The Ocala Police Department is inviting the community to stop by Gator’s Dockside on Thursday, August 17 for an event benefiting the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Marion County.
The event will take place from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Gator’s Dockside located at 3920 SW 49th Street, Suite 101 in Ocala. During this time, diners can mention “Big Brothers Big Sisters of Marion County” at checkout, and 10% of the proceeds will be donated to fund the organization’s mission of igniting the potential of youth.
The Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) mentorship program pairs adults (known as “Bigs”) with kids (known as “Littles”) to form positive one-on-one relationships. According to BBBS, the primary goals of these relationships are to promote friendship, offer support, and encourage academic achievements for the participating children.
In early 2022, the Ocala Police Department partnered with BBBS to form the Bigs in Blue/Bigs with Badges mentoring program. Each Big visits their respective Little twice a month and spends time participating in activities that they both enjoy, such as playing sports, visiting a library or museum, or working on homework together.
Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken is an active participant in the mentoring program. “If you looked at my schedule, my calendar, you would say there’s no way that the Chief of Police can accomplish this, and I find a way to do it,” stated Balken.
The police chief added, “If I can find the time to do it, there’s nobody out there in our community that can say they don’t have the time to commit just a few hours a week, a few hours every other week. You know, help a young kid succeed.”
To learn more about the upcoming event at Gator’s Dockside, or to become part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Marion County mentorship program, contact Stephanie Gavin via phone (352-566-3094) or email (StephanieG@bbbstampabay.org).