PENSACOLA, Fla.–Pen Air Federal Credit Union has presented a gift of $100,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida (BBBS) in partnership of the BBBS 30th Anniversary Campaign. The presentation was held at the new BBBS building.
BBBS has named its community-based program “Pen Air Community Mentoring” in appreciation of the gift. The funds will go toward furthering the mission of BBBS, which is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever, the credit union said.
“Mentoring is a large part of our culture and values at Pen Air. It’s a principle that we encourage our employees to exercise internally and throughout the community,” said Stu Ramsey, president and CEO of Pen Air. “As a strong community partner, we feel that it is our responsibility to help the next ones in line to see the great potential and possibilities of going after their dreams. I would like to encourage our community to join us in our support of the 30th Anniversary Campaign, and find a way to give your time, talents or treasure to enhance the lives of these youth.”
Pen Air said it has had a successful partnership with BBBS through the “School to Work” program, which buses in seven “littles” from B.T. Washington High School to Pen Air’s corporate office to meet with “bigs” monthly.
“The relationships made, and foundations established in the first year of the program have proven to enhance the lives of the “littles” and equally for their “bigs”,” said Casey Brueske, Community Education and Events Coordinator for Pen Air. “The one-to-one time spent discussing the “littles” goals, school work, current challenges and successes, as well as learning about money and job skills have rooted into meaningful and lasting friendships for the students and Pen Air’s staff.”
The funds given by Pen Air will participate in the match promise by the Bear Family, which promises to grant matching funds up to $500,000 during the 30th anniversary campaign.