Pensacola, Fla. – The Bear Family Foundation will announce a gift to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida 30th Anniversary Campaign at a press conference on Thursday, March 28, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. The press conference will be held at the future home of Big Brothers Big Sisters located at, 1320 Creighton Road. Guests will be able to tour the new
facility.
The press conference will be the first public announcement of the Bear Family Foundation campaign gift. The goal of the campaign is $1.5M which will fund the new home of Big Brothers Big Sisters and will expand programming, with the goal of serving 1,000 children throughout Northwest Florida annually.
The Bear Family Foundation has a heart for philanthropy and has contributed to much growth in the Pensacola nonprofit community. They have been instrumental in the agency’s success over the past 30 years.
“For 30 years, our Family has followed, with enthusiasm, the development and growth of Big Brothers Big Sisters,” said Lewis Bear Jr. We recognize the significant contributions they have made in the lives of hundreds of our Youth. The “Bigs” are a lifeline and blessing to these future leaders, most often making the difference between failure and success. The Bear Family is proud to have the opportunity to help create this “Center for Hope.”
“The Bear Family Foundation is an amazing advocate for the community,” said Paula Shell, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. “The Bear Family has been involved since the beginning. As founders, Belle and Lewis Bear Jr. were instrumental in bringing our services to Northwest Florida and serving on our board. Cindi Bear
Bonner has also served on our board, and now Lewis Bear III currently serves and he and his wife Jenn are Bigs. With it being our 30th anniversary year, it is truly an honor to have founders who exemplify our history make such a meaningful gift. Our Littles are blessed by the service of this family.”
The press conference will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. Guest parking available next door at VITAS Healthcare. Guests will have the opportunity to tour the new building project and ask questions to members of the Bear Family Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters leadership. For more information, please contact the Director of Development, Dana Hall at dhall@bbbsnwfl.org or 850.433.5437. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida has been the area’s leader in one-to-one mentoring for 30 years by serving children ages K-18. Our mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Last year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida served 660 children in Northwest Florida. To learn more about the Bear Family Foundation, visit www.bearfamilyfoundation.org