Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast

💚 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 💚

This week, our Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast family gathered to celebrate the retirements of three extraordinary women whose dedication and leadership have left a lasting mark on our organization and the thousands of young people and families we serve.

𝐆𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐓𝐚𝐲𝐥𝐨𝐫, 𝐃𝐫. 𝐍𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, and 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐥 𝐊𝐞𝐢𝐦 have collectively devoted decades of service to our mission. From building meaningful relationships and supporting families to creating opportunities that changed lives, their impact will be felt for generations to come.

There was laughter, tears, and treasured memories that reminded us just how special this organization—and these women—truly are. Seeing former colleagues, family members, friends, and even a Little whose connection spans decades was a beautiful testament to the lifelong impact of mentoring.

While we will miss them dearly, we are grateful for the legacy they leave behind and wish them every happiness in their next adventures.

Please join us in thanking Gina, Nancy, and Cheryl for their years of service and unwavering commitment to our mission. 💚

🚀 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲'𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰'𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast was proud to participate in the 2026 Florida Learners to Earners Workforce Solution Summit.

Our CEO, Kamala Martinez, joined leaders from Florida Power & Light and the Florida Prepaid College Plans' Foundation to discuss the power of partnerships in creating workforce opportunities for Florida's underserved and emerging talent.

Through the Path to Prosperity Scholarship Program, Florida Power & Light and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation have provided more than $14 million in scholarships to Florida's future workforce. The program has helped more than 2,000 students across the state, including 103 scholarship recipients right here in the Sun Coast.

When mentoring, education, and workforce development come together, young people gain the support and opportunities they need to achieve their full potential.

Tomorrow night, we'll gather for good friends, good fun, and a great cause.

There's still time to join us for Bubbles, Brews & BINGO benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast!

Your ticket includes:
🎲 Eight rounds of bingo
🍻 Two drink tickets
🍽️ Light appetizers
🎁 Chances to win prizes
💚 The opportunity to help a child reach their full potential

Special thanks to Regions Bank, our Presenting Sponsor, for helping us create brighter futures for local youth.

🎟 Get your tickets now: https://BubblesBrewsBingoforBBBSSUN.eventbrite.com
Or visit: bbbssun.org/events

Celebrating all the dads, father figures & mentors who inspire, support and guide our youth to reach their full potential. Thank you for truly making a difference 💙

We’re moved in and settled!

Nicole Luque and Chante Pemberton are some of our team members proudly serving Collier County from our newly relocated Naples office.

𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭. 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬.

📍 1012 Goodlette Road, Suite 201
Naples, FL 34102

If you’ve ever considered making a difference in a young person’s life, this is a great time to take that step.

👉 𝐁𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐮𝐩: https://bbbs.tfaforms.net/f/bbbssun-volunteer-inquiry

We are honored to receive the 2025 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, presented on stage at the National Conference in Atlanta.

This recognition reflects the extraordinary growth of our mission across our 10-county footprint—serving 1,800 youth in fiscal year 2025–2026 and continuing to expand access to life-changing, one-to-one mentoring relationships.

Our CEO Kamala Martinez, VP of Programs Jeanie Baik, and Corporate Board Member Randall Woods accepted the award on stage alongside Artis Stevens, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

As the 11th largest BBBS agency in the nation, this milestone reflects more than growth—it reflects rising need, deeper community engagement, and the impact of sustained mentorship.

This award is for every mentor, every match, and every partner who helps ignite the potential of young people across the Sun Coast 💚💚

🎉 Just One Week to Go!

Bubbles, Brews & BINGO is almost here, and someone is going to win. Why shouldn’t it be you?

Gather your friends and join us for:
🍻 Two complimentary drink tickets
🍽️ Light appetizers
🎲 Eight rounds of bingo
🎁 Great prizes
💚 Support for local youth through mentoring
A huge thank you to Regions Bank our Presenting Sponsor, and our host, Gecko's Hospitality Group for helping make this event possible.

🎟 Advance tickets are just $35.
https://BubblesBrewsBingoforBBBSSUN.eventbrite.com
or visit bbbssun.org/events

We’re in Atlanta this week for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America National Conference, joining hundreds of BBBS leaders from across the country who are all focused on one thing—creating brighter futures for young people through mentoring. 💚

Our CEO Kamala Martinez and VP of Programs Jeanie Baik are representing Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast throughout the week, connecting with affiliates, sharing ideas, and learning from innovative work happening nationwide.

Last night’s conference dinner also gave us the chance to connect with 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬, one of our valued Corporate Board members.

Shortly, our CEO will take the stage alongside 𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐊𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐜𝐳, 𝐂𝐏𝐓𝐃, Founder & President of Smart Health Wellness and Performance.

We’ll share more after the session today. 💚

For now, we’re grateful to be here—learning, connecting, and standing alongside a national movement that believes every young person deserves someone in their corner. 💚