An Inspiring Morning at BBBS' Empowering Potential Breakfast

We want to thank all the individuals and businesses who came out to our annual Empowering Potential Breakfast to hear directly from those we serve and pledge their support toward our mission.



After guests were welcomed and served a delicious breakfast, we opened the event by presenting Gillies Team Real Estate with our Thomas Faulkner award. Gillies Team Real Estate is extremely deserving of this honor with their continued support through donations, sponsorships, fundraising for Bowl For Kids' Sake, and staff volunteerism!

We were then privileged to hear personal stories with BBBS from current Little Brother, Josiah, and former Little Sister, Coleen. Josiah did an excellent job honoring his Big, Mr. Tom, who also attended the breakfast to support his Little Brother.

"One memory I hold dear, is when (My Big Brother) came to one of my basketball games. Although I didn't score any points, he was still very proud of me. I felt like I had underperformed but he assured me that it was okay, he knew I tried my best and he gave me some tips. I have never had a male figure show up to any of my games so hearing his words of encouragement made me feel worthy." - Josiah, Current BBBS Greater Fredericksburg Little Brother

Coleen then came to the podium, sharing her story of when she was matched in 1977 at 8-years-old. Her Big Sister, Fran, supported Coleen throughout her life and eventually led to her becoming a nurse. (Fun Fact, Coleen reconnected with us over Facebook! If you are an alum interested in getting reinvolved with BBBS, please reach out! We'd love to hear from you!)

"I encourage each of you to consider being a Big Brother or Big Sister. You can do this as a single or as a married couple, like Fran (My Big Sister) and her husband. You won’t be mom or dad; you won’t be a therapist or a social worker or a fixer. But you can be a friend, role model, mentor, and a profound influence on a young life." - Coleen Kenny, BBBS Greater Fredericksburg Little Sister Alum

After the inspiring stories shared from those whose lives were changed with BBBS mentorships, we were honored to listen to a speech from long-time supporter, Andre Pineda of Cary Street Partners! Cary Street Partners understands the future of our community begins with the youth of our community and has continuously sponsored BBBS events in order to fund the life-changing mentorships we provide.

We then closed with a call to action from BBBS Greater Fredericksburg Board President, Dr. Shavonne Shorter. Shavonne encouraged businesses and individuals to become a Defender of Potential through sponsorships, donations, and volunteering as a mentor. She referenced her own mentor and how they inspired her.

"You can't pay it back but you can pay it forward." - Shavonne Shorter, BBBS Greater Fredericksburg Board President

A very special thank you to Mary Washington Healthcare for returning as the Empowering Potential Breakfast Sponsor!

Interested in learning how you or your business can support Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Fredericksburg? Check out our Events Page for Sponsorship Opportunities or our Giving Page for donation opportunities!