Bear Family Foundation plans donation to help new $1.5M Big Brothers Big Sisters facility

Posted on March 14, 2019 by Staff reports

 
The Bear Family Foundation will announce a gift to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida 30th Anniversary Campaign at a March 28 press conference at the future home of Big Brothers Big Sisters located at, 1320 Creighton Road.
 
During the event guests will be able to tour the new facility, located at 1320 Creighton Road.  
 
The goal of the campaign is to raise $1.5M to fund the new home of Big Brothers Big Sisters and help expand programming, with the goal of serving 1,000 children throughout Northwest Florida annually.
 
“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.”
 
“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.'”
 
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. For more information, contact BBBS of NWFL Director of Development, Dana Hall at dhall@bbbsnwfl.org or 850.433.5437.
 
To learn more about the Bear Family Foundation, visit www.bearfamilyfoundation.org.