“Big” Success for First Class of Graduates from Big Brothers Big Sisters
Parsippany, N.J., 2013-05-29 — /travelprnews.com/ — When Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE: WYN) associate Sarahi Grande first learned about the Workplace Mentoring Program between the Company and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Morris, Bergen, Passaic & Sussex, she knew immediately that she wanted to be a part of it. Grande was inspired by her great-grandmother who instilled in her a passion for service and giving back. By being a part of the program, she could share her experiences with a young girl and hopefully make an impact in her life, just as her great-grandmother had done with her.
“Growing up I was fortunate to have my great-grandmother as my mentor, and I hope that through this program, that I’m that person for my “Little,’” said Grande. “Throughout the program, I’ve worked to instill in her that she can be anything she puts her mind to and that she can achieve all that she aspires to, just like my great-grandmother did for me.”
On May 9, Parsippany-based Wyndham Worldwide, one of the world’s largest hospitality companies, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Morris, Bergen, Passaic & Sussex, celebrated as the first group of “Littles” completed the 13-week program. Wyndham Worldwide’s partnership allowed the organization to reduce its waiting list of more than 50 youth by welcoming 18 children to the program who otherwise would not have had the opportunity. Some of the children had been waiting an average of one year to receive a mentor. One of two corporate partners participating in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Workplace Mentoring Program, Wyndham Worldwide introduced the program to its associates in September 2012.
“It has been an amazing gift to be a part of these kids’ lives, and watch them grow as they’ve gained confidence and the knowledge that all things are possible,” said Mary Falvey, executive vice president and chief human resources officer, Wyndham Worldwide. “Our partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters has not only allowed us to give back to the community, but also let our associates share their knowledge and experiences with their ‘Littles’ and make a meaningful difference in their lives.”
The after-school program is designed to help children reach their full potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with a mentor who can offer personal attention, role modeling and friendship. Children in the program are 10- and 11-year-old fifth-graders from Morristown, N.J., who met with their “Bigs” at Wyndham Worldwide, and participated in various educational and creative projects.
“We can’t thank Wyndham Worldwide enough for its support in helping change the lives of youth in our community,” said Lori Konya, president and chief executive officer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Morris, Bergen, Passaic & Sussex. “Each time Big Brothers Big Sisters matches a child with a role model, we start something incredible: a one-to-one relationship built on trust and friendship that can blossom into a future of unlimited potential.”
Believing that you can do well by doing good, Wyndham Worldwide is committed to enhancing the quality of life of children around the globe, and making lasting contributions in the communities where its associates live, work and play. In addition to its partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Company supports its philanthropic goals through Wishes by Wyndham, its philanthropic foundation, and partners with three signature charities. Wyndham Worldwide supports its philanthropic activities through in-kind donations, volunteer hours and by raising awareness and funds for organizations related to its mission.
About Wyndham Worldwide
One of the world’s largest hospitality companies, Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE: WYN) provides a wide range of hospitality products and services through its global portfolio of world-renowned brands. The world’s largest hotel company based on the number of properties, Wyndham Hotel Group is home to many of the world’s best-known hotel brands, with approximately 7,380 franchised hotels and over 631,800 hotel rooms worldwide. Wyndham Exchange & Rentals is the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the world’s largest professionally managed vacation rentals business, providing more than 5 million leisure-bound families annually with access to over 106,000 vacation properties in 100 countries through its prominent exchange and vacation rental brands. The industry and timeshare ownership market leader, Wyndham Vacation Ownership develops, markets, and sells vacation ownership interests and provides consumer financing to owners through its network of 190 vacation ownership resorts serving approximately 915,000 owners throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Based in Parsippany, NJ, Wyndham Worldwide employs approximately 32,500 associates globally.For more information, please visit www.wyndhamworldwide.com
About Big Brothers Big Sisters
Since 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters has advanced the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. Most children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters live in single-parent, low- and middle-income families, or in households where a parent is incarcerated. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”). Providing a system of ongoing evaluation and support, Big Brothers Big Sisters is proven by independent studies to help families and communities by improving the odds that Littles will perform better in school, avoid violence and illegal activities, and have stronger relationships with their parents and peers. A recent study also revealed mentored children are less depressed.Headquartered in Philadelphia with a network of nearly 400 agencies across the country, Big Brothers Big Sisters serves a quarter million children annually. It consistently earns an A+ from the American Institute of Philanthropy and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance and was named a top 10 non-profit by Forbes Magazine, making the gold star list of charities it believes worthy of donor consideration. It earned most recommended, high-impact status from Philanthropedia, which ranked non-profits working on behalf of at-risk youth, and its work is recognized as best in class by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. The local agency was 1 of 6 chapters nationwide to receive the Quality Award for its 2009 performance.
Contact:
Stacy Dixson
Manager, Public Relations
Wyndham Worldwide
973-753-7424
stacy.dixson@wyn.com