Summer 2008 - Big Sister League

The Big Sister League: A time of transition
Where has the time gone?! It seems only a few
months since we last communicated, but so much
has happened! Here’s a recap:
January, 2008 – Building Bridges of Hope
fundraiser
The League launched into 2008 with our first
Building Bridges of Hope fundraiser. This event,
originally scheduled for October of 2007, had to be
postponed until January due to the wildfires. Later,
our venue received unrelated smoke damage and
we were forced to find a new venue just days
before the event! And even with the logistical
challenges, we still managed to draw 65 people
and raised over $70,000. We are deeply grateful to
the folks who persevered, attended our event and
gave so generously of their time and money. (See
page 2 for more on this event.)
A new management team
that we serve.
The board has also asked
Jen Moyle to assume the role
of mentoring program
director – another perfect fit.
Already familiar with the
program, Jen’s transition was
seamless. In addition to her
great work with the big and
little sisters, Jen’s also taking on several other
responsibilities at the League and serves as backup to the executive director.
Building a bigger board
The board has grown this year too and we’re
happy to have even more talent to add to our great
support team. (See page 2 to read more about the
board.)
As always, thank you for your continued support
of the League. Many of you have offered your
We’d barely caught our breath from this
assistance this year and we know we couldn’t have
event when in March our
done it without you. From taking the
executive director, Lydia Lewis,
time to tour our home, to offering
announced her plans to resign,
your services and donations, or
Jane has big plans for
effective May 31. The board
for simply telling your friends
the League and the board is
quickly got together and began
and colleagues about us – we
excited to help her see
making plans for a transition.
are grateful and blessed to
those plans to fruition...
We asked our mentoring program
have you in our corner.
director, Jane Moyle, to step in as
We hope that you’ll find some
interim executive director during the three
time to come by the League for a
month transition. What was initially intended as
tour (even if you’ve already been to one) and to
temporary became Jane’s moment to shine!
meet our new management team. (See page 2 or
visit www.BigSisterLeague.org for more info.)
With a 19-year history of rebuilding troubled
banks, Jane quickly set about making positive
In September, Beth Swersie will assume the
changes and wrapping her arms around the
presidency of the board of directors. After three
League’s business. The board couldn’t have been
years as president, I’m excited to place the League
more pleased (and relieved) for no one in the
in Beth’s most capable hands.
organization knew all of our programs and
activities as Jane did. Realizing that we found
Sincerely,
someone who could take the League to its next
juncture, the board asked Jane to stay on as our
Donna M. Moore
official executive director. She happily agreed and
President, Board of Directors
as of June 1 Jane assumed the permanent role of
executive director.
Jane has big plans for the League and the board is
excited to help her see those plans to fruition,
assisting her in any way we can. She is a true asset
to the League as well as to the women and girls
NEWSLETTER #10
Building on a Legacy.
A note from Jane,
Executive Director
Rummaging around in
the basement, climbing
into the attic, going
through old boxes
– to me – is synonymous with a change in
management. I like to
see what hidden jewels
I can find and get to the
heart of my new assignment. That’s exactly what
happened when I was named interim and then
executive director of the Big Sister League of San
Diego, Inc. I found some gems in the archives –
names of hundreds of women who had gone
before me. They organized and planned our
major fundraisers; they donated their time as big
sisters; they came to our homes and helped the
ladies; businesses offered their services too. It
was a treasure trove of people who gave 66 years
in providing the League as a source of refuge and
caring to the women and girls in San Diego
County. I’m proud, honored and happy to add
my name to that continuum of people that have
been a part of our rich past. My goal is that my
efforts will help the League to grow even
stronger and more prosperous for the next
66 years!
About Jane
Jane joined the League in 2005 as a residential
advisor and was asked shortly thereafter to take
on the role of mentor program director after
Marien Kissling retired. Before coming to the
League, Jane had 29 years in banking and had
worked her way up to a vice president level.
It was in 1997 that Jane realized she had another
calling: nonprofit work. From 1997 to 2005,
Jane worked in various capacities for several
nonprofits in San Diego. She worked for Jewish
Family Services, Meals on Wheels, San Pasqual
Academy and managed senior adult living for
Rancho Bernardo and the City of Escondido. In
June of this year, Jane accepted the position of
executive director for the League. Her farreaching community involvement, coupled with
a keen business sense, is a tremendous asset to
the League.
HOUSING PROGRAM AND BIG & LITTLE SISTER NEWS
SUMMER 2008
The Big Sister League’s
Board of Directors
Building Bridges of Hope Fundraiser –
January 22, 2008
The League has welcomed several new
board members this year and wish to
thank them all for their terrific help and
guidance!
On January 22, 2008, the first Building the Bridges of Hope fundraising event was held for the benefit of the
Big Sister League of San Diego, Inc. The League was grateful to have a full house at the Lafayette Inn &
Suites for an hour-long program of sweet but powerful stories and high hopes! Thanks to our generous
guests, we are thrilled to announce that donations and pledges totalled over $70,000!
Donna Moore,
President
Donna does
marketing and
PR and also owns
NotJustPets.com, a
web site offering
personalized pet
remembrance books,
cards and photos.
Beth A. Swersie,
Vice PresidentOperations
Beth is a senior land
surveyor at Lintvedt,
McColl & Associates.
Stephanie
Ackerman,
Vice PresidentHuman Resources
Stephanie is the sr.
manager of talent
management in the
Human Resources
department at
Illumina, Inc.
Deborah Moore,
Treasurer
Deborah is director
of accounting for
Photon Research
Associates, Inc.
Nicole Vuckovich,
Secretary
Nicole currently
works as a financial
adviser for Mass
Mutual.
continued on page 4
PAGE 2
Event coordinator Helna Correll poses with
Councilmember Donna Frye.
Boardmember Kalicia Hill hosts a table.
Big sister and event emcee,
Kathi Diamant.
We invite everyone to come to our home for a one-hour
Building Bridges of Hope tour. Our upcoming tour dates:
• Thursday, September 18 – 6:30 pm
• Wednesday, October 15 – 6:30 pm
• Friday, November 14 – 6:30 pm
• Wednesday, December 10 – Noon
If you’d like to attend a tour, please RSVP at [email protected] or call us at (619) 297-1172, ext. 7.
We look forward to seeing you there!
A Snapshot of Our Mentoring Program
Juliana is
Looking for a
New Big Sis!
Number of big and little sister matches....68
Our current Little Sisters…
Age 12-17 ...........................................................68%
Age 6-11..............................................................32%
Live in a household with…
4-5 People ..........................................................44%
6 or more People ..............................................29%
2-3 People ..........................................................27%
Racial background…
Hispanic/Mexican-American/Latino ................47%
Black/African-American ....................................23%
White/Caucasian................................................20%
Mixed Race.........................................................7%
Asian ...................................................................3%
Juliana had a big sister,
but her big sis’ work got
too busy and they had to
end their relationship.
Juliana has Down Syndrome, but attends regular
classes and behaves normally. Juliana enjoys
interaction and loved every moment she spent with
her big sister. She likes to swim and boogie board in
the ocean. She also likes sports and art. Juliana is
well-mannered, with a sweet disposition, and we
are eager to find someone new to be Juliana’s big
sister! If you think you’re that special lady, please
contact us.
Number of girls waiting to be matched....42
Number of girls matched since January...20
HOUSING PROGRAM AND BIG & LITTLE SISTER NEWS
SUMMER 2008
The following people and businesses have kindly
donated to the League
Marjorie Acker
Ray and Therese Adair
Sandy Agan
Albertson’s
Altrusa International of San Diego, Inc.
Amber and Spa Terre, Paradise Point Resort
& Spa
Jeff Ames, Esq. and Paul, Plevin, Sullivan &
Connaughton LLP
Angela and San Diego Repertory Theatre
Ravin Armelin
Tommy Aucoin and Atelier Aucoin Salon
Avenue – University Square Store
Tiffany Azima
Cathy and Nick Bailey
Catherine and Emile Barrios
Linda Becker
Wendy Beerbower
Robin Behm
Tom and Sel Behm
Nikki Berdy
Helen Bergen
Joan Bigler
Richard Bonacci
Borders Books
Carlos Bosio
Sue Botos, Jennifer Gartz and the San Diego
Padres
Elaine Boyd and CU Executives, Inc.
Beau Brandon and OneUP Technology
Brooke and Rock-A-Betties Beauty Salon
Lonnie Brunini
Katherine Bryant
California Wellness Foundation
Pina Carino
Drasi and Kevin Carr
Remie Celones and Elite Salon & Day Spa
The Century Club of San Diego
Beth Chambers
Barbara Charett
The Cheescake Factory
Deanna Chew and Broadway San Diego
Christian Women’s Fellowship Group Two at
University Christian Church
Clairemont Women’s Club
Sarah Clarke
Cirque du Soleil
Elizabeth Clarquist
Joanne Cohen
Craig Conwell
Jackie Corbeil
Duane and Martha Cornett
Anne Corrau
Don Cowan
Madir Cuddy
Deborah Davidson
Mary Day Dewart
Kathleen Dickey
Elaine Durson
Charles and Sue Edwards
Cheryl Einsele
Ed and Maureen Ellermeyer
Lynn Elliott
Lizzie May Embrey and Dave & Buster’s of
San Diego
Judy Enns, Ph.D
Eric and San Diego Parasail Adventures
Jason Evans
Michele Fabianes
H.G. Fenton Company
Sherry Ferguson and Steinmart – Poway Store
Fidel’s Little Mexico
First Unitarian Universalist Church
Paul and Julie Fisher
Virginia Forrest
George and Lucy Franck
Samuel and Katherine French Fund
Donna Frye
Cindy Furlong, Lino Rodarte and Casa de
Pico
Dr. James Galas and Georgianna Galas
Charles Gidden
Mary Gielow
Global Impact
Amy Grandin, Mark Stratton, and Harrah’s
Rincon
SUMMER 2008
Lisa Gualco and Hazard Center
Jennifer Gundrum
Sandee Hackerson
Anita Hajos
Janet Hanpeter
Ernest Hardaway
Karla Harris and San Diego Coaster Company
Gayle Hawks and PrintBusinessCards.Com
George Hecht
Tami Henderson and Souplantation
Sara Hernandez
Virginia Hernandez
David Higgins
Kalicia Hill
Home Depot
In-N-Out Burgers
Marilyn Irwin
Thomas and Vivien Isom
Jamba Juice
Janis Jarosz
Jezebelle Day Spa
Ava Johnson
Erin Judson
Reza Kalantar and Quizno’s Subs
Ray Kau and Whole Foods
Ruth Klampart
Kohl’s
Marjorie and Gregory Konoske, in memory
of Bea Henderson
Debbie Krakauer and Volunteer San Diego
Anne Kuszynski
Karen La-Haise
Amber Lauer and JMA Architecture
Toni and Darrel Lawrence
Dorothy Lee
Roger Lewis
Jaimi Lomas and Orzella Long
Deirdre Longergan
Los Primos Mexican Food
Alice and Mitch Lynn
Kate Loose and Diesel Salon
Mr. and Mrs. Tim McCarthy
Tricia McColl and Lintvedt, McColl & Assoc.
Heather McDonald and Adventure RIB Rides
Cyndi McFarland
Millicent Machado
Mark Mahedy, Karen Thatcher and Walter
Andersen Nursery
Michel Malécot and The French Gourmet
Restaurant
Maria and ABC Party Rentals
Amy Marshall
Lea Marzo
Melanie and 20/20 Skin Spa
Rebecca Milkey and Hornblower Cruises &
Events
Jane Minshall
Philippe and Natalie Monet
Ralph Montes
Deborah Moore
Donna Moore
Evelyn V. Moore
Patricia Moore, in memory of Henry Moore
Scott Moore
Jane Moyle
Jennifer Moyle
Mariandrea Mueller
Diane Murdock
Derek and Suzanne Myron
Endre Nagy
Jeffrey Nash
Ann Netherton
Melanie Newberry and Melinium Hair and
Nails
Diana Newport
Nicole and Old Venice Restaurant
Kenneth T. & Eileen L. Norris Foundation
Edith O’Blige
Michael O’Grady and P.F. Chang’s China
Bistro
Stephanie Opperman and Diesel Salon
Susan & Nick Palmer
Nancy Pastore
Peninsula Women’s Club
Patti Pepper
Chandrena Perazzo
Charlotte Perry
Marta Phillips
Yanni and Denise Pihas and Yanni's Bistro
Derek Pinnock
Bill and Debbie Pollakov and the Bikes for
Kids Foundation
Pratt Memorial Fund
Ben Price
Project Linus Foundation of San Diego
Public Health Insitute
Skipper Ragsdale
Ralph’s
Randy and Abbey Party Rents
Randy and Mandarin Dynasty Chinese
Restaurant
Todd Rockwell
Pat Rodriguez
Rohr Employees’ Will-Share Club
Marty Rowe
Tiffany Rivera
Ron Rooney
Tom Rottler and UCSD Outback Adventures
Aurelia Ruelas and Glamorous Look Hair &
Skin Salon
Ricky Schoonover
San Diego Center for Spiritual Living
San Diego County Fair and the 22nd District
Agricultural Association
Arthur Schwartz
Liz and George Schwartz
Kim Scirvia
Charmaine and Bill Scotford
Scripps Mercy Hospital
SeaWorld San Diego
Gleason and Marcy See
Peggy and Carl Silva
Sixth Avenue Bistro
Andy Smith and Vons Mission Hills
Diana Smith and Walter Bitts
Susie Smith
William and Ursula Sorenson
Nita Southern
Sports Authority
Ame Stanko and Pixel Lava Interactive
Starbucks
Kathryn Starr
Janet Steelman
Jody Sutherland and Pat & Oscar’s
Restaurant, Mission Valley
Beth Swersie
Catherine Stiefel and J. Keith Behner
Cynthia Tanner
Tanya and Salon Identity
Pat and Don Taylor
Janice and Terry Tervort
Tickets for Kids Foundation
Dan Tomsky
Trader Joe’s – Hillcrest Store
David Trainer and Fleming’s
Tricia and Envy Salon
Faith Triggs
Dawn Tritaik
Sharon Turner
United Way of San Diego
Teresa Van Horn and USD School of
Leadership
Kendra Van Note
Yvonne Vargas and Symitar Corp.
Vons Foundation
Carol Waddell
Wal-Mart Foundation
Mary Kay Waters and Waters Fine Foods
Edith Watson
Judith Watson, MD
WD-40 Company
Mary and Hans Weber
Weingart-Price Fund at the San Diego
Foundation
Mary Welch
Wells Fargo Foundation
Kathy Wesley
Jeffrey Weyant
Christine and John Weyant
Karen Willat and Sky Sailing, Inc.
Patty Wise
Gregg and Marjorie Wright
We couldn’t do it
without you!
Our special thanks to...
Pratt Memorial Fund at Union Bank and
Linda Spuck – for the wonderful grant!
San Diego National Bank and Dean
Andersen – for the generous gifts and your
tremendous help in setting up our new
accounts.
Peggy Silva – for your detailed quality
assurance review and your gifts of personal
time and funds.
Pat Taylor and Diana Newport – for the
gorgeous pillows you created for the League!
(Go to our web site to see our unique pillows
for sale.)
Wells Fargo and Nicha Tabrizi and Cassie
Lucio – for your continued financial gifts and
support.
Crafty Ladies – for your time spent with our
residents creating beautiful arts and crafts and
for special game nights.
Rancho Bernardo Presbyterian
Church Group
The Rancho Bernardo Presbyterian Church Group of
volunteers came to our homes and volunteered their time
and labor. They painted, installed lights & ceiling fans,
rehung doors & gates to close securely and performed
general handyperson work. This much-needed TLC, and
their donation towards maintenance supplies, continue to
make our residences beautiful homes.
CREW (California Real Estate Women)
Not only did CREW gift the League at Christmas, and at our
BBH Event, they once again remembered the League during
their annual golf tournament. The $3,500 in proceeds from
the tournament went to help support our programs.
HOUSING PROGRAM AND BIG & LITTLE SISTER NEWS
PAGE 3
The Big Sister League’s Board of Directors continued from page 2
Kalicia M. Hill,
Member at Large
Kalicia is a financial
services advisor for
Ashford University.
Catherine Kazim-Bailey,
Member at Large
Cathy is founder of the San Diego Shiba
Meetup. She holds a master’s in corporate
communications and a minor in womens’ studies.
Stormy Miller,
Member at Large
Stormy is a service
coordinator at
San Diego Regional
Center for the
Developmentally
Disabled.
Jeffrey Ames,
Member at Large
Jeff is a labor and
employment litigation
attorney at the
San Diego firm of Paul,
Plevin, Sullivan &
Connaughton, LLP.
Big Sister League of San Diego, Inc.
www.bigsisterleague.org
Judy Enns,
Member at Large
Judy founded HR Solutions to
address the human resources
needs of small, medium and
large employers. (Judy was
recently named one of
San Diego’s Top Influentials
for 2008 by The San Diego
Daily Transcript!)
Robin Behm, Residency
Board Member at Large
Robin stepped up from the
Residency Board to the
League board during our
management transition and
willingly took on many
tedious projects. She was
instrumental in helping the
staff and board plan for our future. The board wishes
to thank Robin for her endless hours and her
dedicated eye for detail.
115 Redwood Street
San Diego, California 92103
Phone 619.297.1172
Fax 619.297.3908
The Big Sister League of San Diego, Inc. is supported by private donations, local businesses, grants, and United Way/Chad designations.
Please visit us at www.bigsisterleague.org
The League’s programs are designed to encourage
confidence, self-esteem, and independence.
OUR MISSION The Big Sister League assists
girls and women in San Diego County by providing
supervised transitional housing, volunteer mentor
relationships, and support services.
HOUSING & MENTORING PROGRAMS
115 Redwood Street, San Diego, CA 92103
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
San Diego, CA
Permit No. 1035