Delivering Hope To Cancer Patients - "Super Immune Cells" The Latest Weapon In The Battle Against Solid Tumors South Florida Sun Times Apr 24, 2025 For More Than A Decade, Cancer Has Been Judith Hetlage’s Constant Companion, Always Present And Threatening. What Began With A Diagnosis Of Synovial Sarcoma, A Rare Tumor In The Connective Tissue Of Joints, Ultimately Resulted In Cancer Cells Spreading To Her Lungs. “I Felt Like That Was The Death Sentence,” She Said. But a fortunate thing happened on the way to what Hetlage thought would be her demise. Memorial Cancer Institute began an innovative clinical trial for TCR-T (T-cell Receptor Therapy), an immunotherapy that harvests a patient’s T-cells and genetically modifies them to recognize a specific Protein within Cancer Cells, and infuses the cells back into the person’s immune system to search and destroy the diseased cells. While a similar approach has been successfully utilized at Memorial through its collaboration with the Moffitt Malignant Hematology and Cellular Therapy program for the treatment of Blood Cancers, it had never before been used on a solid tumor. “Additionally, Judith’s specific Cancer hadn’t initially been included in the trial, but HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) testing indicated she had the type of white blood cells that would enable the immune system to recognize specific Protein Receptors within her tumor,” said Dr. Atif Hussein, Hetlage’s Oncologist and Director of Memorial’s Hematology & Oncology Fellowship Training Program. “We introduced the HLA type and the antigen in the modified T-cell, which then was able to recognize the Cancer Cells as something foreign to the body that should be killed.” Hetlage, a mother to three daughters, was infused with what Dr. Hussein calls “super immune cells” and then received a second dose less than two weeks later to empower an immune system that had been depleted and emptied of bone marrow prior to the treatment. The process, called lymph depletion therapy, allows the super cells to find a home to reside in the immune system. “Cell therapies are the next wave of Cancer Treatment and offer options when more traditional approaches stop working,” said Dr. Hugo Fernandez, Chair and Medical Director of the Moffitt Program at Memorial Healthcare System. “Markers on Cancer Cells, even in rare cases, allow us to hit the disease where it lives, something established programs at Memorial are ready to do as new research is conducted.” Hetlage, an animal welfare advocate, is optimistic about her future and says she feels uplifted by the Memorial team. The Fort Lauderdale resident is also thankful that innovative, world-class care is available close to home, since previous treatment regimens required her to uproot her family to seek care in Boston. “Research now being done here uses innovation and technology to push the standard of care for our patients,” said Dr. Brian Pico, a Hematologist-Oncologist at Memorial Cancer Institute and the Principal Investigator on the TCR-T study. “In some cases, it provides them options that aren’t available elsewhere.” To learn more about TCR-T for solid tumors or any of the nearly 80 clinical trials offered at Memorial, request information online or call: (954) 265-1847. Specific Protein Modified Cancer Cells Previous Next

Zumba & Yoga At Founders Park: Connect With Your Body & Neighbors In 2024 January 26, 2024 Share Did you know that members of the community can enjoy their mornings outdoors with FREE Zumba or Yoga classes at Founders Park? The City of Aventura started offering Complimentary Zumba Classes to Aventura Residents a few years back and it has been a huge success. The Zumba Program includes a Certified Zumba Instructor teaching this fun fitness class. For those that are unfamiliar with Zumba, it's basically Aerobic Movement and Latin Dance mixed into one. Participants should be ready to bring a positive mood and ready to have fun. Zumba is held each Thursday at Founders Park 3105 Northeast 190th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Make sure to bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated. If Yoga is more your thing, the popular series of Complimentary Yoga Classes at Founders Park is still happening for Yogis of all skill levels to enjoy. Yoga can make you stronger and more flexible. It's a great way to stay limber and energetic. You'll also feel more focused and alert. And Yoga can help you feel great and function better in your daily life. Yoga can also help improve these conditions: Poor Blood Circulation, High Blood Pressure, Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Lower Back Pain, Headaches, Tension/Stress and Depression. Yoga's gentle movements are a big reason for why it’s so popular. Yoga is good for people who haven't been active in a while. It’s good for people who have certain health conditions like Arthritis or Osteoporosis. You can change the exercises to fit your needs. But Yoga is also great if you're already fit and want a challenging workout. As you become more strong and flexible with Yoga, it's easier to do other kinds of exercise like Dancing, Walking, or Swimming. The City of Aventura's classes are held outdoors in the City’s beautiful Founders Park, these classes offer the perfect atmosphere to relax, breath and stretch together with the help of a Certified Instructor. The duration of the class is approximately one hour, classes start at 9:00 a.m. every Friday. Students must bring their own Yoga mats, a small towel and water for convenience. Please plan to be in class for approximately one hour. Registration is open and spots are limited. All participants must be registered prior to attending the class and be ready to provide Valid Proof Of Aventura Residency to access the park on the day of class. Registration can be completed exclusively online only with a valid and existing account at: www.cityofaventura.com/ors - Class space is limited and is available for Adult Aventura Residents ages 18 and older only. For more information about the event Email: parksrec@cityofaventura.com . Or call: (305) 466-0183. < Previous News Next News >

A Wonderful Breakfast Worth Waking Up For Thu Apr 06 2023 16:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Stormwater Fee: Changes Are Happening By Hallandale Beach, Mayor Joy Cooper Jun 25, 2026 One Of The Critical Issues In Our City And All Coastal Communities Is Flooding. Stormwater Management Plan Has Been Amended For Years To Adapt Our Systems To Address Infrastructure Needs. While The Last Adoption Was In 2022, We All Know That With Global Warming And Climate Change The Threat Of Flooding Has Exponentially Increased. Flooding from extreme weather events like sunny day flooding from sudden microburst storms that dump inches of rain within hours and King Tides have changed the modeling of management. Not only do we look at pipes and pumping but we need to evaluate roadway heights, sea wall replacement and lake capacities. We are currently reevaluating our plan understanding that to address sea level rise our system will need to migrate from gravity drains to active pumping. Funding this improvement will require a robust dependable financing model. Our City has had a flat stormwater fee which is on utility bills. Stormwater, unlike water and wastewater fees and rates are not tied to consumption. The rates are based on property and their type and size. Residential and commercial. Fees that are tied to property can be placed on the tax bill. A good example is the Fire Fee. It is based on property and the overall number of calls for service citywide. A methodology to distribute the costs is based on a formula. The fee as part of the taxes must be paid by the owner not the occupant. In order to ensure stormwater is paid for by the property owner we are moving the fee to the tax bill this year. Our Staff is in the process of notifying our property owners about this change. The residential fee establishes the cost‑apportionment methodology based on Equivalent Residential Units (ERUs), with one ERU equal to 958 square feet of impervious area. The process involves incorporating the existing planned improvements costs. The ERU will be applied in a process to all properties even commercial and property types. The current monthly rate is $10.79. When it is moved to the tax bill it will be $12.13. It reflects the recommended 10% revenue adjustment. It also includes statutory allowances for the 4% early payment discount and the 2% Tax Collector and Property Appraiser administrative charges. Due to the typical 100% collection rate on taxes this new method to bill property owners provides a stable, predictable revenue stream that will cover targets in the rate study and enables future borrowing to fund the $101 million ten year stormwater plan. It needs to be noted the current plan does not include any additional plans that may expand our system. It includes expansion of the NE system, canal dredging and other plans. This will allow the fee to be adjusted annually and plan for future Infrastructure. We will be conducting community workshops over the next weeks for commercial and residential owners. If you have any questions, please visit our website or reach out to me. As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our City a better place on my Phone/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Please visit me on my Facebook page at: Mayor Joy Cooper. Like! Follow! And share! Previous Next

Stylish, Savory And Sensational: Fort Lauderdale’s Sunness Supper Club Now Open Wed Jan 29 2025 09:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

See It, Be It And Do It: The Success Guidebook Opens The Door To Bold New Possibilities June 27, 2024 Share Most people don’t realize they are already wildly successful, says master life coach and bestselling Author Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino. In her new book, The Success Guidebook: How to Visualize, Actualize, and Amplify You, Hamilton-Guarino helps readers redefine success for themselves — so it becomes meaningful to the individual. “It’s time to stop spinning your wheels and over-working for a fragile concept that feels unattainable,” Hamilton-Guarino wrote in the book’s introduction. “The Success Guidebook will help you stop feeling like you have to prove your worth to others or prove people wrong.” In her book, she shares 10 factors of success (they aren’t what you think) and weaves them with heartfelt experiences and strategies to help readers redefine success and manifest it in their own lives. “Your breakthrough to your best success happens when reality intersects with infinite possibilities,” she said. “When this happens in our real lives, the stars align. It’s time to redefine success for yourself personally and to pursue the life you want by also giving thought and attention comprehensively to various areas of your life, such as health or relationships, which suffer when attention is paid in such a focused manner to another area in the pursuit of ‘success.’” Hamilton-Guarino also believes that traditional measurements for success are unrealistic and largely unattainable. “This disconnect has created multiple issues on many fronts. Success isn’t one-size-fits-all. We need a new way forward: a new definition of success that is individualized,” she explained. “Imagine taking an express route to excellence and success by learning the art of comprehensive and well-rounded success. Here you have your best awareness for excelling in all areas of your life at a world class level.” By implementing Hamilton-Guarino’s unique Ten Factors of Success — the behaviors consistently exhibited by people who stand out and behave with world-class excellence — readers will learn how to finally overcome the stubborn obstacles that have stood in their way and harness the power to move forward with clarity, a renewed purpose and the personalized confidence to build a life of bold, brave and infinite possibilities. Included are profiles of 20 people who exemplify these principles, including Actress Rhys Olivia Cote; Georgetown University’s Head Baseball Coach, Edwin Thompson; Founder/CEO of Wedo.ai, Indiana Gregg; and Olympian Mitch Gaylord. “Here’s the secret: You don’t need to be on a national or international platform to be world-class,” Hamilton-Guarino added. “You can have it right in your own home, to be and feel successful in each and every moment of your life. This book will help you learn how to tap into world-class behaviors and get the results you desire — at last.” The Author In 2008, Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino closed the door to her office to think about her life. When she opened it, she walked out, leaving behind an almost two-decade career in the financial services industry in order to open the doors for The Best Ever You Network. Today Best Ever You is a multi-media brand and platform with millions of fans and followers around the world. As the CEO and Founder, guiding spirit and energy behind the Best Ever You brand, Elizabeth brings audiences together with encouragement and inspiration. She understands firsthand the challenges life, work, family, change and struggle can bring and has worked with people worldwide to illuminate their light within and help them uncover their best life and a better way forward. Elizabeth is a bestselling author of multiple books in the children’s book genres and in the self-help category, including the bestselling and award-winning books PERCOLATE – Let Your Best Self Filter Through and The Change Guidebook. Elizabeth’s gratitude-based belief systems and behavior have helped people to transform their lives by using her unique blend of humility and world class excellence as a guide. A member of the Forbes Business Council, and creator of YOU Magazine, Elizabeth hosts her long-standing syndicated podcast, The Best Ever You Show, which has millions of downloads and listens. Today as she continues to expand Best Ever You, Elizabeth has returned to the financial services industry and serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Compliance4. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor’s Degree with Honors in Journalism from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa and attended Harvard Business School for Leadership. Elizabeth is also a Certified Master Coach through Wainwright Global, Inc. Elizabeth lives her daily life with multiple life-threatening food allergies. In 1998, Elizabeth nearly lost her life from an allergic reaction to almonds. In 1999, she suffered a near-fatal allergic reaction while six months pregnant with her third son. She and her unborn child were hospitalized for more than a week following the reaction. For more than a decade, Elizabeth has served as a spokesperson for the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT) and MedicAlert Foundation and works tirelessly to support others with similar conditions. She and Co-Author Sally Huss teamed up to create the bestselling children’s books A Lesson for Every Child: Learning About Food Allergies and Dream Big with Food Allergies and Elizabeth was featured in the book One of The Gang with Football Great Jerome Bettis. Elizabeth and her husband Peter reside in Maine, have been married for over twenty-five years and have four adult sons. As a family, they donate their time, money, and other resources to enrich the lives of others and support important causes. They have baked and donated tens of thousands of chocolate chip cookies for organizations and people throughout the United States. Elizabeth's cookies have even won first place at the Cumberland County Fair in Maine. Elizabeth and Peter also share three rescued cats and two dogs, Harley and Bahama, and can often be found in their gardens, in the pool, raking leaves, or depending on the season, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. For more information or to sign up for the e-newsletter, please visit: https://www.elizabethguarino.com/ - Or: https://www.besteveryou.com/. Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Success-Guidebook-Visualize-Actualize-Amplify-ebook/dp/B0CFM7R798/ < Previous News Next News >

BoConcept Cuts The Ribbon On Its Newest Location: Gulfstream Park Village Enhances Its Position As South Florida’s Leading Home Store Destination Thu May 12 2022 04:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

2023 Youth of the Year: Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Names Ariana Luis Fri May 19 2023 16:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Taken During The Holocaust And Rediscovered In Poland - The World Jewish Restitution Organization (WJRO) Facilitates Return Of 91 Greek Jewish Religious And Ceremonial Items By WJRO Mar 17, 2026 The World Jewish Restitution Organization (WJRO) Has Facilitated The Return Of 91 Religious And Ceremonial Items To Greece. These Items – Including Torah Scrolls, Silver Ritual Objects, And Other Sacred Pieces – Were Stolen From Greek Jewish Communities During The Holocaust By The Nazi Looting Agency Einsatzstab Reichsleiter Rosenberg (ERR). The initiative was launched by Mark Weitzman, Chief Operating Officer of WJRO, who raised the issue during the June 2024 International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) conference. Following a formal restitution request by the Greek government in December 2024, WJRO worked closely with both Greek and Polish authorities, as well as the Emanuel Ringelblum Jewish Historical Institute (ZIH) and the Jewish Museum of Greece in Athens, to facilitate this return. “The World Jewish Restitution Organization (WJRO) commends the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage for this important step in addressing the issue of looted cultural property in Poland,” said Gideon Taylor, President, WJRO and Mark Weitzman, COO, WJRO. “Each item in this collection is a sacred link to a world destroyed, and their return by Poland honors what was lost. We are deeply grateful to the Emanuel Ringelblum Jewish Historical Institute for its stewardship of these artifacts over many decades, and to the Jewish Museum of Greece for their vital cooperation in making this return possible. We also thank the Greek government for its leadership in ensuring these items return to Athens. While Poland has broader restitution issues to address, we hope this historic act marks the beginning of a consistent, systematic approach to historical justice.” The artifacts were returned during a ceremony on March 4 in Warsaw. The event featured the formal transfer of the collection to the Government of the Hellenic Republic, represented by the Hellenic Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, and was hosted by Marta Cienkowska, Undersecretary of State at the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. The items are now being transferred to the Jewish Museum of Greece in Athens. The collection was discovered after the war in the Central Museum Depository of the Polish Ministry of Culture and Arts at the castle in Bozkow, Lower Silesia. In the 1950’s, the Polish Ministry of Culture transferred the artifacts to ZIH in Warsaw, where they were preserved until this year. Among the artifacts is a Torah mantle from the centuries – old Sicilia Synagogue and a pair of Torah Rimonim (ceremonial objects, usually silver, that top the two wooden rollers of a Torah scroll) dedicated to the Evora Synagogue in Thessaloniki – rare surviving artifacts of a once-thriving Jewish heritage nearly wiped out during the Holocaust. This repatriation serves as a landmark moment for international cooperation in Holocaust-era restitution and underscores the importance of preserving and returning cultural heritage wrongfully taken during the Holocaust. Background Before the Holocaust, Greece was home to a thriving Jewish community, particularly in Thessaloniki, which was known as the “Jerusalem of the Balkans.” Approximately 59,000 Greek Jews—over 83% of the country’s Jewish population—were murdered during World War II. Communities in Thessaloniki, Ioannina, Thrace, and other regions were decimated, and Jewish homes, synagogues, cemeteries, and cultural institutions were destroyed or looted. In 1941, the Nazi looting agency Einsatzstab Reichsleiter Rosenberg (ERR) plundered Jewish communities across Greece, confiscating religious and communal treasures. These looted items were transferred to Nazi depots in Lower Silesia, eventually falling under Polish custodianship after the war. In 1951, the Polish Ministry of Culture transferred the Greek Judaica to ZIH. Only now, after tireless advocacy and careful provenance research, are these objects being returned to their rightful cultural home. Greece is currently home to about 5,000 Jews. The artifacts now being returned represent a fragment of this lost world—objects that survived when so much else was erased. Their homecoming to Athens is a vital act of remembrance and restoration. Previous Next

Decade Of Dessert Supremacy: Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop Celebrates 10 Years Of Making South Florida Sweet Thu Jul 25 2024 16:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Ways To Conquer Back-To-School Shopping Without Emptying Your Wallet South Florida Sun Times Aug 20, 2025 The Back-To-School Shopping Season Is Here, Bringing With It Lists Of School Supplies, New Clothes, Tech Gear, And More. For Many Families, This Time Of Year Brings Excitement And A Fresh Start, But Also Financial Pressure. The Costs Of Back-To-School Shopping Can Quickly Spiral Out Of Control If You're Not Careful. According To Recent Surveys, American Families Spend An Average Of Over $800 Per Child Each Year On Back-To-School Expenses, Including Clothing And Supplies! If you're looking for ways to avoid breaking the bank this season, you're in luck. In my role as the Chief Information Officer at TheCardsGuy.com (a comprehensive credit card resource), I have seen firsthand how smart school shopping strategies can make a big difference. Here are 9 effective strategies to conquer back-to-school shopping without emptying your wallet. Take Inventory Before You Shop Before stepping foot in a store or clicking “Add to Cart,” start with a comprehensive home inventory. You’d be surprised at how many supplies are hiding in drawers, backpacks, or storage bins from previous years! Look for unused notebooks, gently used binders, pens, pencils, and markers, backpacks in good condition, and clothing and shoes that still fit. Get your child involved in the process, as they can help assess what’s still usable and what they’ve outgrown, saving you both money and unnecessary clutter. Set a Realistic Budget & Stick to It The most important step to avoiding overspending is creating a clear, realistic budget. Sit down and list out expected expenses in categories like school supplies, clothes and shoes, technology (laptops, calculators, etc.), and extracurricular fees or uniforms. Once you have a total budget number in mind, divide it per category and do your best not to exceed it. Shopping with a budget helps you make thoughtful decisions instead of impulsive ones driven by flashy displays or “limited time” sales. I also recommend giving older kids their own mini budget for clothing or supplies, as letting them manage part of the process can be a great lesson in financial literacy. Shop with the School List in Hand It sounds obvious, but many parents forget to bring the school-supplied shopping list with them or they just shop without one entirely. This results in buying extras they don’t need and missing items they do need. Most schools release supply lists well in advance, and many are available online. Cross-reference it with what you already have from your inventory, and then shop only for what’s missing. Also, avoid the temptation to stock up on extras unless they’re heavily discounted or used frequently throughout the year. Compare Prices and Use Price-Matching Tools Retailers know parents are looking for deals, so prices for back-to-school items can vary widely. Don’t assume the first deal you see is the best one. Before buying items, check multiple retailers (both in-store and online) and use price comparison websites or browser extensions (like Honey, Rakuten, or Capital One Shopping). On top of this, look for price-match guarantees, as many big-box stores will honor competitors’ lower prices. Apps like Flipp and ShopSavvy can also help you scan flyers and barcodes on the go to find the best deal near you. Time Your Purchases Strategically Not all back-to-school shopping needs to happen in one trip. In fact, spreading out your purchases can save you significant money! For example, shop tax-free weekends (offered in many states) for big-ticket items like laptops or calculators. You can also buy off-season clothes by waiting until September or October for fall clothing sales when stores start clearing out inventory. In addition, grab clearance deals after the school shopping rush! Many school supplies go on deep discount in late August or early September. Some items, like specialty calculators or optional classroom supplies, can often wait a few weeks, which will give you time to scout for deals or buy used. Buy Gently Used or Refurbished Items There’s no rule saying everything has to be brand new. Buying second-hand can dramatically cut costs, especially for clothing, backpacks, lunchboxes, and even electronics. So check out thrift stores like Goodwill or Salvation Army, online marketplaces (Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Mercari), and refurbished tech retailers like Gazelle or Apple Certified Refurbished. When shopping second-hand, always check the condition carefully, especially for tech items. Many refurbished products come with limited warranties, offering peace of mind at a lower cost. Use Coupons, Cashback, and Rewards Programs There’s never been a better time to make deals work in your favor. Invest a little time to find coupons and cashback tools, as they can help bring forth serious savings. To maximize your savings, sign up for retailer email lists and loyalty programs for exclusive coupons. Also, use cashback websites like Rakuten or TopCashback when shopping online. Pay with credit cards that offer rewards or cashback on purchases. And stack offers by combining coupons with cashback for double the benefit. Remember that many stores offer student or teacher discounts. If your child has a student ID or .edu email, they might qualify for tech or clothing discounts. Embrace Minimalism and Needs-First Thinking Finally, one of the most powerful ways to save is to reframe the mindset around back-to-school shopping. It doesn’t have to be a shopping spree, as it’s more so about preparing your child for a successful year (not winning a style contest). So start with essentials and let your kids add more clothing or supplies as real needs arise. Talk to your kids about the difference between wants and needs, which can help avoid peer pressure. And you can even customize plain items at home instead of buying expensive themed ones. A few stickers or fabric markers can turn a $2 folder into something fun and personal! Minimalism doesn’t mean going without; it means being intentional and thoughtful with your purchases. Turn Back-to-School Shopping into a Teaching Moment Involve your kids in the budgeting, comparison shopping, and decision-making process. This builds essential life skills around money management, critical thinking, and patience. Also, set a spending limit and let them decide how to use it. They may choose to splurge on one item and save on another, or even come away with a little leftover. Either way, they’re learning how to balance priorities and think long-term. To Wrap It All Up Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With a little planning, some smart shopping tactics, and a shift in perspective, you can gear up for the new school year without financial stress. Whether you’re a parent of a kindergartener or a college student, the principles remain the same: plan ahead, shop smart, and focus on what really matters. With these nine strategies in hand, you’ll be well-equipped to conquer the back-to-school rush without sacrificing your savings. Karl Brown is the Chief Information Officer at The Cards Guy, a comprehensive credit card comparison platform that helps consumers find the best credit card offers tailored to their financial goals. With a vast selection of cards (including travel, cashback, business, and student options), the site provides detailed information on rewards, fees, and benefits. Users can filter choices by credit score, benefits, and issuer to make informed decisions. The Cards Guy partners with major financial institutions like Chase, Capital One, and Citi to offer a broad range of options. Additionally, the site may receive compensation through affiliate links, which helps support its operations. Learn more at: https://thecardsguy.com/ Previous Next

Time To Join The BIG League - Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Broward County Recruiting Young Professionals To Join The Newly Formed BIG League South Florida Sun Times Mar 19, 2026 Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Of Broward County Is Recruiting Young Professionals To Join The BIG League. Members Will Come Together To Build Community, Grow Professionally And Change The Game For Broward’s Youth Through Mentorship And Service. “This is not just about joining a group, it’s about leadership, community and impact,” said Sabrina Maday, BIG League Co-Chair. “The relationships formed here, the work we take on together and the impact that we create will influence the future of BBBS of Broward County for generations to come.” The BIG League is hosting a “draft party” to recruit new members on Thursday, April 16th, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Bar Betty speakeasy in The Sunness Supper Club at 2465 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. Admission is complimentary, but advance RSVP is required. “The BIG League is where passionate young professionals come together to make a real impact in our community and expand their networking opportunities. It's a professional connection with purpose,” added Ryan Allison, Co-Chair. “Join the BIG League today to create awareness, recruit BIGs and change the lives of Littles across Broward County.” The BIG League is designed to strengthen the future of BBBS of Broward while building meaningful connections with emerging leaders across the county. Through mission-driven events, hands-on service experiences and personal and professional growth with like-minded individuals, the BIG League introduces young professionals to the BBBS mission of cultivating a community committed to changing the lives of youth. “It is so important for the next generation of leaders to be involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters. As young professionals, they know firsthand how essential mentorship has been in their education, careers and lives,” said Malena Mendez, President and CEO of BBBS of Broward County. “As they pay it forward to the youth of today and tomorrow, they will make a major impact on our organization not only through their own contributions, but by inspiring their peers to join our mission as well.” Each member of the BIG League serves as an ambassador, connector and champion of the BBBS mission. Their leadership and hard work will increase funding and decrease the number of youth on the waitlist as BBBS of Broward County paves the path to matching 3,000 Littles and Bigs. Dollars raised through BIG League membership help support matches, providing youth with positive role models to help them reach their full potential as students, professionals and community leaders. “The BIG League is on a completely different level,” said Jocelyn Cardentey, MFA, Development & Grant Specialist for BBBS of Broward County and BIG League founding member. “Through our Big for a Day events, we’re rallying young professionals and directly serving the Big Brothers Big Sisters mission. Our efforts ignite the potential in every child we serve.” To learn more about what membership includes and to sign up, visit: www.bbbsbroward.org/bigleague/ . About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County For more than 50 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County has offered unprecedented access to resources to empower youth to reach their full potential through meaningful mentoring relationships. These mentoring relationships build self-confidence and emotional well-being, encourage young people to stay on a path to graduation and higher education, and help them establish a plan for a successful future. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County is to ignite the power and promise of youth. For more information, visit: www.bbbsbroward.org . Previous Next