Thanks to the nearly 300 guests who attended our Big Stories Breakfast at the Union League this morning. Attendees heard powerful stories of how mentoring changed lives from our speakers.
Melissa Eckert, from Presenting Sponsor, World Wide Technology, Inc., spoke about her company’s commitment to serving the community and supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mentoring. NBC10 Philadelphia Meteorologist Bill Henley shared that Little Brother, Aaron, grew up to be an accomplished actor known for his role in Mad Men, and credits Bill as playing a role in his success. “I finally had the answer to what became of my Little Brother, and reconnecting [with him] made for one of the best days of my life.” Dr. Ronn Johnson, Superintendent of the Lawnside School District in NJ, said that students in the BBBS program at his school have improved their overall attitudes towards school and life, and said the program makes a dramatic impact in the academic and social development of students. Philadelphia Police Department Commissioner, Richard Ross, shared why he believes in mentoring and explained our new Big in Blue program, aimed to help improve police and community relations across the country.
CEO, Marcus Allen, shared his personal story of overcoming adversity growing up in Georgia, and relayed the agency’s desire to serve more kids and reduce the number of children in our waiting pool. Little Brother DreShaun Jarmon shared that his Big Brother Kenny Paul and the BBBS program made a tremendous impact on his life. DreShaun is now a rising senior at North Carolina A&T University, and is highly involved in community service on campus, even running mentoring programs for other students. Scott Rankin explained why sustainable giving is key to furthering the mission, and encouraged guests to get involved. He also announced that he and his wife will match donations made to our monthly giving program, Match Makers! Thanks so much to our speakers and to everyone who attended and showed their support.
