Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida is celebrating its 37th birthday with a generous gift from the Arby's Foundation. Throughout November, the Arby's Foundation will match contributions dollar for dollar, up to $10,000, helping the organization reach more children through mentorship.
For nearly four decades, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida has helped children realize their potential through meaningful, one-to-one mentoring relationships. With the support of donors, volunteers, and community partners, the organization continues to create opportunities for youth across the region to grow, build confidence and envision brighter futures.
"This birthday month is about more than celebrating another year. It's about celebrating the lives changed through the power of mentorship and the community that makes our work possible," said Paula Shell, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. "We are incredibly grateful to the Arby's Foundation for this generous matching gift. Their support gives our community an opportunity to make every dollar go twice as far and help us reach even more children who need a caring, consistent adult in their lives."
Contributions made during November will support the recruitment and screening of volunteer mentors, ongoing professional support for matches, and opportunities for children to develop socially, emotionally, and academically.
The need for mentors remains significant, with more than 300 children across Northwest Florida waiting for someone to step in their corner. A caring adult can help a child navigate challenges, discover new possibilities and build the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
The matching gift also supports the organization's Big Vision 2030 goal of serving 1,000 children across Northwest Florida. Each contribution helps move the organization closer to that milestone while expanding access to life-changing mentoring relationships.
"Birthdays are a time to reflect on how far we've come and look forward to what's possible," Shell added. "We invite our community to celebrate with us by investing in the potential of a child. Together, we can turn a birthday celebration into an opportunity for brighter futures."
How You Can Help
In honor of our 37th Birthday, consider making a gift of:
• $3.70 to celebrate 37 years of mentorship
• $37 to help create opportunities for local youth
• $370 to make an even bigger impact toward the organization's goal of serving 1,000 youth by 2030
For more information or to make a gift, please contact our Director of Development, Meredith Jones, at mjones@bbbsnwfl.org.
About Arby's Foundation
The Arby's Foundation, the independent charitable arm of Arby's, helps America's kids dream big and pursue their dreams with confidence. Building on a philanthropic heritage that has contributed nearly $90 million to youth-related causes since its inception in 1986, the Arby's Foundation is committed to helping kids fuel, expand and pursue their dreams by focusing on childhood hunger, youth leadership and career readiness initiatives.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida has been the area’s leader in one-to-one youth service for 37 years by providing caring, adult mentors to children ages 5-18 and beyond. Our mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, positive relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Our ultimate goal is for our Littles to be self-sufficient and earning a living wage by the age of 25. Last year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida served 723 children in Northwest Florida.
About Arby's Foundation
The Arby's Foundation, the independent charitable arm of Arby's, helps America's kids dream big and pursue their dreams with confidence. Building on a philanthropic heritage that has contributed nearly $90 million to youth-related causes since its inception in 1986, the Arby's Foundation is committed to helping kids fuel, expand and pursue their dreams by focusing on childhood hunger, youth leadership and career readiness initiatives.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida has been the area’s leader in one-to-one youth service for 37 years by providing caring, adult mentors to children ages 5-18 and beyond. Our mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, positive relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Our ultimate goal is for our Littles to be self-sufficient and earning a living wage by the age of 25. Last year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida served 723 children in Northwest Florida.
