David Price steps up to the plate to help Big Brothers Big Sisters
Tampa Bay-Before Tampa Bay Rays pitcher David Price heads to the mound this season, he'll be working hard to help raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters. This is the third year Price, the 2012 American League Cy Young Award winner, has offered his support to the agency. Big Brothers Big Sisters pairs adult mentors with children who are facing adversity. The volunteers (called 'Bigs') spend one-on-one time with their mentees (called 'Littles') helping with homework, going to the park, or watching a ball game. Funds raised during the David Price Bowl For Kids' Sake fundraiser will help pay for the background checks and training of volunteers, as well as the support and supervision of each Big/Little 'match'. Last year, Price's efforts brought in more than $30,000; he's hoping to see that number climb this year.
"I've had a chance to meet some of the Bigs and Littles, and it's amazing to hear about their relationships. Kids who may have been struggling in school, end up having better grades and staying out of trouble, thanks to the support of their Big Brother or Big Sister. Now, these same kids will have a chance to pursue their dreams, whether it's being a baseball player or whatever the future holds."
Here's how you can join Price and help kids in the community:
- Join David's online fundraising team at www.bbbsfl.org by clicking on the bowling logo or contact Amy Hollington, 813.769.3636.
- Top 30 fundraisers (who raise a minimum of $1,000) in paid donations received by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay by March 21 will be eligible for the VIP Party, which includes an autographed David Price baseball, free bowling games, food, drinks, t-shirts and prizes.
- The David Price VIP Bowling party on Saturday, March 29, 2014 is by invitation only-details will be sent to guests.
- For updates and a chance to win more prizes, follow David Price on Twitter @Davidprice14 or @BBBS_TampaBay.
Date time and rules relating to this event may be changed. All decisions by Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Tampa Bay Rays regarding eligible participants are final.
About the Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays have proudly represented Major League Baseball in the Tampa Bay region since 1998. The organization and its foundation are committed to building a strong community bond through meaningful interaction and charitable contributions.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, Inc.
Big Brothers Big Sisters in Tampa Bay is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Established in 1964, the agency now serves nearly 2,000 children in Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk Counties, in one-on-one mentoring relationships. The donor-supported volunteer agency depends on fundraisers and other funding sources to pay for the volunteer background checks, training, support and supervision of each Big/Little match. This year the agency named Anthony DuBose and Tracy McPhail Reed as outstanding 'Bigs of the Year'.
Anthony DuBose met his Little Brother Johnathan in 2007. Johnathan's grandmother signed him up for the program because her grandson didn't have a positive male role model in his life. Anthony and Johnathan enjoy sports, but education is always a priority. Thanks to the encouragement and support from his Big Brother, Johnathan earned an award for having perfect attendance throughout elementary school. Recently, Jonathan's grandmother, the woman who raised him, passed away. It was a devastating blow to Johnathan, and his Big Brother Anthony was the one who had to tell him the bad news. Johnathan recently wrote in a letter 'It was a tough time, but Anthony helped me through it.'
Tracy McPhail Reed, a TECO executive, was first paired with her Little Sister Khaliah in 2004 and they spent one hour a week getting together at Khaliah's school. When Tracy realized her Little Sister was struggling with reading, she knew exactly how Khaliah felt. Tracy also had trouble in school as a child, until a mentor took time to help her. Tracy went on earn her Ph.D. and that experience inspired Tracy to help her Little Sister even more. Khaliah is now excelling in school and the two have bonded even more--Khaliah was a junior bridesmaid in Tracy's wedding. Visit www.bbbsfl.org or call 813.769.3600 to volunteer or donate today.