Fundraising and awareness
campaign ignites the power of mentorship and possibility
TAMPA,
Fla. and NEW YORK,
Jan. 22,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Big Brothers Big Sisters
(BBBS), the nation's preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring
organization, is thrilled to announce fundraising results from
Macy's 2023 holiday campaign and grant awards. Through the
company's social purpose platform, Mission Every One, which
is committed to creating brighter futures with bold representation
for all, Macy's customers raised $4.3
million alongside $400k in
grants provided by Macy's to help create life-changing mentoring
experiences. The campaign marked the second year of a multi-year
partnership between BBBS and Macy's.
Throughout November and December
2023, Macy's customers donated online at macys.com and by
rounding up in-store. Critical funds raised expand the reach of
BBBS' mentoring model, connecting more young people with the
transformative mentors and mentorship experiences they need to
reach their full potential. The campaign engaged all 230+ Big
Brothers Big Sisters agencies, reaching more than 5,000 communities
in all 50 states.
In 2022, Macy's, Inc. launched its social purpose platform –
Mission Every One – developed to build on the company's
heritage of corporate citizenship and to drive positive societal
change. Mission Every One aims to create a brighter
future with bold representation for all. Through this work, the
company will strengthen communities by empowering the curiosity and
confidence of young people on their journey to become the leaders
of tomorrow. By 2025, Macy's, Inc. will direct more than
$125 million to nonprofit
organizations whose work is aligned with Mission Every
One.
"Reflecting back upon on our 2023 campaign, I am inspired by our
customers and colleagues who rallied around our commitment to
empowering the leaders of tomorrow," said Bobby Amirshahi, Macy's, Inc. Corporate
Communications and head of social impact and government affairs
teams. "As part of the Macy's, Inc. social purpose
platform, Mission Every One, our partnership with Big
Brothers Big Sisters is a testament to the power of mentorship and
programs that provide youth nationwide with transformative and
once-in-a-lifetime experiences."
"Our partnership with Macy's has created once-in-a-lifetime
opportunities for Bigs and Littles throughout the country, and we
are thrilled about the possibilities to come as we continue working
together," said Artis Stevens,
President and CEO, BBBSA. "Our annual holiday campaign, with the
support of Macy's employees and customers, will allow us to
continue empowering young people to reach their full
potential."
In addition to the giving campaign, Macy's customers shopped an
exclusive, custom collection of holiday-themed products, styled
with original drawings by BBBS Littles from across the country.
Through December 31, 2023, 50% of the
purchase price of the BBBS-designed teddy bear, ornament and mug
benefited the organization and will help create life-changing
mentoring relationships for young people through 2024 and
beyond.
A Holiday to Remember
November
2023 also marked the first time BBBS Bigs and Littles
performed in the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day
Parade®. Thirty Big and Little matches from a
nationwide talent search took center stage on the fan favorite
Macy's Singing Christmas Tree float with access unique mentor
experiences and the opportunity create memories that will last a
lifetime. Joined by 30 talented Macy's colleagues, the choir
spread cheer along the Parade route and performed holiday classics
as they heralded the one-and-only Santa Claus. This year's telecast
was seen by more than 28.5 million viewers on NBC, the largest ever
recorded in the Parade's history.
Macy's partnership with BBBS also extended into its iconic
Herald Square flagship windows this holiday season. Bigs and
Littles from across the country were invited to craft handmade
holiday paper ornaments that appeared in the windows highlighted
throughout the holiday season. The festive windows also showcased
the exclusive collection of holiday-themed products noted above and
were enjoyed by visitors to Macy's Herald Square on West
34th Street through the New Year.
This national partnership also included several local components
including select Macy's stores hosting in-store holiday events for
Bigs, Littles, and their families to enjoy. More than 100
Macy's Little Breakfasts took place across the
country and created unique and memorable mentorship opportunities
that spur youth empowerment.
Mentors for a Brighter Future
Additionally, Macy's and
BBBS hosted their annual celebration of mentors by offering
internal recognition and exposure to senior leadership through
their 'Best Mentor & Mentee' program. Each year, colleagues at
both organizations are encouraged to share examples of how they
were provided with mentorship at a specific moment in time,
peer-to-peer guidance, or a more formal mentoring relationship,
including reverse mentorship in the workplace. This program is
available to all current Macy's and BBBS colleagues to promote the
mission behind this important partnership and is celebrated each
January as a part of National Mentorship Month.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters
Founded in 1904,
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the largest and most
experienced youth mentoring organization in the United States. The mission of Big Brothers
Big Sisters of America is to create and support one-to-one
mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
Big Brothers Big Sisters' evidence-based approach is designed to
create positive youth outcomes, including educational success,
avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater
confidence, and improved relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters
has over 230 local agencies serving more than 5,000 communities
across all 50 states. For more information, visit:
www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.
About Macy's
Macy's, the largest retail brand of
Macy's, Inc. (NYSE: M), serves as the style source for generations
of customers. With one of the nation's largest e-commerce platforms
powered by macys.com and mobile app, paired with a nationwide
network of stores, Macy's delivers the most convenient and seamless
shopping experience, offering great values in apparel, home,
beauty, accessories and more. Macy's gives customers even more ways
to shop and own their style through an off-price assortment at
Macy's Backstage and at our highly curated Macy's small format
stores. Each year, Macy's provides millions with unforgettable
experiences through Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® and
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade® and helps our customers
celebrate special moments, big and small. We're guided by our
purpose—to create a brighter future with bold representation—that
empowers more voice, choice and ownership for our colleagues,
customers and communities.
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SOURCE Big Brothers Big Sisters of America