The Chocolate, Champagne and Chefs fundraiser hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee Counties at the Quail Valley River Club was another sweet success, filled with great food, decadent chocolates, and stories about the impact the nonprofit has made over the past four decades.
“Since opening its doors in St. Lucie County in 1984, Big Brothers Big Sisters has more than doubled its capacity, serving nearly 1,000 children annually, with proven positive improvements as it pertains to their success in better testing scores, overall grades, attendance and conduct,” said emcee Anna Valencia Tillery.
After enjoying a delectable dinner, BBBS CEO Debbie Hawley, a fourth-generation Floridian who has been with the organization for 18 years, introduced Andrew Treadwell, Indian River State College associate VP of government and community relations, and Travis Brackney, a St. Lucie County Sheriff’s deputy, who spoke of their relationship as a former Big Brother and Little Brother.
Treadwell recounted his journey into mentoring, crediting retired BBBS CEO Judi Miller, the “howitzer of persistence,” for encouraging him to try again after his first match ended. His subsequent pairing with Brackney proved life-changing.
“Travis was just different. Travis had a zest for life for anything new,” Treadwell recalled. Their years together were filled with adventures, from pizza and cheeseburger tours to learning to sail and, most importantly, having crucial conversations about the future.
“Nothing is as rewarding as making a difference in a young person’s life; absolutely nothing. And everyone in this room, you are part of those connections. By being here tonight, you are helping the next Andy meet the next Travis. And they don’t know it yet, but their lives will be so much better and fulfilled because of that match,” said Treadwell.
Their bond has continued to endure, even after they were no longer a “Big” and “Little.”
When Brackney wanted to attend IRSC, Treadwell helped him obtain a full-ride scholarship.
When his career aspirations turned to law enforcement, Treadwell helped him navigate family complexities to ensure he stayed on track.
Brackney, who now serves as a school resource officer, said as he interacts with students, not a day goes by that he doesn’t think of the best mentor in his life.
“I’m so grateful to have been a part of this program. He’s not only helped me. He’s helped my mother, he’s helped my brother, my family. He’s part of my family. His family is my family,” said Brackney.
Before the live auction, guests visited the gallery of indulgence, featuring an array of chocolate confections crafted by local chefs: Jesus Yanez, Quail Valley River Club; Delitra Harrigan, D’s Gourmet Sweet Potato Pies & More; Samantha Santana Tiru, Treasure Coast Sweets; Monique Robbins, Pretty Little Cupcakes; and Paty Benjamin, Paty’s Bakery.
As they made their way through plates laden with delicious flavors and textures, Hawley told the crowd about the rigorous, evidence-based approach that makes their mentoring program so successful, noting that a recent four-year study confirms that one-to-one, long-term mentorship is the key to that success.
“It’s not a different adult every week or a different child every week. It’s the same one, week after week, month after month, year after year, that makes it stronger,” Hawley explained.
That way, she said, every child has specific, laser-focused goals. And, in addition to building a relationship, they have goals to seek together.
Referencing recent federal funding cuts, Hawley said, “Part of what tonight is about is to help Indian River County rebound, so that we can start serving all the children that are out there that need our services. They’re all Travis’ by a different name.”
The pairing of moving testimonials and chocolate energized guests to enthusiastically bid during the live auction led by auctioneer John Moore, raising funds to continue the mission of the organization.
For more information, visit BBBSBigs.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
