Stephen Koch, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Tampa Bay

On Wednesday, August 3, 2016, Stephen Koch and Michael Ferrone spoke to the Rotary Club of Dunedin Waterside regarding how members and guests can get involved with the Tampa Bay chapter of Big Brothers Big Sister. Koch, the President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Tampa Bay, was joined by Ferrone – who is a new business manager for Cigna locally as well as a Big Brother and vocal advocate for the nonprofit.

Koch and Ferrone shared anecdotes about their Little Brothers and heartfelt stories about the impact volunteering has made on the lives of their mentees. The duo also cited the strong emotional attachment mentors have for their Littles, with Ferrone even admitting that he would love to have his own Little, Tavoris, be one of his groomsmen at his wedding some day.

Big Brother Michael Ferrone with his Little, Tavoris

Koch and Ferrone shared with club members that there are more than 600 kids in the Tampa Bay Area currently on a mentor waiting list. The Sports Buddies Program, in which mentors practice sports and/or attend games with their Littles, is one of the programs that is in dire need of volunteers.

Getting involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is easy – to be a mentor, the organization requires a time commitment of only 8 hours per month. To learn more about getting involved, read the nonprofits frequently asked questions.