COVER STORY 30 FEBRUARY 2024 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition Community collaboration Danny Perez, owner of ArtCraft Cabinet & Design and a Big Children’s Foundation Board member, pointed out the impact of these collective efforts. “Together we can make a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable teens, creating a ripple effect of positive change in our community… My parents are immigrants from Cuba. They are who they are and were able to get where they are because somebody responded to them. And I’m where I am because someone responded to them. There is a chain. There is a cycle. So you can be part of breaking that chain or starting a new cycle in someone’s life. “I think this education center is going to be fantastic for teens because it going to give them an opportunity to grow, to empower them and give them the skills they need to be productive in the community and the courage to be who they were born to be.” ArtCraft is building-out custom cabinetry for the Education Center pro-bono as well, and Perez said he hopes this is the beginning of a long-term relationship. Gregg Wallick, president and CEO of Best Roofing has supported Big Children’s Foundation since its inception in 2015. He kicked off the Center’s extensive renovation project this past December by fully donating and installing a brand-new roof on the facility. He said, “I know as a father how hard it can be for young adults to get on the right track even when they have a family support system… Imagine being in the foster care environment when you age out of the system and you have to go out on your own – no family, no safety net, no guidance. You’re all alone. I believe this Education Center will give these young adults a chance to learn the necessary life skills [and education] and be part of a network of individuals that care. These young adults are the future of our community, so I encourage you just step up and do whatever you can.” Joyce said she is grateful for the many professionals that have contributed to their cause. A1 Pavers and Concrete USA is donating the construction of the cement slab, porch, walkways and all the labor, Allied Kitchen & Bath is donating appliances and fixtures, and the entire team of engineers including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineers have donated their time, service and plans throughout the process. As a Founding Board Member of BiG Children’s Foundation, Pamela J. Rossi, G.G., Owner and Jewelry Designer at PJ Rossi Jewelers, has helped raise crucial funds to renovate the Education Center with a heart for the youth they serve. “These at-risk kids need a break, and they need our help,” she said. “Life so far for them has been very rough, and in some cases, extreme and dire circumstances. It is up to us, their community, to give them support and the tools to teach them how to be happy and productive citizens. This Education Center is going to accomplish just that.” Renegade Games winners at BiG Cardio 2023 BiG Cardio Renegade Games 2023 Big Cardio 5K, Prayer Walk, Fitness, and Sports Fundraiser Rossi has helped raise funds for at-risk youth annually since 2008 through BiG Children’s signature event, BiG Cardio, coming up on Saturday, March 2nd at Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill. “The event is super fun, the whole family can participate, no matter your age or fitness level,” said Rossi. “I’ve built the team ‘PJ ROSSI GEMS’ and for us, the opportunity to help the at-risk youth and the fun team camaraderie keeps us coming back year-after-year!” Now in its 16th year, Big Cardio features a 5K run, 3.1 walk, 1-mile prayer walk, fitness classes, an obstacle course, yoga, stretch, pickleball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, kid’s soccer, a fun zone with interactive activities, vendor booths, Dunkin’ Coffee, Bad Boys Bar B-Q and more. One of the newest additions is the Renegade Games, where teams relay race through an obstacle course and compete for the best time. Managers, ministry leaders, HR directors and coaches are encouraged to enter their teams in the obstacle course competition for a team trophy and prizes. And all proceeds from the event will benefit at-risk youth through Big Children’s Foundation. Jackie Maestri, VP of Global Services & Enterprise for Johnson & Johnson and a Big Children’s Foundation Board Member, participates in Big Cardio annually as a corporation. “Last year there were 54 people from J&J family and friends participating in Big Cardio. They were all tremendously moved and really want to make a difference,” said Maestri, adding “Johnson and Johnson is committed to giving back to the community and contributes a two to one match, up to $20,000 per U.S. employee. They are especially akin to anything around health and better life, and two of the components to success for Big Children’s Foundation are physical and emotional health, so it’s very in tune to that…. My children have enjoyed many blessings and if I can help others, I definitely want to do that.” Get involved There are several ways you can support Big Children’s Foundation and help at-risk teens: • Sign up individually for Big Cardio, or form a team with your company, church, school or group, and come to the event on Saturday, March 2, 2024. bigcardio.org • Volunteer to be a small group mentor. • Schedule a tour of the Education Center site to learn more. • Plan a service project with your company, church, or school. • Provide in-kind donations. Current needs include plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and more. • Donate at bigcf.org, or bigcardio.org • Visit bigcf.org to learn more about Big Children’s Foundation and the Education Center opening in the Fall 2024. • Call 954-933-3129 • Email [email protected]
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