From the COO

spring 2012 bbbsli.org

big newsspring 2012

On Tuesday, April 17, we celebrated our Bigs and over 25,000 cumulative hours of time and energy spent annually to posi-tively impact the lives of children on Long Island.

“Each of you here tonight continues to make a difference,” remarked Susan Sa-maroo, COO of BBBSLI. “Together we are starting something big on Long Island.”

College Big of the YearHofstra University Mentoring ProgramGeorge Carrillo

Big Sister of the YearPatricia Casella of Northport, NYMatched since 2005

Big Brother of the YearRobert Young of Locust Valley, NYMatched since 2007

George Carrillo’s Little Brother Manuel wrote in his speech, “George is always in-terested in my ideas and what I have to say. . . This makes me feel supported and understood.”

Little Sister Joanna said about her Big Sister, Pat, “Whenever Pat comes to pick me up, she always says, ‘Today will be an adventure!’ I want to thank Pat for being a part of my life.”

Big Brother of the Year Robert Young’s Little Brother is away at Arizona State Uni-versity, and his mom, Donna, spoke on their behalf. “There is no denying Bob’s time, energy, kindness and influence on my son has greatly contributed to mak-ing him the happy and thriving young adult that he is today.”

From top left to bottom: Big Brother of the Year Bob Young and Donna, mother of Little Brother Christian; Big Sister of the Year Pat Casella and Little Sister Joanna; College Big of the Year, George Carrillo Photo credit First Frames Photography

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E Scholarship Four Littles in our program were awarded the Jeff Grant, Glenn Tro-vato and Michael J. Weisbrod Scholar-ship. Find out who on page 2!

Agency EventsApril 28th is our annual Walk for Kids’ Sake pre-sented by GEICO. Registration info on page 2.

RededicationOn March 11th, we rededicated the E. David Woycik Jr. Build-ing. Photo Gal-lery on page 3

2012 Bigs of the YearVolunteer Appreciation Dinner, celebrating our Bigs Happy Spring!

In January, we launched the ‘It’s Your Turn’ recruit-ment campaign featuring our very own Big Brothers. In hopes of com-

pleting 100 interviews with potential male volunteers by September, we chal-lenged the community to become Bigs themselves or share the message with friends and family. However, we have only reached 20% of our goal and we are almost halfway to September. We have a growing waitlist of Little Brothers. Now, it’s your turn- will you share this message?

I recently read a note from a Little Brother to his Big. He wrote, “Thank you for all the times we went out and had a great time. You say it’s no big deal- but it is.”

Changing lives is a big deal. With your continued support we can start some-thing big here on Long Island and con-tinue to make a difference in the lives of those children and families who need us most. Why not join us this Saturday at our Walk for Kids’ Sake at Jones Beach? Regis-tration info is on page 2. Or, check out our match highlights online to see what men-toring is all about. Perhaps you could be a ‘big deal’ to a child on our waiting list.

A publication of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island

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We are thrilled to announce the recipi-ents of the 2012 Jeffrey Grant and Glenn Trovato Scholarship and the Michael J. Weisbrod Memorial Scholarship Award, an opportunity open to all past and pres-ent participants in our programs who are pursuing higher edu-cation for the first time. The families of Jeffrey Grant, Glenn Trovato and Michael J. Weisbrod have generously made possible this schol-arship opportunity in memory of their loved ones. Scholar-ships are awarded to those who demon-strate high levels of motivation, respon-sibility and resiliency as well as financial need.

Congratulations to Somer Guerrido, Denisse Giron, Josh-ua DeOliveira and Eric Rivkin, each of whom received be-tween $2,500 and $5,000 towards their college education!

Somer Guerrido, a senior at Roosevelt High School, was matched in 2004 to Big Sister Jaclyn. Somer is a member of her High School’s Yearbook Committee, Drill Team and the Liberty Partnership program. For the past three summers, Somer has also done community service at the UCP Center. “I live in a rough neigh-borhood. . . but it does not stop me from getting an education. My Big Sister Jaclyn has inspired me to go to college.” She will attend Nassau Community College this

fall to pursue a career in Speech Pathol-ogy.

Joshua DeOliveira, a senior at Great Neck South High School, is a former Little Brother in our program. A driven young man, Joshua is pursuing his goal of a ca-

reer in welding, and is a member of his school’s Robotics Club, Photography Club, Car Club and is also a member of the American Weld-ing Society. Joshua’s desire to give back to his community inspired him to be-come a volunteer to Alert Engine, Hook Ladder and Hose Co. No.1. He will attend SUNY Delhi this fall.

Denisse Giron, a se-nior at Sacred Heart Academy, has been matched with Big Sister Vanessa since 2009. A dedicated and driven student, Denisse is a member of the National Hon-or Society, Science National Honor Soci-ety, Tri-M Music Hon-or Society, French National Honor So-ciety and a Science Olympiads Competi-

tor. She is also the President of the French Club and a Student Council Representa-tive, and is a Camp Anchor volunteer. She plans on attending Buffalo State College as a Biology/Pre-Med student.

Eric Rivkin, a senior at Commack High School, was matched in 2007 with Big Brother Jon. An impressive student, Eric is a member of the Spanish Honor Society and is a member of the school marching band, school newspaper and school jour-nal. Eric has also interned since his soph-omore year for the New York Wizards and launched his first charity basketball tour-nament at the age of 13. He will attend Northeastern University in the fall.

Scholarship WinnersFour BBBSLI Littles Receive Financial Awards for College

Photo from top to bottom: Scholarship recipient and Little Sister Denisse Giron; Scholarship recipient Joshua DeOliveira with Susan Elliott, Principal of Great Neck South High School; Scholarship recipient and Little Brother Eric Rivkin

Have You Registered Yet? Walk or Run for Kids’ Sake on

April 28th, 2012www.bbbsli.kintera.org/5K

We would like to thank Andrew Corrado and Joseph Sparacio, who after many years of dedicated service, have stepped down from our Board. Mr. Corrado will now serve on our President’s Council.

We are proud to announce and welcome our newest members of the Board of Di-rectors.

Kathleen CourtneyKathleen Courtney recently ended her five-year tenure period as the Chairwom-an of the Riverhead Industrial Develop-ment Agency and formerly led the office of Regional Grants Services at Eastern Suffolk BOCES where she supervised a $38 million budget representing federal, state, corporate and member-item fund-ing. Mrs. Courtney is a recent retiree who resides in Aquebogue.

Daniel C. Gibbons, Esq.Daniel Gibbons is an attorney with Nixon Peabody, LLP, one of the largest law firms in the world. He earned a degree in Busi-ness Economics from the University of Delaware and a J.D. from Hofstra Univer-sity School of Law. He resides in Garden City with his wife and children.

Thomas SlomeThomas Slome is a Partner at Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, LLP, a general practice law firm. He received a B.A in Economics from the State University of New York at Stony Brook and earned his J.D. from Rutgers Law School. Mr. Slome resides in Rockville Centre with his wife and children.

Kathleen StanleyKathleen Stanley is the Senior Vice Presi-dent, Regional Sales Manager of Capital One Bank. She earned her B.B.A. in Mar-keting from Hofstra University and is a Certified Treasury Professional and Ac-credited ACH Professional. Ms. Stanley resides in Hicksville with her husband and three children.

Board Update

A Rededication CelebrationOn Sunday March 11, BBBSLI celebrated the re-dedication of their office in Levittown, the E. David Woycik Jr. Building. The celebration also announced the naming of the Commercial Industrial Brokers Society (CIBS) Conference Room and presented the in-stallation of solar energy by Sunstream USA in the agency’s efforts to go green. The event was attended by Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano and New York State Senator Kemp Hannon.

Nearly $20,000Raised for BBBSLIThe Spring Poker Tournament, present-ed by Steve Madden Limited, was a tre-mendous success, held at Social Sports Lounge & Kitchen in Uniondale.

The Grand Prize winner, taking home a trip for two to Las Vegas donated by Pete Maniscalco of Courtyard Travel, was Mark Vigilante.

In April, the East End Poker and Black Jack Tournament, held in memory of John J. Courtney, raised nearly $4,000 for BBBSLI’s East End mentoring program. Presented by Built on Pride, the tourna-ment was held at the Hotel Indigo in Riverhead. Taking first place in Poker was John Artarian and first place in Black Jack was Irene Dachhtera.

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JUNE 4TH16th Annual Golf TournamentJoin us for the 16th Annual Golf outing to be held at Mutton-town Country Club, East Nor-wich, NY

OCTOBER 6THPresidential GalaMark your calendars for our most prestigious event of the year! Crest Hollow Country Club, Woodbury NY

UPCOMING EVENTS

Donate Your Tickets!If you or someone you know has tickets they cannot use, please consider donat-ing them to BBBSLI for our Bigs & Littles.Contact: Jamessina Hille, 516.731.7880 x222 or jhille@bbbsli.org

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BBBSLI Big Sister, Chris Gadinis, was recognized by the Mentoring Partnership of Long Island as a recipient of the 2012 Mentoring Achievement Award. Pictured L-R: Carolyn Irvin, Public Affairs Manager State Farm Insurance (conference under-writer); Franca Floro, Director of Programs & Train-ing for the Mentoring Partnership of Long Island; and BBBSLI Case Manager, Mary Vissichelli, accept-ing the award on behalf of Ms. Gadinis.

BBBSLI Big Sister Recognized by Mentoring Partnership of Long Island

The Slomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation awarded BBBSLI a $7,500 grant in support of our mentoring programs. Pictured above is William Tymann, BBBSLI CEO, and Daniel Komansky, President and Director of the Slomo and Cindy Silvian Founda-tion.

In Support of MentoringSlomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation

Our TeamBoard PresidentRobert Treat Rinear

CEO William Tymann

COOSusan Samaroo

CDOMark Cox

Newsletter EditorJamessina Hille

Contact UsNassau 516.731.7880Suffolk 631.273.1469East End 631.287.0086Donation Center 631.234.0000Email volunteers@bbbsli.orgWeb www.bbbsli.org

Donate with EaseDonation Center Unveils Refurbished Bins Island-Wide

Every BBBSLI clothing drop location throughout Long Island is now fitted with our bright white, modern cloth-ing donation bins. The Donation Center is also debut-ing brand new chuteless bins in several locations. Their chuteless, wide-mouth design allows donors to easily place large bags into the bin with ease.

Find a convenient bin location near you online at bbbsli.org. Or, schedule a free home pickup with our new ‘Pick Your Date’ scheduling tool. We always provide tax-de-ductible receipts. Schedule a pickup today - it’s the sim-plest way to Start Something Big!