Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation

On April, 4, at the VYCCF sponsored Jazz Under the Stars; a $5,000 check was awarded to our local Big Brothers Big Sisters. For more than fifty years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast has been igniting hope and instilling our youth with its vision, "All youth achieve their full potential." This organization has been matching youth in meaningful, enduring, professionally supported mentoring relationships with adult volunteers who defend their potential and help them achieve their best possible futures.

BBBS' evidence-based approach is designed to create positive outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence and improved relationships. Just this past year, our Sun Coast BBBS has served over 1,800 youth across a ten-county footprint.

Numerous "Big Impact Programs That Make A Difference" exist in our area, and the statistics show success with results in the highest percentiles. For example: the "Reading Bigs," program works with children at risk of failing Florida’s standardized reading tests. It showed 96% of the children maintained or improved reading efficiency.

In the Big Futures program, 95% of the youth who remain matched with their mentors are either enrolled in higher education or gainfully employed. Other programs include Gateway to Success, Sports Buddies, and Beyond School Walls. We are fortunate to have the thriving BBBS of the Sun Coast organization in our area where many members of our community have time, incentive, and expertise to reach out and change young lives for the better.

I think their mission to "build and support one-to-one relationships to ignite the biggest possible future for our youth." is certainly being met and exceeded on a continual basis! To learn more or get involved, go to bbbssun.org.

With sincere appreciation,
Noni Lavelle

VYCCF Committee: Chair Michael Nemser, Vice Chair and Secretary Joan Bowen, Steve Bieglecki, Bill Bowen, Treasurer John O'Donnell, Kevin Collins, P/C Merle Graser, P/C Dick and Doris Guba, Cheryl Hall, Past Chair Don and Babs Healy, Sylvia Hollister, Barbara Isaacson, Bill and Jennifer Kessler, Noni Lavelle, Warren Major, P/C Gus Olson, Beth Piel, Bob Scholten, Dave Slaman, and Ann Van Cott.

updated: May 2019 Currents