NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW YORK – April 21, 2014 — Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City (BBBS of NYC), the nation’s first and New York’s largest mentoring organization, tonight hosted its 36th Annual Sidewalks of New York Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Manhattan, celebrating 110 years of providing mentors to young people across the five boroughs.

This year’s gala honored three individuals who have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to community service, and whose leadership and dedication in their professional and personal endeavors have truly inspired New York City youth to succeed in life: Carmelo Anthony, a 7-time NBA All-Star, 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist and hometown hero with the New York Knicks; Adebayo Ogunlesi, managing partner and chairman of Global Infrastructure Partners; and Agnes Hassell, a devoted philanthropist and an advocate for New York’s cultural and nonprofit institutions.

Critically-acclaimed journalist, Emmy Award Winner and former Sidewalks of New York honoree Soledad O’Brien returned to host the program for the sixth year. Prakash Melwani, senior managing director at Blackstone, served as Dinner Chair.

BBBS of NYC’s largest annual fundraiser raised more than $2 million this year, which will support the organization’s mission to provide role models for at-risk youth across New York City. BBBS of NYC currently serves more than 4,000 young people throughout the five boroughs each year through one-to-one and site-based mentoring programs.

“Since Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City was established 110 years ago, we have built an unmatched legacy of changing the lives of young people that has become the gold standard for mentoring organizations across the country,” said Hector Batista, chief executive officer of BBBS of NYC. “We are so grateful for the generous support that has made possible our tireless pursuit of this mission, and that will help expand our reach in the years to come.”

More than 1,000 attendees came together to watch three BBBS of NYC matches (a match is a “Little” Brother or Sister and his or her “Big” Brother or Sister) present awards to this year’s honorees. Prior to tonight’s event, the matches met with the honorees they introduced, where they learned about their backgrounds and discussed common interests and experiences. The matches spent several weeks writing, preparing and rehearsing their remarks for the award ceremony, and delivered moving speeches that reflected on their own experiences and the impact BBBS of NYC has had on their lives.

Big Brother JP Coviello and Little Brother Ezequiel presented Carmelo Anthony with the Sports Award. JP and Ezequiel were matched in 2014, and in just one year together have already had a significant, lasting impact on one another. JP and Ezequiel quickly discovered many common interests, and developed a tight bond through their shared love of sports. By providing support, structure and guidance, JP is helping his Little Brother realize his full potential in life through working with Ezequiel on a set of goals that will enable him to thrive.

Big Brother Mel Walker and Little Brother Abdou presented Adebayo Ogunlesi with the Corporate Award. Throughout their three years together as a match, Mel and Abdou have established a strong, trusting relationship and an incredible bond. Mel guided Abdou through college applications and career planning, helping his Little Brother to work toward achieving his goals of earning a bachelor’s degree in sports management and one day becoming a professional soccer coach. This year, Abdou shared the exciting news with Mel that he has been accepted into his top choice in colleges and will begin the next step in his journey in pursuit of his academic and professional goals.

Big Sister Olivia Castriota and Little Sister Breyanna presented Agnes Hassell with the Community Service Award. Olivia and Breyanna were matched in 2013, and their outgoing and energetic personalities have brought the two very close. They’ve enjoyed participating in various activities together, including swimming, biking, ice skating and tasting new foods. Olivia has helped Breyanna overcome challenging obstacles, and continuously encourages her Little Sister to dream big and work hard.

“Each year at our Sidewalks gala we see first-hand the power of mentoring, and how just one positive, caring adult role model can make a profound impact on a young person’s life,” said Jonathan Bram, president of the Board of Trustees of BBBS of NYC. “The remarkable contributions we received this evening will enable BBBS of NYC to continue to foster these relationships and provide thousands of boys and girls across the five boroughs with much-needed mentors.”

Past honorees have included Mariano Rivera, Eli Manning, Dikembe Mutombo, Julie Chen, Victor Cruz, Darrelle Revis and Deborah Roberts.

For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC or to volunteer, please visit www.bigsnyc.org.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City

Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC (BBBS of NYC), the nation’s first and NYC’s largest youth mentoring organization, has served the changing needs of New York City’s most at-risk youth since 1904. The volunteer- and donor-based organization offers a variety of specialized mentoring programs to help children facing more complex challenges – including immigrant youth, teen mothers and children of incarcerated parents – as well as the Workplace Mentoring Center, which helps businesses throughout New York City positively impact the lives of young people and build a foundation for professional success. Additionally, since 1992 BBBS of NYC has worked through its Center for Training and Professional Development to equip non-profit professionals throughout New York City to develop and enhance their own mentoring and youth-development programs and organizations.

Through the support of individuals, foundations and corporations, this not-for-profit agency has been able to change the lives of the city’s most disadvantaged children, matching them with caring adult role models – dependable friends who can help to expand their horizons, realize their potential and enrich their futures. To learn more, become a mentor and/or offer support, please visit www.bigsnyc.org.

Media Contact:   Tom Corsillo
The Marino Organization
212.889.0808 ext. 108
tom@themarino.org