coined “Richmond’s Premier Family Event.” Non-stop entertainment,
inflatable attractions, area mascots, snow cones, carnival-type games, cold lemonade,
snow cones, and a variety of vendors supporting the event brought smiles to the
attendees.
We would like to say a special thank you to this year’s event sponsors: Priority
Automotive Group, Capital One, Dave & Busters, Dick’s Sporting Goods,
Dominion Resources, e2events, FasMart, Martin’s, Movieland, Qdoba Mexican
Grill, RIR, Rocketts Landing, Swaders Sports Park, MeadWestvaco, Care Advantage,
nTelos, Virginia 529, Owens & Minor, Banner Express, Buz & Ned’s Real Barbecue,
Hepaco, Lineage, Riggers Inc., Gateway Bank, Allegra Printing, Expressions By
Design, On-Hold Marketing, Radio Communications of VA, Waste Management,
Estes Express Shipping, select Wal-Mart/Sam’s Club stores, and our many Media
Partners: CBS6, Clear Channel Richmond, Cox Radio, Mainline Broadcasting, Radio
Disney, Radio One and the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Many thanks also to our
other wonderful Prize Sponsors.
This year we are serving six schools in the Richmond and
Henrico area. We are lucky to be partnering with two
new schools -- welcome Ridge and George Mason
Elementary Schools to the BBBS family! Thanks to our
corporate partners for filling our schools with such
wonderful volunteers. We would like to give a special
shout out to Snagajob, Genworth, GE, MWV, Captech,
Capario, CRT Tanaka, Markel, Alphas from VCU, and the
UR Women’s basketball team. As of November 2, 2012
we had 63 active matches and 21 are brand new matches
for the 2012-2013 school year. We are excited to add
even more in the
coming months.Thanks
so much to all of our
dedicated site based mentors who spend an hour each week
changing lives for the better, forever.
On August 25th, the North Richmond YMCA hosted our
Back to School Picnic. Although it was rainy outside, over 50
matches came out to enjoy sports, the pool, ping pong, games,
pizza, and an awesome juggling show provided by Max
McWhirter. As an added bonus, all Littles walked away from
the picnic with school supplies donated by our friends at
Mead Westvaco and Big Sister Amy Bowen, books from First
Book, not to mention a juggler’s starter kit from Max the
Juggler. Making guest appearances at the picnic were
Seymour from the Children’s Museum of Richmond as well as
cross-city A-10 rivals Rodney the Ram from Virginia
Commonwealth University and Webstur from the University
of Richmond. Although there were some mixed emotions
among some of our Littles about heading back to school,
everyone had a great time at this year’s picnic.
In culmination of our tireless recruitment efforts at Virginia State University since late
August, we have over 60 student Bigs ready to be matched with a little in the coming
months! They will serve at our after-school programs in the Tri-Cities area, which include
our Petersburg Parks and Recreation programs and at the Fort Lee Youth Center.
Throughout the summer, we had children enrolled in the program, waiting to be matched
with a Big and we were very excited to see how involved VSU would be this year. Virginia
State University faculty and students have responded to our recruitment efforts more
robustly than we ever could have imagined. We have worked alongside Menjiwe MartinVSU Student Activities Director (and member of BBBS Tri-Cities Council), Billy TaylorVSU Volunteer Coordinator, and John Travis- Education Department, to recruit students
who would be a good fit for BBBS, both in bettering themselves and their potential
mentees. Specifically, Men Molding Minds (3M), The Betterment of Brothers and Sisters
(BBS), Alpha Kappa Alpha, and Alpha Phi Alpha have provided many upstanding and enthusiastic Bigs. John Travis professed his astonishment at our attendance at BBBS program orientations held on campus, citing
the fact that we didn’t even provide free food! From group orientations, to full-day interview sessions, our enrollment team has
been working diligently to get the VSU student volunteers ready to be Bigs as soon as possible. In fact, we already have 10 match
meetings expected for the month of November at the Fort Lee Youth Center, all made possible by Bigs from VSU. We also had
three new matches at Fort Lee made at the end of October, and two of the three Bigs were 3M’s Christopher Thornton and
George Wright. Christopher and George’s easy-going personalities are sure to help foster good mentor relationships in no time.
In the coming months, we hope to have all of after-school programs filled with positive mentorship relationships and we couldn’t
have done it without our strong partnerships at VSU.
Many dedicated and passionate African-American Big Brothers
have joined together as a “face and voice” for BBBS in our
community. These men are on a mission to recruit Big Brothers
to be matched with the hundreds of boys on the BBBS waiting
list, and they have been making great strides all year long.
Accomplishments include the following: executing a
successful Recruiting Brothers Open House (February),
spearheading the Brotherhood of Bigs event at Capital Alehouse
(August), connecting with local chapters of the Alpha Phi
Alphas (September), having a presence at the 2nd Street Festival
(October), speaking at various recruitment events (year-round),
speaking at
Michael Baisden “Debate Watch Party at The
Hippodrome in Downtown Richmond (October), and bringing
in many volunteer applications. Stay tuned to see what the
Recruiting Brothers Movement accomplishes next!
During the last few months, our agency has grown tremendously. We would like
to introduce you to our new team members!
Joining our Program Team we have Andrew Son, Tri-Cities Coordinator, and
Krystle Parker, Enrollment Specialist. Andrew Son is a graduate of Virginia State
University with a BS in Human Services and an M.Div from Union Presbyterian
Seminary. He has 8 years of military service to include 4 years active duty at Fort
Lee, VA. Andrew is currently an Army reservist and is also a current a Site Based
Big Brother. Krystle Parker has been a long time volunteer of the agency and is a
recent graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a BA in
Interdisciplinary Studies concentrating in Early Childhood Education. Krystle is
currently a Community Based Big Sister.
BBBS welcomes Pam Heithaus and Kathy Locke, Master of Social Work students
at VCU. Pam and Kathy will be completing internships to enhance our enrollment
and matching processes as well as supporting Site Based matches. Our third
intern, Kendra Robinson joins us from Old Dominion University. She is in her final year at ODU studying Human Services
with a minor in Sociology, Social Welfare Specialization, graduating in December 2012. She has a passion to see at-risk youth
succeed which is what brought her to Big Brothers Big Sisters for her internship. Her hopes are to work in the non-profit sector upon graduation, specifically with
at-risk youth or single mothers.
In order to build our Military Mentoring Program, BBBS has partnered with Virginia Mentoring Partnership to receive an
Americorp VISTA placement. Mike Yeomans, Military Mentoring Coordinator/Americorp VISTA, is a recent graduate of
the University of Richmond. with a BA in Philosophy and minors in Environmental Studies and Latin American and Iberian
studies. Before coming to BBBS he interned with Friends of the Children and worked as a children’s counselor at A Bar A
Guest ranch in Wyoming. Mike is a Site Based Big Brother in our Tri-Cities program.
We are so excited to announce the formation of our first ever BBBS Teen
Council. The group, which first met in September, is made up of teenaged Littles,
ages 13 and up. Officers include Little Brothers Daniel and Tristan and Little
Sisters Aliyah and Kier. The goal of the Teen Council is to create opportunities
for Teen Littles in the program, along with their Bigs, to connect with one
another. They will work to plan social activities such as pizza parties or holiday
gatherings, and will also participate together in community volunteer activities.
Members recently volunteered at the BBBS Evening For Kids’ Sake Gala by
helping out during the live auction, and also volunteered together during the
Richmond Folk Festival. If you know of a teenaged Little who may be interested,
please contact us at 261.4940 today!
1 Year
Jordan Hartt & Mariel
Darren Leacock & Angelo
Latonja Randall-EL & Rechaiya
Yashica Blakney & Alcayah
Andres McIntyre & Tarry
Cynthia Dohnal & Paige
Shasta Truett & Reagan
Ernest Chamberlain & Jayvon
Heavenly Hunter & Joneisha
Kendra Ellison & Seirra
Courtney Heintz & Johnaysha
Lauren Healy & Kryxtal
Courtney Reynolds & Keyone`
Alexis Fisher-Rizk & Grace
William Pounch & Zyshawn
Anna Strahs & Shadaja
Ebony Moore-Turner & Kianna
Timothy Wade & Joshua
Meredith Shutt & Yadira
Darlene Smith & Aniyah-Marie
Laura Kent & Camari
Daniel Vollen & Rayquan
Justin Kern & Tyshawn
Lindsey Norment & Anaya
Ariana Jones & Ge'yonnae
Katina Stacey & Shiunna
Meisha Harris & Ta'Shea
Mary Dick & Tamonda
Afua Riverson & Aaiyanah
Brittany Brown & Dajia
Madelyn Silcox & Dayohnna
Ivory Banks & Teshawna
Dewanna Seward & Kev'nazia
Amber Mayes & Tylicia
Andrew Dunnick & Logan
Christina Phillips & Alexia
Kristin Weir & Emeli
O'nissa McGee & Selena
William Frye & Andre'
Steven Sandberg & Tre`
Nicholas Madison & Purcell
Deasya Harper & Serena
Nina Hadjialigholi & Jazmyne
Ava Gorman & T'Yana
Ben Behrendt & Keishawn
Tamara Wolfe & Jasmine
Nick Scola & Ter'Quon
Nathan Tatum & Tashoun
Mary Akers & Jamillia
Matthew Minter & Roemell
Jim Schumacher & Damond
Tiffany Spearman & Alexis
Judy King & Amy
Lauren Nash & Jaelah
Frank Isemann & Dimitri
Lindsay Dawson & Zion
Bobby Salazar & Gabriel
Kenisha Winder & Cherayna
Scott Hale & Tyler
Carmenta Mitchell & Shamara
Rachel Mason & Denneshua
2 Year
Ashley Chapman & Sarah
Sharetha Mizzell & Alonshay
Tiffany Menefee & Tamika
Amy Agbottah & Lydia
Samantha Williams & Jessica
Tom Ronan & Fransisco
Lindsay Cobb & Paige
Janet Garrett & Cheyenne
Chris Beach & Jarien
Patricia Harper & Danasia
Tia James & Reginae
DeAngela Newsome & Ariana
Kimberly Taylor & Sara
Ashley Pleasants & Shamara
Jocliene Swopes & Jashae
Kathryn Glushefski & Innocence
Kate Gillette & Makayla
Nicole Harris & Kaylaa
Jamie Mack & Shawnay
Colleen Simpson & Gariana
Jack Inscoe & Elijah
Lindsay Chupek & Yordanos
Russell Carter & John
Keith Cossu & Coby
Lynn Brust & Katie
Meghan Taylor & Kaliiah
Ashley Abbruzzese & Ayza
Carol Dickinson & Christian
Pat Clement & Shaniya
Rae Reed & Zahria
Pamela Farnham & Amber
Jerome Skaggs, Sr., M.D. & Chance
Imoni Woodberry & Teneka
Caitlin Marsh & JaTe`asha
Jayne Pemberton & Alyah
Margie Couch & Warren
Erin Brooks & Jasmine
Jason Repak & Rhonte
Jason Myers & Andrew
Jesse Thompson & Daerenz
Sue Dibert & Mysia
2 Year
Jacqueline Vaughan & Carrah
Benjamin Page & Scott
Stanley Davis & Fayah
Tarra Balcom & Jaqua
Janet Cousins & Tiana
Duncan Oburu & DeAndre
Cheryl Suits & Sarah
John Weber & Jaiden
Laura Young & Taylor
Jamie Jackson & Chance
Angella Thuotte & Kevin
Sarah Simon & Jernay
Tina Schworm & McKenzie
Kevin McQueen & Efton
Christian Munson & Asiah
Kelly Galloway & Diamond
Christopher Johnson & Xavier
David Clemons & Alex
Evan Howell & Sterling
Mark Bowen & Tyquan
Katie Bell & Jameia
3 Year
Franklin Jennings Jr. & Daniel
Nicole Pries & Keona
Shawn Harrigan & Kishon
Jessica Tyree & Tamacesis
Vernon Fleming & Antonio
Kiara Walton & Nikasia
Whitney Lockett & Makayla
Andrew Son & Xavier
Calvin Harris & Jalen
Sindy Nazon & Sharee
Sahila Robertson & Mikayla
Demarcus Hunt & Semaj
Rebecca Zuckerman & Amani
Cassidy Vestal & India
Cynthia Reed & Donyae
Erica Seredni & Ariyana
Claude Coleman & Tyler
Douglas Ehlers & Shane
Carly Umberger & LaAsia
Kristen Seay & Daesha
Shannon Duncan & Ashanti
Teresa Taylor & Victasha
Suzanne West & Monaejah
Ellen Gray & Liz
Carey Johnston & Taylor
Jessica Montgomery & Amber
Deirdre Bowens & Osheaya
Elizabeth Kastelberg & Shai'Aygne
Joseph Carnahan & Dequan
6 Year
Donald Glazer & Isaiah
Jordan Tozer & James
7 Year
Mike DellaRipa & Tyler
Kevin Pegram & Jayquanir
4 Year
Latasha Rosser & Jailaygne
Lauren Reinstein & Dereka
Judy Schmidt & Savannah
Stasia Strobach & Antonique
Thomas Jordan &Patrick
Debbie Freid & Tayler
Jim Speidel & Dakota
Chuck Yeager & Patrick
Ada Hammer & Adriana
Donna Christian & Kier
Rama Sabbakhan & Jordan
Shanequa Abney & Racquel
5 Year
Lindsey Choroszucha & Shanaya
John Weigel & David
Sarah Raynor & Marie
Thomas Mazich & Kaylan
Scot Kingston & Archie
Lois Little & Angelique
Andrea Makriyianis & Chadonnay
James Leavy & Devin
John Fowler & Jah’Hid
Sarah Tyson & Taliyah
John Beck & Josiah
Martin Mooradian & James
LaKeisha Williams & Brooke
Daryl Howell & Elijah
LaTisa’ Harris & Kemyah
June Burns & Alexis
James Stanford & Ashton
Erin Briggs & Taniyah
Chris Coley & Desi
Elizabeth Saunders & Samaria
Davina Sampson & Leanna
Teneka Trent & Brianna
Robert Braxton & Hunter
Nicholas Hogan & Gabriel
Corin O’Donnell & Otasia
Kyle Spencer & Tayvon
Will Farmer & Isaiah
Krystle Parker & Ja’Lasia
Laura Bradlee & Taylor
Terry Pierce & La’Daysia
Zack Burstein & Ryan
Megan Driscoll & Takia
Vann Wheeler & Justice
Dale Witherspoon & Zakiya
Corey West & Lavar
Nicole Peyton & Van’Trice
Alan Foster & Jahlil
Melanie Demaree & Kiera
Andrea Taylor & Najja
Steve Yagel & Antwan
Bobby Foley Jr. & Ja’Narius
Elizabeth Robertson & Jesika
Dru Hoskins & Iyana
Devan Colley & Nyajah
Ward Tefft & Zahkee
Over $93,000 was raised when hundreds gathered together at the
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts for our Evening For Kids’ Sake Gala
on October 6, 2012. The evening, which was our 50th Anniversary
Celebration, included a seated dinner, cocktails, auction, live music
and an awards presentation.
Big Brothers Big Sisters honored S. Buford Scott. Mr. Scott is one
of our founding fathers, helping alongside his fellow Richmond
Jaycees to establish our agency 50 years ago. He has been a fixture
in Virginia business, philanthropy, politics and education. Big
Brothers Big Sisters also presented Marlene Boyaner with the 2012
Award for Volunteer Leadership. Marlene has been a volunteer
leader with BBBS for several years, starting her involvement as a
Big Sister in Toronto. She has served on the board in many roles,
including Board President. The Third Annual Award for
Community Partnership was presented to Genworth Financial, a
longtime supporter. Associates from Genworth have been very
involved with our site based mentoring program at Johnson
Elementary School.
Sabrina Squire, the evening’s Mistress of Ceremonies did a
wonderful job!
Sabrina was joined on the stage by several
wonderful matches, who helped out throughout the evening giving
moving speeches and serving as auctioneers during the live
auction. Some of the sponsors included: Philip Morris USA, an
Altria Company, NewMarket Corporation, Genworth Financial,
RiTek Solutions, Markel and Capital One.