Big Brothers Big Sisters Third Annual Big Night of Thanks
Thursday, November 12, 2009 - Rainer's Gourmet located at A B & B on the Green
On November 12, 2009 Big Brothers Big Sisters honored Ray Agnew, Dan Miner and Pete Cloutier, Alice Ripley and Ross MacIntosh at our 3rd annual Big Night Of Thanks celebration. This night is one of our most anticipated events where we are able to come together to thank all of our community friends, families and colleagues who generously support our organization. With their support, Big Brothers Big Sisters is positively impacting the lives of hundreds of children in our community.
Our first award of the evening was presented to our “Honorary Big Brothers of the Year,” Dan Miner and Pete Cloutier from 98.5 WCKM’s The Morning Club. Dan & Pete and Regional Radio Group have been strong supporters of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks for over 10 years. They enthusiastically feature a “Match of the Month” segment on the radio the first Thursday of the month at 7:40am. Dan and Pete have a special way of making everyone feel comfortable on the air and telling the listeners how great it is to be involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Dan, Pete and Regional Radio Group also generously support and raise funds for our annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake fundraiser. With great delight Dan and Pete accepted this honor and vowed to continue to recognize and support our worthy cause.
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"Honorary Big Brothers" Dan Miner and Pete Cloutier from WCKM's The Morning Club
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This year’s “Community Mentor Award” and was presented to Ray Agnew, Vice President of Community Relations at Glens Falls Hospital. Agnew was introduced by his friend and our 2008 “Community Mentor” George Ferone of Tribune Media. Ferone acknowledged what a great honor it was for him to receive this award during our celebration last year and noted how there is no one more deserving or worthy to be honored this year rather Ray Agnew.
Ferone spoke of Agnew’s profound community presence and involvement. Agnew has been a notable philanthropist for over 29 years. He is not only the VP of Community Relations at Glens Falls Hospital but he is also an advocate for many worthy causes. Agnew is a currently involved with many groups including but not limited to: Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Rotary International (Past President), American Society of Composers and Authors and Publishers. Agnew was recognized as the 2008 Rotarian of the Year (Glens Falls) and 2008 Rotary Humanitarian of the Year (District 7190). Furthermore, in 2008, Ray selflessly donated a kidney to a colleague. His devotion and heartfelt sincerity for the causes he supports has certainly been noticed by not only Big Brothers Big Sisters but also by everyone he is associated with.
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Executive Director, Amanda Mody of BBBS with "Community Mentor" Ray Agnew From Glens Falls Hospital
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The award presentation culminated with the presentation of our Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year. Bigs are nominated each year by their Littles and Big Brothers Big Sisters staff. The defining characteristics of a “Big of the Year” is someone who is dedicated to their Little, goes above and beyond the one year requirement of a Big, has patience as it is not always easy, remains focused on being that child’s friend and most important – HAS FUN. We also looked at longevity of the matches, strength of the relationship, and challenges the match has had to overcome.
This year’s Big Sister of the Year is Alice Ripley. Alice has been matched with Little Sister, Sabrina since January of 2004. Sabrina was matched when she was just 8 years old and was a typical child in our program. She lived with her mom and younger brother, and had minimal contact with her father. As a single parent, Monique worked to support the family and raise her children. She came to BBBS looking for a positive female role-model for Sabrina, as she felt like she was not able to do enough for her daughter. Big Sister Alice entered their life in which Sabrina describes as finding the “Big Sister she never had.” Alice is always there for her Little Sister and has included her in her life as through Sabrina was part of her family. Alice has even supported Sabrina in pursuing dance and piano lessons.
Sabrina describes Alice as someone she can look up to and appreciates being able to talk with her Big Sister whom she thanks for being able to help her with school and family problems. Sabrina’s house is very busy, with three younger siblings. Sabrina told us that she doesn’t get much time alone and that she really looks forward to her time with Alice because it allows her to go to a quiet place for herself. After being matched for almost 6 years, when Little sister Sabrina was asked what she thought was the biggest difference in her life since she met Alice, she told us that “Before I met Alice I was always grumpy and wasn’t happy a lot because of problems I was having, but when Alice came along she helped me through them and now I am happy”. While Sabrina started the program as a typical child in our program, Sabrina and her relationship with Alice is anything but typical.
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| Little Sister Sabrina with "Big Sister of the Year" Alice Ripley |
This year’s Big Brother of the Year is Ross MacIntosh. Ross has been matched with Little Brother Jeremy for over 4 ½ years through an incredible act of parental love and selflessness. In January 2005 we received a phone call from a father looking to enroll his son in our program as he was disabled with brain cancer. His son was having a hard time accepting it and was becoming very angry. Bill said that he had put off the call as long as he could and he was now hoping that another man could bring back his happy little boy.
Despite some doubt that Jeremy would actually want a Big Brother that was old enough to be his grandfather, Ross was introduced to Little Brother Jeremy when he was only seven years old. At the time of the introduction, Jeremy’s father was too weak to participate. But Ross recalls that Bill did make an appearance as he was leaving. He could hardly walk because of fatigue, and had a very hard time speaking. Despite all this, Ross states that “he shook my hand and thanked me for becoming Jeremy's Big Brother.”
Ross recognized the need for Jeremy to have a diversion from the sadness. So they bowled, played basketball, took a cruise on Lake George, played catch, went to Canal Fest and their friendship flourished. Ross recalls the first time Jeremy really talked to him was on his 8th birthday. He states “I had given Jeremy a gift card for his birthday, and he was going to pick out a present. On the way into the store, there was a 'cyclone'-type fundraiser to help children with cancer. Jeremy said to me, 'Wait Ross, I want to help kids with cancer.' As Jeremy rolled a few coins, he was staring at the coins going round and round and finally dropping into the funnel hole. He had a sad, blank stare on his face, and my heartfelt heavy. Jeremy looked up at me and said, 'I wish I could help my dad, Ross. I feel so sorry for him.' I told him I wished I could help too.” Five days later, Bill passed away.
Today both Ross and Jeremy would tell you that Jeremy is doing much better, and true to his father’s wish for his son, Jeremy is happy.
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| Little Brother Jeremy with "Big Brother of the Year" Ross MacIntosh |
There were many Little Moments that turned into Big Magic over the course of the night. The evening left us feeling as reinvigorated ambassadors for the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters: to create brighter futures, better schools and stronger communities. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone that is helping us change perspectives and change lives.
Big Brothers Big Sisters 13th Annual Australian Open Golf Tournament & Steak Outing
Sunday, June 13, 2009 - Cronin's Golf Resort
BBBS is most recently celebrating a successful fundraising effort following our 13th Annual Australian Open Golf Tournament and Steak Outing. With help from our local community including many loyal supporters and businesses, we were able to reach our fundraising goal and raise $26,000! The event was hosted by Cronin’s Golf Resort in Warrensburg on June 13th 2009. The day started at 9:00 a.m. with a bang - a shotgun start with a scramble format. Throughout the course of the day golfers took pleasure in a picnic style lunch, gorgeous greens, complimentary beverages and simply the most beautiful views in the area! After play, golfers enjoyed a one-of-a-kind live auction, an awards ceremony and a fabulous steak dinner. Also included and said to be perhaps one of the most touching moments of the day, was a presentation of a set of clubs to a deserving Big Sister and Little Sister. A little moment that will not soon be forgotten by anyone in attendance. Join us next year at Cronin’s Golf Resort on June 12, 2010 to benefit our worthy cause!
Big Brothers Big Sisters 24th Annual Bowl For Kids' Sake
Sunday, March 29, 2009 - Saturday, April 4, 2009 - Sunday, April 5, 2009 - Spare Time Family Fun Center
Our Golf Tournament follows our largest and most successful fundraiser Bowl For Kids’ Sake. This year at our 24th Annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake we were able to raise a record breaking $82,000! This is one of our most important fundraisers of the year and it’s not simply about bowling – it’s about helping the kids! Each year over 700 people come together over two weekends for a fantastic day of bowling, prizes, live entertainment and fun – all to benefit more than 300 area children. The event was held at Spare Time Family Fun Center in South Glens Falls giving bowlers the options to join us on March 29th, April 4th or April 5th. Next year is predicted to be bigger and better than ever. Come and enjoy a bowling party, for Kids’ Sake!
Big Brothers Big Sisters Second Annual Big Night of Thanks
Thursday, November 6, 2008 - The Hyde Collection
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| Left to Right: Bruce Wildfeur, Big Brother of the Year, Adam, Little Brother, Pam Parrot, Honorary Big Sister with Glens Falls High School, Jessica, Little Sister, Juli Powhida, Big Sister of the Year, George Ferone, Community Mentor Award with Tribune Media Services. |
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Juli Powhida was this year’s "Big Sister of the Year" recipient. She has been a Big Sister to Little Sister, Jessica, for four years. The two were paired when Little Sister Jessica was just nine years old, and it was an instant match. Little Sister Jessica was enrolled in the program because her father wanted to provide her with a positive female role model. As a single father recently diagnosed with cancer, Little Sister Jessica’s father wanted Jessica to have a woman in her life to be there for her.
Over the past four years Little Sister Jessica has grown into a beautiful, intelligent, confident young woman. Powhida’s pride for Little Sister Jessica radiated during her tear-filled, emotional acceptance speech. During a previous interview, Executive Director, Amanda Mody, asked Little Sister Jessica what she feels has changed about her since her match with Powhida. Little Sister Jessica replied that what she has learned is, "its okay to be myself." On stage, when Amanda asked Little Sister Jessica if there is anything that she would like Powhida to know, Little Sister Jessica replied with a barely audible "I love you" muffled by her streaming tears.
Powhida shared with the audience what a wonderful experience the program has been for her as well. Powhida presented Little Sister Jessica with an impromptu "Little Sister of the Year" award in the form of a photo with a frame reading, "Friends by nature, Sisters by choice." Little Sister Jessica has become an important part of Powhida’s family. Powhida is looking forward to the holidays when the women of her family all get together to bake. Little Sister Jessica is no longer simply a guest at this event, but an integral part of the family. Little Sister Jessica has made an indelible mark on Powhida’s entire family, especially her husband and son, and there is no doubt that Powhida and Little Sister Jessica will be lifelong friends.
Bruce Wildfeuer was this year’s "Big Brother of the Year" recipient. He has been a Big Brother to Little Brother Adam for two years. Little Brother Adam recently turned 18, officially making him a graduate of the BBBS program. Little Brother Adam admits that in the beginning, he did not particularly want a Big Brother, but agreed to participate in the program in order to pacify his worried mother. During the presentation it was evident that now he would not have it any other way. When Executive Director, Amanda Mody, asked Little Brother Adam what his advice would be to other boys contemplating involvement with the program, Little Brother Adam responded "do it." Little Brother Adam reports that the best part about getting together with Wildfeuer is, "just going out to eat and talking."
During his acceptance, Wildfeuer talked about how he did not become involved with the program for the normal selfless reasons. Instead, he felt like he needed to do the program for himself and for his own peace of mind. As a member of the biker group, The Jury, Wildfeuer does not strike you as a typical Big Brother. In being matched with an older, quick witted Little Brother like Adam, Wildfeuer has been to the point and honest with him from the beginning. Even with Little Brother Adam out of school and working full time now, Wildfeuer and Little Brother Adam still manage to get together once a week or so and Wildfeuer is there for a support as Little Brother Adam enters his adult life.
Even though this match started with an apprehensive teenager and an out of the ordinary volunteer with an atypical drive for volunteering, they have formed an extremely strong bond. Wildfeuer and Little Brother Adam play off each other’s sense of humor and seem to really "get" one another. Wildfeuer was clearly touched by the award and his friends and family were there to support him. Little Brother Adam has become such a part of Wildfeuer’s family that he was even in attendance at his wedding a few months ago. Although the match is now a graduate of the BBBS program, the pair will certainly continue to see one another long into the future.
Two new awards were also presented at this year’s "Big Night of Thanks." The first was the "Honorary Big Sister of the Year" award and it was received by Pam Parrott, a staff member of Glens Falls High School. Parrott has been involved with BBBS for three years and has become a very essential person to the agency. In her introduction by Board Member, Dave Lebel, the audience was told about how Parrott started out three years ago just hoping to get five teams together for Bowl for Kids’ Sake (the largest fundraiser for BBBS). When Parrott easily achieved the goal of five teams, her passion and excitement simply could not be bridled and in the following years, her contribution and involvement has grown exponentially. Parrott has played an integral role in the impending commencement of a Glens Falls after school Site Based program through which High School Bigs will mentor Elementary School Littles. Parrott truly, genuinely cares about helping others and she attributes her compassionate nature to her mother and the way she was raised. Because of Parrott, not only BBBSSADK but also the greater Glens Falls area has been forever changed in many wonderful ways.
The final award was the "Big Brothers Big Sisters Community Mentor of the Year" award and this was presented to George Ferone of Tribune Media. Ferone was introduced by his friend and colleague, Debra Meier. Meier told the audience about how Ferone’s caring, invested nature struck her from her first conversation with him over ten years ago. Meier has modeled Ferone’s contributions to the community and acknowledged that his involvement is far too extensive to possibly list in a short introductory speech. Ferone is not only involved in the local Tri-County United Way, but has also served the agency on the state level. He is an active participant in his church and also sits on the board at Glens Falls Hospital Foundation, has served as a board member for Prospect Child and Family Center, Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce and Retired Senior Volunteer Program are among many of the agencies Ferone was volunteered his services.
In his acceptance speech, Ferone told the audience about how initially it took him a few days in order to decide whether or not to accept this award. According to Ferone, his community involvement is not to gain recognition, but because he simply enjoys helping people. In the end Ferone resolved to accept the award after heeding the advice of a friend, who suggested that by accepting this award in such a public forum, perhaps Ferone will inspire other in the community to become involved and give back in ways that he has.
Mody concluded the evening by saying "I again extend my deepest gratitude to everyone in this room who are helping us change how children grow up in America. As we conclude this evening with a renewed commitment to the children of our program we leave as reinvigorated ambassadors for the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters: to create brighter futures, better schools and stronger communities."
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks Opens It's Doors To Their New Office
Thursday, October 2, 2008
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| Left to Right: Amanda Mody, Exectuive Director, Assemblywoman Teressa Sayward, Hope, Little Sister, Senator Betty Little, Johnathan, Little Brother, Rachel Sloan, Board President, Nicole Cremo, Board Member & Big Sister. |
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks (BBBSSADK) was formed in 1975 with the mission of helping children to reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one relationships with measurable impact. For the first 33 years of its existence, the agency’s offices were located at the McEchron House in Glens Falls, NY. By 2008, however, its programs had grown to the point that it was no longer able to function effectively from its space in the McEchron House. For that reason, in July 2008, BBBSSADK moved to a new location at 14 West Notre Dame Street in Glens Falls, in a building owned by Rick and Nancy Wilson of Adirondack Mortgage Services. On October 2nd joined by Senator Betty Little and Assemblywoman Teressa Sayward, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks open the door of their new office.
"As we open our doors today we are launching into an exciting future of this Big Brothers Big Sisters agency. We will also be opening the doors to many more disadvantaged youth in our community." Commented Amanda Mody, Exectuive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks. " While the need in our community is significant, with the continued dedication of our staff and visionary leadership of our Board of Directors we will hold strong to our mission and we will create brighter futures, better school and a stronger community."
The vision of BBBSSADK has always been to create successful mentoring relationships for all children who need and want them, contributing to better schools, brighter futures, and better communities for all. While those involved with the program know that BBBSSADK has been successful in achieving these goals in the past and present, the staff would really like to stress the future of the agency.
In the past year, the agency’s revenue has increased by an astounding 25% increase, which has allowed for a corresponding growth in services. BBBSSADK now has an additional site-based program in the Hudson Falls Central School District where High School "Bigs" mentor children from both the Primary and Intermediate Schools. BBBSSADK also has a new federal grant that funds a program called "Mentoring Children of Prisoners," which provides for comprehensive training and support to the volunteers who offer consistency, guidance, and support for children with an incarcerated parent. The staff is currently working to start a "Music Mentors" program where local children will be mentored by a musician and therefore gain not only a friend, but also a teacher and perhaps a lifelong skill or hobby. In addition, BBBSSADK continues to offer their traditional Community Based Program and three other Site Base Programs (Fort Ann, Argyle, and Granville Schools). New ideas are constantly flowing at BBBSSADK as the agency brainstorms new programs to serve the many needs of the community.
BBBSSADK is currently composed of three energized staff and 18 board members all of whom are very excited to work with the community to ensure the further growth of the agency. Every day, members of the staff receive positive feedback from the children, families, and volunteers in our program. They know that BBBSSADK programs have a positive impact on the lives of these children. They also know, however, that the children currently served are only a small sampling of those in our community who could benefit from a positive one-to-one relationship with our dedicated volunteers.
