BBBS Supports Students And Teachers At Back-To-School Picnic

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County will once again host its Back-to-School Picnic presented by Ana G. Mendez University in support of the youth and families in its program but with a twist this year. Supplies will also be collected for schoolteachers partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters, who, like most teachers, often personally purchase classroom supplies.

Madison Miller, a 16-year-old headed into 11^th grade, is responsible for bringing the idea to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward. Madison tragically lost her mother, Terri Schwartz, on June 2.  After the sudden and shocking loss, Madison decided to do something to give back to the community in honor of her mom.

To get started, Madison reached out to Chad Van Horn at Van Horn Law Group, P.A. where her mother was an attorney for 10 years.  Van Horn, a longtime supporter and former board chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward, connected Madison to the agency.

From there, Madison’s idea took flight.  It was seamlessly incorporated into Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward’s Back-to-School Picnic, slated for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on August 3 at Snyder Park, 3299 Southwest 4^th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.

While Madison heads out into the community talking to businesses and friends to drum up donations and financial support for teacher supplies, Big Brothers Big Sisters set up a donation website, https://secure.qgiv.com/for/madisonsmissiontoinspireclassrooms/. The organization also is promoting the effort through its network and on social media.

Chad Van Horn also has stepped up. In addition to reaching out to his personal and business connections and posting on his social media platforms, Van Horn is matching funds raised up to $5,000.

“We are honored to support Madison’s efforts honoring her mother’s memory,” said Van Horn. “Terri Schwartz’s remarkable contributions, unwavering dedication, and compassionate spirit left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She was more than just a brilliant attorney; she was a friend, mentor, and inspiration. Her tireless work ethic and commitment to justice made her an invaluable asset at our firm and a beacon of hope for our clients. She will be missed terribly.”

Van Horn, Madison, and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward team plan to raise enough funds to give each teacher connected to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward program a gift card. In addition, teachers will be able to “shop” at the back-to-school Backpack Giveaway on August 3 with “Madison Bucks,” so they may choose the items they need most.

Also, at the Back-to-School picnic approximately 450 Littles in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program will receive a backpack full of school supplies.  They also will enjoy a field day with their families and Big mentors hosted by a DJ and game master, including potato sack races, hula hoop contests, tug-o-war, relay races and more. (Please note this is a private event for Big Brothers Big Sisters families.)

For more than 50 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County has offered unprecedented access to resources, empowering 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.

To contribute to support of the teachers who assist Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Littles, visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/madisonsmissiontoinspireclassrooms/.