2005 National Conference Big Brothers Big Sisters

2005 National Conference Big Brothers Big Sisters

Representatives and leadership from some 800 Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies around the country are convening this week in Washington, D.C. for the 2005 National Conference. Highlights include appearances by First Lady Laura Bush who kicks off the conference. Other celebrities and keynoters include Kelly Perdew, "The Apprentice" winner and a former "Big Brother," Todd English, celebrity chef and a former "Little Brother," country superstars Diamond Rio, Congressman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), U.S. Senator John Ensign (R- Nev.) and Lynn Swann, NFL Hall of Famer and national board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Highlights include appearances by the 2005 Big Brothers and Big Sister of the Year, chosen from candidates submitted from BBBS agencies from around the country. Following are daily highlights of the week.

Wednesday, June 8 11:00 - 11:30 a.m.

News conference and backgrounder on Big Brothers Big Sisters' commitment to serving more than one million at-risk children annually through expanded programs in the nation's poorest schools and for children of prisoners. U.S. Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) and Congressman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), both Big Brothers, and Kelly Perdew, winner of NBC's second season of "The Apprentice" and a former Big Brother, will join Big Brothers Big Sisters of America President & CEO Judy Vredenburgh in issuing a bipartisan "call to action" for all Americans to support the organization.

Location: Cannon House Office Building Terrace, Independence and New Jersey Avenues SE, Washington, D.C.

7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Celebrity chef Todd English introduces his former Big Brother at a Donors Gala, which honors major donors to Big Brothers Big Sisters. NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann and BBBS national board member serves as master of ceremonies.

Location: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

Thursday, June 9 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.

First Lady Laura Bush addresses official opening session. The First Lady is introduced by a Big and Little Brother from the Amachi Big Brothers Big Sisters program, which provides mentors from congregations to youth who have a parent in prison. Judy Vredenburgh, President and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, will deliver the "State of the Organization" address.

Location: Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, 2600 Woodley Road NW

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Reception for members of Congress and all conference attendees hosted by U.S. Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) and Congressman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), both of whom are also Big Brothers.

Location: Library of Congress Great Hall, Thomas Jefferson Building, First Street SE (between Independence Avenue and East Capitol Street).

Friday, June 10 12:15 - 1:30 p.m.

Performance Recognition Lunch to salute exemplary growth and performance at Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the county.

Location: Marriott Wardman Park Hotel

7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

National Banquet emceed by NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann and platinum- selling country group Diamond Rio. Recognition of the 2005 National Big Brothers and Big Sister of the Year will be featured. Special guest Kelly Perdew, winner of NBC's second season of "The Apprentice" and a former Big Brother.

Location: Marriott Wardman Park Hotel

CONTACT: Noreen Shanfelter, Director, Media and Public Relations 215 665-7778 267 973-9107

PRNewswire -- June 8

Source: Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

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