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This November, and for the first time ever, BBBS with select Bigs and Littles will perform in the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®.
A Holiday to Remember
NEW YORK, November 24, 2023 – This November, and for the first time ever, BBBS with select Bigs and Littles will perform in the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Thirty Bigs and Littles from a nationwide talent search will take center stage on the fan favorite Macy’s Singing Christmas Tree float this Thanksgiving. Joined by 30 talented Macy’s colleagues, the choir will spread cheer along the route and perform holiday classics as they herald the one-and-only Santa Claus.
How to Watch
Get ready to experience the magic of the Macy’s Parade right from your screens! 🌟💚 Tune in live on NBC or stream it on Peacock, starting at 8:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. this Nov. 23. Don’t miss out – join the celebration online with #BeBig & #MacysParade!
Stay Up-To-Date and Join the Celebration!
About Macy’s
Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE: M), serves as the style source for generations of customers. With one of the nation’s largest e-commerce platforms powered by macys.com and mobile app, paired with a nationwide network of stores, Macy’s delivers the most convenient and seamless shopping experience, offering great values in apparel, home, beauty, accessories and more. Macy’s gives customers even more ways to shop and own their style through an off-price assortment at Macy’s Backstage and at our highly curated Macy’s small format stores. Each year, Macy’s provides millions with unforgettable experiences through Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® and helps our customers celebrate special moments, big and small. We’re guided by our purpose—to create a brighter future with bold representation—that empowers more voice, choice and ownership for our colleagues, customers and communities.
Contacts:
Macy’s External Communications
Christine Nealon / Ryan Gannon
communications@macys.com
Humana Foundation Invests in Innovative Mental Health and Nutrition Programming for Seniors and School-Aged Children.
Grants totaling $12.9 million span four regions – Kentucky, Florida, Louisiana and Texas – and four Health Equity Innovation Fund projects combatting loneliness and depression.
November 14, 2023 – The Humana Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) for the past 41 years, today announced a series of grants advancing its regional health equity mission by supporting seniors and school-aged children in living connected, healthy lives. The 23 grants spanning four geographies – Kentucky, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas – and four Health Equity Innovation Fund projects will help beneficiaries create healthy emotional connections and shape a healthier approach to nutrition for lifelong well-being.
The investment totaling $12.9 million includes a $4.9 million grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBS) to initiate and elevate mental health programs at chapters in the four geographies, including mental health first aid training for mentors and related coursework for youth.
“Today, there’s a critical need to provide young people with mental health supports. At BBBS, we know the positive impact mentorship has on youth well-being, inclusion and belonging, and social capital,” said Artis Stevens, President and CEO, BBBS. “Through our partnership with the Humana Foundation, we will harness the collective power of mentorship to expand our mental health and wellness programs, resources and training to create healthy emotional connections and empower youth.”
To learn even more and read the entire press release, please visit https://press.humana.com/news.
Macy’s partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters provides critical funds through a give back campaign, mentor experiences and a once in a lifetime experience at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®
NEW YORK, October 30, 2023 – This holiday season, Macy’s highlights its dedication to youth empowerment through its partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS). As part of the brand’s social purpose platform, Mission Every One, from November 1 through December 24, Macy’s will launch a special in-store round up (up to $.99) and online donation campaign to benefit BBBS’ mission of serving young people through the power of mentorship to help create paths for future success. In its inaugural year, the partnership prompted Macy’s customers and colleagues to raise more than $4.8 million to help fuel life-changing mentoring experiences.
Macy’s and BBBS will reinforce a year-round commitment to youth empowerment and mentorship by fostering a culture that prioritizes and celebrates this critical relationship building. New this year, the campaign will create a once in a lifetime experience at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® for adult volunteers (Bigs) and young people (Littles). Designated Littles will also display their talent by designing collectible product and becoming the face of the marketing campaign.
Macy’s customers will also have an opportunity to shop an exclusive collection of holiday-themed products, styled with original drawings by 19 Littles for only $19.99. Through December 31, 2023, 50% of the purchase price of the BBBS-designed teddy bear, ornament and mug will benefit the organization to help create life-changing mentorships for young people.
“Following a banner kick-off partnership year with Big Brothers Big Sisters, we are energized to see our colleagues and customers rally around our commitment to empower young people. This work aims to inspire the next generation of leaders to achieve their highest potential,” said Bobby Amirshahi, senior vice president of Macy’s, Inc. Corporate Communications and head of Macy’s community and social impact work. “Our social purpose platform Mission Every One was designed in part to break down barriers to equity and representation with programs that help young people feel confident to own their story and pursue their dreams. BBBS plays a critical role in advancing this work by serving young people through the power of mentorship.”
“As we once again embark on this exciting journey of partnership with Macy’s during the holiday season, our entire Big Brothers Big Sisters network is ready and reenergized to build on our work to create meaningful experiences of positive mentorship for young people,” said Artis Stevens, president and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. “Together, we believe in the potential of every child and the transformative impact that mentorship, access, and opportunities can have on their lives. We look forward to our continued collaboration to empower youth through mentorship across the country.”
A Holiday to Remember
This November, and for the first time ever, BBBS with select Bigs and Littles will perform in the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Thirty Bigs and Littles from a nationwide talent search will take center stage on the fan favorite Macy’s Singing Christmas Tree float this Thanksgiving. Joined by 30 talented Macy’s colleagues, the choir will spread cheer along the route and perform holiday classics as they herald the one-and-only Santa Claus.
Macy’s partnership with BBBS will also extend into its iconic Herald Square flagship windows this holiday season. Bigs and Littles from across the country have been invited to decorate paper ornaments that will appear on the windows beginning November 16. The festive windows will also showcase the Little designed product collection and can be enjoyed at Macy’s Herald Square on West 34th Street through the New Year.
Mentors for a Brighter Future
Throughout the year, Macy’s is committed to creating opportunities for Bigs and Littles that promote empowerment, self-discovery and learning opportunities. This summer, Macy’s, Inc. hosted an afternoon of candid learning between Littles and senior leadership. The session – led by Jeff Gennette, Macy’s, Inc. Chairman and CEO; Tony Spring, Macy’s, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer-Elect; and Artis Stevens, BBBS President and CEO – included an afternoon of lively discussion between leaders and 15 Littles around building professional and peer networks, self-advocacy, workplace mentorship, and identifying strengths and being your authentic self at work.
To bring the partnership to life nationwide, select Macy’s stores will host localized events for Bigs and Littles. Macy’s Little Breakfasts will create opportunities for youth empowerment by helping BBBS local agencies kick-off the holiday season in style with a breakfast reception and shopping spree, complete with gift cards for Littles to pick out gifts on their list.
Additionally, Macy’s and BBBS will each host a formal celebration of mentors by offering financial bonuses, internal recognition, and exposure to senior leadership through the Best Mentor & Mentee program. Colleagues at both organizations are encouraged to share examples of where they provided mentorship at a specific moment in time, peer-to-peer guidance, or a more formal mentoring relationship, including reverse mentorship. This program will be available to all Macy’s and BBBS colleagues to promote the mission behind this important partnership.
For more information, please visit macys.com/purpose. Join the conversation on social by tagging @macys and @bbbsamerica.
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About Macy’s
Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE: M), serves as the style source for generations of customers. With one of the nation’s largest e-commerce platforms powered by macys.com and mobile app, paired with a nationwide network of stores, Macy’s delivers the most convenient and seamless shopping experience, offering great values in apparel, home, beauty, accessories and more. Macy’s gives customers even more ways to shop and own their style through an off-price assortment at Macy’s Backstage and at our highly curated Macy’s small format stores. Each year, Macy’s provides millions with unforgettable experiences through Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® and helps our customers celebrate special moments, big and small. We’re guided by our purpose—to create a brighter future with bold representation—that empowers more voice, choice and ownership for our colleagues, customers and communities.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters
Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters is the largest and most experienced youth mentoring organization in the United States. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters has over 230 local agencies serving more than 5,000 communities across all 50 states. For more information, visit www.bbbs.org.
Contacts:
Macy’s External Communications
Christine Nealon / Ryan Gannon
communications@macys.com
BBBS Communications
Jennifer Banks
Jennifer.Banks@bbbsa.org
May, 2023 – Morning Consult’s Most Trusted Brands® report, shines a spotlight on the brands that have earned consumers’ trust when it comes to doing what’s right. They know that trust is hard to earn, but it’s foundational for brands when weathering missteps. It’s not a consumer metric that changes much from year to year, so once a brand lands a top spot on Morning Consult’s rankings, it rarely moves. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is proud to have made the list!
To learn even more about Morning Consult’s 2023 Most Trusted Brands report, please visit https://pro.morningconsult.com.
The inaugural group of Game Changers will address the mentorship gap impacting the Black community.
TAMPA, FL, October 17, 2023 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring organization in the United States, announces Game Changers, a new initiative that unites the collective power of influential leaders and changemakers to help tackle key issues impacting youth today—from mental health to equity—by creating awareness, access, and opportunity through mentorship. Through Big Brothers Big Sisters, Game Changers will provide a platform for diverse groups of influential voices to share their experiences and expertise on the power of mentorship and further impact young people and their communities.
Today, one in three kids in America is growing up without a sustained adult mentor in their lives. In addition, over 30,000 young people are on the organization’s national waitlist, with the majority being boys of color, waiting to be matched with a mentor. This urgent need fuels the purpose of Game Changers as an opportunity for influential leaders from diverse backgrounds to reinforce that mentorship isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a necessity.
The inaugural group of Game Changers will convene prominent Black men who embody the transformative power of mentorship. They will support BBBSA’s efforts to attract more Bigs and create impactful mentorship opportunities that address the representational gap in mentorship, as there are currently three times more Black youth than there are Black mentors in BBBS’ programs.
The Game Changers will lend their voices and support to shift the mentorship narrative, share their inspiring journeys and encourage more volunteers, particularly Black men, to get involved. The group of Game Changers includes:
- Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D., President of Virginia State University, BBBSA National Board Member
- Kelvin Beachum, Offensive Tackle, Arizona Cardinals
- Aloe Blacc, Singer, Songwriter, Philanthropist
- Wayne Brady, Emmy Award-winning Actor, Producer, TV Personality, former BBBS “Big”
- Kelvin Buncum, Executive Vice President, Neighborhood Markets, Walmart U.S.
- Nate Burleson, Co-Host, CBS Mornings and The NFL Today
- Sway Calloway, Sway in the Morning with Heather B & Tracy G
- Tony Coles, President, Black Information Network, iHeartMedia, BBBSA National Board Member
- “GRIFF”, Comedian, Motivational Speaker, Co-Host of Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell
- Daymond John, CEO & Founder of FUBU and Star of ABC’s Shark Tank
- Solomon Thomas, Defensive Tackle, New York Jets
- Rachaad White, Running Back, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, former BBBS “Little”
- Terrance Williams, President and CEO, TruStage
“At BBBSA, we believe in the powerful truth that ‘if you can see it, you can be it’. Each Game Changer embodies the profound impact of mentorship and possesses the power to spark the aspirations of the next generation of leaders.” said Artis Stevens, president and CEO, BBBSA. “By working alongside this inspiring group of influential voices, BBBSA will continue to create access for young people and bridge the gap between young people and possibility. In alignment with BBBSA’s ‘It Takes Little to be Big’ national brand campaign, Game Changers also represents an invitation, a national call-to-action for volunteers, partners, BBBS alumni, and supporters to help spark countless mentoring moments that can make a big difference.”
Future groups of Game Changers will continue to consist of leaders from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences to reflect that many inspiring stories and journeys of the young people across our country who need positive mentorship. They will take bold action around additional priority issues and challenges faced by youth nationwide, through the power of mentorship.
BBBSA has also teamed up with industry leaders such as TikTok to amplify Game Changers’ mentorship stories and rally volunteer support. Additionally, in collaboration with Clear Channel Outdoor, digital billboards spotlighting select Game Changers will launch nationwide in January 2024.
For more information visit bbbs.org/game-changers.
Chicago, IL, October 11, 2023 – The live event on October 11 recognized Big Brothers Big Sisters as one of the select few campaigns that use creative ideas to further authentic purposes and acknowledge the organizations and individuals behind them.
To learn even more about what PRWeek has to say about us, please visit https://www.prweek.com.
October 3, 2023 – According to Fast Company, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America advocated for the importance of mentorship and community bonds through partnerships with the NFL and CNBC; Code for America unlocked $30 billion in benefits to ensure access to basic rights such as food and healthcare; and Prosperity Now is breaking down economic systems that continue to harm communities of color.
While nonprofits face a plethora of challenges in accomplishing their missions, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America was chosen as one of three organizations model that our role in effecting change is not just achievable but crucial.
To learn even more about what Fast Company has to say about us, please visit https://www.fastcompany.com.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America unites alumni, supporters, celebrities and partners nationwide to close the mentorship gap; Singer Songwriter Aloe Blacc releases campaign anthem “Never Let You Down”
TAMPA, FL, September 14, 2023 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring organization in the United States, has launched a bold new brand campaign “It Takes Little to Be Big,” to challenge the myths and shift perceptions of mentoring and why now, more than ever, mentorship is critical to the success of kids today.
Today, one in three kids in America are growing up without a sustained, positive adult mentor in their lives and over 30,000 kids are on BBBS’ wait list for a mentor. The gap between mentorship and youth who need it most continues to widen due to perceived barriers of the time and expertise needed to become a mentor. Understanding the critical need, BBBSA is set to engage and galvanize one million volunteers (“Bigs”), alumni, supporters, influencers and strategic partners to highlight the mentorship moments that inspire potential and bridge the gap between people and possibility.
Developed in partnership with Dentsu Creative, and renown director and photographer, Joshua Kissi, a new PSA, advertising, and digital content were created and feature real Bigs and Littles from the Los Angeles area. The campaign—running on TV, OLV, social and digital channels— brings authenticity to the forefront with BBBS matches and puts a spotlight on redefining the little moments of mentorship that can make a big impact on the lives of young people. Leveraging media, partners, and prominent voices, BBBSA will embed its mission and call for support into prominent pop culture events, experiences and across social media, music, sports, entertainment, and fashion platforms.
“BBBSA came to us with a very clear goal of attracting one million Bigs, alumni and supporters. There are any number of hurdles we need to overcome to convince potential Bigs and supporters to join the mission, but the number one barrier was time,” said Kurt Fries, EVP, Executive Creative Director, Dentsu Creative. “That’s where we decided to focus. By simply contextualizing how little time it takes– time we are already spending going to a movie, grabbing a cup of coffee or a slice– to make a big impact not only on the lives of these kids but on the lives of the Bigs, too.”
In addition to the campaign PSA and creative, singer, songwriter, philanthropist and BBBS supporter Aloe Blacc released an original song and campaign anthem “Never Let You Down,” inspired by the stories of matches across the country. The song is available for download on all streaming platforms, with a portion of proceeds supporting BBBSA.
“At its core, mentorship is about human connection, made up of formative moments that inspire curiosity, aspiration, and unlock potential in the next generation,” said Blacc. “I’ve experienced the power of mentorship firsthand and it has shaped who I am. Every small act of encouragement, hope, and support has the potential to change lives, like it has changed mine. Through this campaign and ‘Never Let You Down’, we are demonstrating how mentorship is an essential part of life and how simple yet profound it can be.”
A cornerstone of the campaign is “A Million Little Moments”, a digital storytelling initiative on BeBigNow.org and BBBSA’s social media platforms, that invites the nation to share their pivotal mentorship moments and experiences, no matter how small, using the campaign hashtag #BeBIG for each story. This tapestry of stories will serve as a testament to the significant impact and universality of mentorship moments.
“We believe in the power of mentorship—we’ve seen its lifelong impact for the millions of kids we’ve served, and on the lives of Bigs who serve as mentors,” said Artis Stevens, president and CEO, BBBSA. “Today, Big Brothers Big Sisters is transforming what mentorship looks like in our country and calling on people in communities everywhere to join us in this movement and be part of something big. Through this campaign, our partners, alumni, and supporters will create access and opportunity for more kids through mentorship as we strive to close the mentorship gap and create lasting impact in countless lives.”
BBBSA has also partnered with industry leaders to amplify the campaign and encourage the support of volunteers as well as donors. Clear Channel Outdoor has launched a series of “It Takes Little to Be Big” billboards in key U.S. markets including Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Dallas, and New York City. To extend the reach of the campaign across additional media channels, iHeartMedia, Comcast NBCUniversal, TikTok, Bounce/Scripps Network, Mediavine, and Fandom have provided pro bono support to further PSA and campaign content distribution. In addition, thanks to strong partnerships with Macy’s, Express, and Merrell, the campaign will be amplified through their owned properties and partnership activations.
For more information, visit BeBigNow.org.
TAMPA, FL – July 17, 2023 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the leading one-to-one youth mentoring organization in the United States, announces the appointment of Alison Avera as its Chief Agency Growth Officer. In this role, Avera will spearhead the creation and implementation of comprehensive short- and long-term planning strategies to support BBBSA’s network of 230 agencies nationwide.
Avera’s appointment comes as a testament to her commitment to fostering growth and development in young individuals within the nonprofit sector. Previously, as the Director of Adult Development for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, she excelled in recruiting and serving a significant number of adult volunteers and girl members. Avera’s career began with Teach for America, where she spearheaded transformative changes in under-resourced public schools by designing and implementing hands-on, project-based learning experiences for middle and high school students. Her work with both the Girl Scouts and Teach for America showcases her dedication to empowering youth and providing them with valuable opportunities for personal growth.
Avera also brings a wealth of experience and expertise from the education sector. Notably, as the Chief Strategy and Operations Officer at Teach Plus and Chief Operating Officer for the Center for Whole-Child Education (originally called Turnaround for Children), she has consistently driven change in education policy and practice. Her leadership has empowered teachers, addressed equity issues, and significantly improved student success. Avera played a pivotal role in the NYC Department of Education, serving as Chief of Staff, where she led special projects for the Chancellor and Chief Schools Officer as part of New York City’s transformative Children First reforms.
“I am delighted to welcome Alison to the Big Brothers Big Sisters family as Chief Agency Growth Officer,” said Artis Stevens, President and CEO of BBBSA. “Alison has proven her ability to foster growth and development in youth programming throughout her diverse background in the non-profit and education sectors. She brings a proven track record of operationalizing youth-based planning strategies with a deep passion for empowering young people that will benefit our BBBS agencies nationwide.”
As Chief Agency Growth Officer, Avera will lead key priorities within the organization’s strategic plan, focused on reimagining growth and enhancing efficiency across all agencies and implementing innovative solutions to maximize our impact. Leveraging her strategic mindset and operational expertise, she will also be responsible for creating and implementing comprehensive short- and long-term planning strategies that align with our commitment to supporting our agencies, including bolstering the volunteer experience to address the demand of youth waitlists in the near term.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to join the talented BBBSA team, and I am excited to collaborate with agency leaders across the country in this important work,” said Avera.
Avera holds an MBA in General Management from Harvard Business School, and a bachelor’s degree from Tulane University. She will be based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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About Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the largest and most experienced youth mentoring organization in the United States. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters has over 230 local agencies serving more than 5,000 communities across all 50 states. For more information, visit www.bbbs.org.
Trymaine Lee
Ray Davis
Osa Odighizuwa
