The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay (BBBSTB) have announced that last month’s St. Pete Pride saw over 200 men and women sign up to volunteer to be a “Big” in the nonprofit’s mentorship program.
The recruitment drive this year follows the organization’s launch of a nationwide initiative focusing on LGBTQ inclusion for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, which at over 100 years old remains the nation’s largest volunteer-supported mentoring network. The nonprofit exists to make meaningful matches between adults and at-risk youth.
While BBBSTB has tabled during the St. Pete Pride festival for years, Director of Development Margaret Grobisen says this year’s initiative was “by far the most successful.”
Grobisen notes that Pride volunteers repeatedly heard disbelief from festival attendees that they would be welcome in the program, having been declined in other states. BBBSTB volunteers included Aaron Gustafson, co-chair of the Pinellas Leadership Council, his partner Anthony and Keenan Rose, all out and proud Bigs.
St. Pete Pride’s recruitment numbers also follow a successful Pride Bowling event held June 9, organized by the BBBSTB to raise funds for youth as well as awareness that LGBTQ volunteers are welcome and wanted. The event raised $8,500 and attracted eight potential LGBTQ Bigs.
For more information about the BBBSTB, their commitment to the LGBTQ community or to volunteer or donate funds, visit BBBSTampaBay.org.
