DEERFIELD BEACH – The Jim Moran Foundation recently awarded two grants of $94,000 each to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida, commemorating what would have been automotive pioneer and philanthropist Jim Moran’s 94th birthday on Aug. 8.
The funding will benefit Bigs in Schools, a program that matches caring adult mentors with youths ages 6-18 to improve their academics and opportunities for longterm success.
“My husband understood how important an encouraging adult could be in a young person’s life,” said Jan Moran, chairman and president of The Jim Moran Foundation. “Through our partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters, we are able to connect children with nurturing, positive role models who can help them discover and reach their greatest potential.”
During weekly, one-hour visits at the children’s schools, “Bigs” and “Littles” build friendships and trust through one-on-one activities. They often read together, work on school projects, play games or simply talk. Big Brothers Big Sisters carefully screens, interviews, monitors and trains volunteers; helps develop specific academic goals for the “Littles;” and offers support for its volunteers, children and their families.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks to change the lives of children facing adversity for the better, forever,” said Ana M. Cedeno, Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Broward County CEO. “Through the generosity of The Jim Moran Foundation, we can make a significant impact and ensure that we improve children’s odds for succeeding in school and life.”
Each year the Foundation provides two special grants – one in North Florida and one in South Florida – and announces them during
JM Family Enterprises’ Founder’s Day, an annual celebration of the diversified automotive company that Moran established in 1968. All Moran companies and locations throughout the United States, Brazil and Canada commemorated the day with a 94-cent lunch and his favorite chocolate cake.
* Pictured above is Jan Moran, center, chairman and president of The Jim Moran Foundation, presented a $94,000 grant to Ana Cedeno, right, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County, during Founder’s Day. Joining them were McCharly, front left, a “Little” from Park Ridge Elementary, along with his mother Natacha left, and sisters McNally and McMinalda, who are hoping to soon be matched with a “Big.”
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