Submitted by Cindy Schutt
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County raised $400,000 at Déjà Vu Goes Country, presented by JM Family Enterprises and hosted by the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, featuring country music’s iconic feel-good duo, LOCASH. Proceeds of the event support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward’s lifechanging mentoring programs and will go directly toward matching Littles on the organization’s waitlist.
“We are honored and humbled by the support of community members who recognize that our important work is a direct investment in the lives of young people in Broward County. Our organization ensures that more youth will have the mentorship and opportunities they need to succeed and thrive,” said Malena Mendez, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County. “Thanks to the generosity of all of our attendees, donors, supporters and sponsors, we will continue to ignite the potential of young people and inspire their futures. We truly could not be more grateful.”
Two committed supporters, Traci Miller of Miller Construction and Nicky Tesser of JetBlue, both members of the organization’s board of directors, served as co-chairs of Déjà Vu Goes Country. As a result of their leadership, the gala event attracted 350 community leaders, all decked out in Nashville country chic attire, who enjoyed the honky-tonk flair of LOCASH, foot-stomping country line dancing, in addition to a cocktail reception, gourmet food stations, and live and silent auctions set against a book-kickin’, western-style decor.
The event also celebrated community members who champion the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward mission, including:
- Florida Representative Chip LaMarca, a former Little Brother, who was the first inductee to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward Alumni Hall of Fame. LaMarca knows firsthand the lifechanging impact of being mentored in the program and is dedicated to paying his experience forward to other youth in need.
- Hard Rock VP of Community Affairs Susan Renneisen, who received a Legacy Award for supporting Déjà Vu for the past 11 years and her long-term commitment to the organization. Renneisen understands firsthand how mentoring changes lives, having served as a Big Sister prior to moving to Florida. She truly is dedicated to igniting the power and promise of youth.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward Board Member John Corrado, who was named a Champion of Children, for serving on the agency’s board for 10 years and chairing its golf tournament for 14 years. Corrado began his journey at the agency in 2009 when he stepped up as a Big Brother mentor to his Little Brother Patrell. Corrado was a Big Brother to Patrell from the time he was young until he went off to college, a commitment that earned John a Big Brother of the Year Award.
- Ana G. Mendez University, which received a Changemaker Award for providing substantial scholarship support for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward youth. The organization has an unparalleled commitment shaping big futures for the young people in the program.
In addition to presenting sponsor JM Family Enterprises and host sponsor the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, generous sponsors included Baker Concrete Construction, Moss Foundation, Publix Supermarkets Charities, AGM University, Comcast, JetBlue, Miller Construction Company, UKG, Upchurch Management, The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, BBX Capital, Cleveland Clinic, Franklin Street, GMS Law PLLC, Memorial Healthcare System, Milbery & Kesselman, Team SCG, Van Horn Law Group, Woodforest National Bank, WSVN, Law Office of A. Randall Haas, Erica Stowers, Holman, Lucas Bols, City of Miramar, MedPro Healthcare Staffing, Niroc Consultants, Twisted Roots Kava Brewery, Sixth Star Entertainment, Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits, Budweiser, Lifestyle Media Group and RoundUp Nightclub.
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.