The 16th Annual Big Taste Welcomes Honorary Chair Bernard Carmouche, Culinary Director for Emeril’s Restaurants

Stuart, FL (February 27, 2012)- Signature Sponsor Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, Sobel, Bush and McCluskey (Fox Wackeen Dungey) and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties (BBBS) are proud to welcome Bernard Carmouche, Culinary Director for Emeril’s Restaurants, as the Honorary Chair for The Big Taste.

Chef Carmouche’s story begins like many of the children in Big Brothers Big Sisters’ programs- which is probably why he is such a big fan of mentoring. In high school he worked as a dishwasher at Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, trying to save enough to buy a car. Emeril Lagasse noticed him taking the initiative, and promised to teach him about cooking as long as he stayed in school. Here is a short except of a recent article in the Orlando Sentinel:

From Commander’s Palace and eventually to Emeril’s in New Orleans and a coveted internship with acclaimed French chef Roger Verge along the way, Carmouche worked his way up.

“Commander’s and Lagasse turned my life around,” says Carmouche. “I grew up in a neighborhood where it was very hard to do the right thing.”

And just as he was mentored by others, he’s constantly on the lookout for young talent in the kitchens he oversees every day in Florida.

“Whatever is taught to you, you teach the next person,” says Carmouche. “Mentoring is a gift not to keep, but to pass on.”

Chef Carmouche will join Big Brothers Big Sisters supporters at this exciting culinary event and has generously donated dinner for four guests at Emeril’s exclusive Kitchen Table for The Big Taste’s annual silent auction.

The Big Taste, sometimes referred to as The Taste of Martin County or A Taste of Martin County’s Best, showcases local restaurants, caterers, food wine and beer vendors and offers attendees a “taste” of what everyone has to offer. Restaurants compete for votes from attendees in each of the six categories: Best Soup, Best Salad, Best Appetizer, Best Entrée, Best Dessert and Best Presentation.

BBBS is still currently accepting sponsors, restaurants participants and silent auction donations. To find out more about getting involved visit www.TheBigTaste.net or call 561-727-3450.

Tickets are available in advance for $40 each or two for $65 and can be purchased online at www.thebigtaste.net and at the BBBS office at 5035 SE Federal Hwy, Stuart FL 34997. Tickets will be available at the door for $50 per person.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties

BBBS provides children facing adversity aged 6-17 with volunteer mentors who serve as positive role models. Since 1986 the organization has provided mentors to children in Martin County and since July 2010 in Palm Beach County. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) recognized the Martin County organization in 2007 as one of the 35 best performing agencies nationwide. BBBSA recognized CEO William P. Bee Jr. as “CEO of the Year Small Agency Category” in 2007. South Florida Business Leader Magazine ranked BBBS in 2009 and again in 2010 as one of the top 100 South Florida small businesses. Visit www.mentorbig.org to learn more.

Bayview Construction Named Signature Sponsor of The Big Golf Tournament

 Stuart, FL (February 23, 2012)- Bayview Construction will once again be the Signature Sponsor for The Big Tournament, benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties (BBBS). The Big Tournament will be hosted by The Evergreen Club in Palm City on March 20, 2012 and is presented in conjunction with The Big Taste, sponsored by Fox Wackeen Dungey Beard Sobel Bush & McCluskey LLP and hosted by Honorary Chair Bernard Carmouche, Culinary Director for Emeril’s Restaurants. Bayview Construction has supported The Big Taste for the past three years and is very dedicated to Big Brothers Big Sisters and the children they serve. 

“Bayview Construction is excited to once again be a part of The Big Tournament,” said Bayview President and BBBS board member Ken Ringe. “We are looking forward to an amazing tournament and heavy competition for The Big Cup, our first prize! We will also have wonderful raffle giveaways and prizes, so be sure to book your foursome early. And, all proceeds to go Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs to help children in our community.”

“Bayview Construction is a fantastic partner for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and we are blessed to have Ken as part of our organization,” said BBBS President and CEO Bill Bee. “The Big Tournament is always an incredible experience. We look forward to an amazing day!”

Registration is available in advance for $200 per player or $750 a foursome if payment is received by March 1, 2012. Teams can be registered online at www.thebigtournamment.com and at the BBBS office at 5035 SE Federal Hwy, Stuart FL 34997.

Photo Caption: BBBS Board of Trustee Members (Left to Right): Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, Beard, Sobel, Bush & McCluskey partner George W. Bush Jr., Bayview Construction President Ken Ringe and Guy, Yudin & Foster partner John Yudin at the check presentation from Bayview Construction for The Big Golf Tournament. Bayview Construction has been the signature sponsor for The Big Golf Tournament for 3 consecutive years.

Fox Wackeen Dungey Sobel Bush & McCluskey LLP Named Signature Sponsor of The 16th Annual Big Taste

Stuart, FL (February 16, 2012)- Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, Sobel, Bush & McCluskey (Fox Wackeen Dungey) will once again be the Signature Sponsor for The Big Taste, benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties (BBBS). The firm has supported The Big Taste for the past three years and is very dedicated to Big Brothers Big Sisters and the children they serve. The Big Taste will be hosted by The Evergreen Club in Palm City on March 20, 2012 and is presented in conjunction with The Big Tournament, sponsored by Bayview Construction. This year, The Big Taste welcomes Honorary Chair Bernard Carmouche,

Culinary Director for Emeril’s Restaurants. “Mentoring is very near and dear to the hearts of attorneys, because it is so important during our career development,” said Fox Wackeen Dungey partner and BBBS board member George W. Bush. “It has been proven time and time again that the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring model works and has demonstrable impact on the lives of participating children. Who wouldn’t support an organization with such a proven impact in our community?”

“We are proud to have Fox Wackeen Dungey supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters and The Big Taste,” said BBBS President and CEO Bill Bee. “Our success is only possible with the support of community conscious businesses and leaders like George Bush and his firm.”

The Big Taste, sometimes referred to as The Taste of Martin County or A Taste of Martin County’s Best, showcases local restaurants, caterers, food wine and beer vendors and offers attendees a “taste” of what everyone has to offer. Restaurants compete for votes from attendees in each of the six categories: Best Soup, Best Salad, Best Appetizer, Best Entrée, Best Dessert and Best Presentation. 

BBBS is still accepting sponsors, restaurants participants and silent auction donations. To find out more about getting involved visit www.TheBigTaste.net or call 772-283-8373.

Tickets are available in advance for $40 each or two for $65 and can be purchased online at www.thebigtaste.net and at the BBBS office at 5035 SE Federal Hwy, Stuart FL 34997. Tickets will be available at the door for $50 per person.

The 15th Annual Big Taste and Big Tournament Raises Big Money For Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties

Stuart, FL (April 14, 2011)- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Inc (BBBS) is excited to announce the 15th Annual Big Taste and Big Tournament raised an estimated $60,000 on April 5, representing an increase of over 30% from the previous year despite weather concerns.

“We are proud to be the recipient of such community generosity,” said BBBS President/CEO Bill Bee. “The food was fantastic- our presenters really outdid themselves this year. Everyone enjoyed themselves while supporting our programs for local children. We are lucky to live in such a charitable and giving community, and we thank everyone for their support. As our community knows, we will use these funds efficiently and effectively to improve the lives of our local children.”

2011 Taste Winners

Best Soup: Artichoke Cafe for Bistro Soup
Best Salad: Key Lime Cafe for Triple Cherry Berry Salad with Grilled Chicken
Best Appetizer: Ian’s Tropical Grill for Hawaiian Escolar Sashimi
Best Entree: Palm City Grill for Parmesan Crusted Seabass
Best Dessert and Best Presentation: Edible Spirits for Banana Coconut Rum Cake

Competitors included- Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, Big Apple Pizza, Big Kahuna, Carmella’s Brick Oven Pizza, Charlie’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill, Chef Mark Muller, Indian River State College School of Culinary Arts, Jersey Mike’s Subs, La Bortaga, Manero’s, Mulligan’s Beach House, Padrino’s Original Hoagies, Palm City Grill, Palm Cove Sports Grill, Panera, Pei Wei Asian Diner, Publix Super Markets, Southern Pride, Splash Poolside Bar and Grill, The Chef’s Table, The Evergreen Club and TooJay’s.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties

BBBS provides at-risk children ages 6-18 with volunteer mentors who serve as positive role models. Since 1986, the organization has provided mentors to children in Martin County and since July 2010 in Palm Beach County. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) recognized the Martin County organization in 2007 as one of the 35 best performing agencies nationwide. BBBSA recognized CEO Bill Bee as “CEO of the Year – Small Agency Category” in 2007. South Florida Business Leader Magazine ranked BBBS Martin County in 2009 and again in 2010 as one of the top 100 South Florida small businesses. Visit www.MentorBig.org to learn more.

Contact: Kara Thornberry

kthornberry@mentorbig.org

Phone: 772-283-8373

Local Restaurants Give Back to Martin County

Stuart, FL (March 28, 2011)- 28 local restaurants, chefs and bakeries have signed up to participate in the 15th Annual Big Taste, the major fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties (BBBS). For just $30 per person or two for $50 (advanced ticket sales) Martin County residents can enjoy a taste from these delicious, and philanthropic, local businesses.

“We invite everyone to please join us on April 5th at The Evergreen Club in Palm City to support Big Brothers Big Sisters, and remember these restaurants the next time you’re looking for a place to go out to eat!”  said BBBS President/CEO Bill Bee. “The Big Taste provides an opportunity for us to come together as a community and celebrate the generosity and dedication of these restaurants. We are lucky to live in such a charitable community.”

Committed restaurants include: Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, Artichoke Cafe, Big Apple Pizza, Carmella’s Brick Oven Pizza, Charlie’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill, Chef Mark Muller, Edible Spirits, Ian’s Tropical Grill, Indian River State College School of Culinary Arts, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Keylime Cafe, La Bortaga, Manero’s, Martin County High School Culinary School, Mulligan’s Beach House, Padrino’s Original Hoagies, Palm City Grill, Palm Cove Sports Grill, Panera, Pei Wei Asian Diner, Publix Super Markets, Southern Pride, Splash Poolside Bar and Grill, The Chef’s Table, The Evergreen Club and TooJay’s.

For a complete list of restaurants and their entries, please visit www.thebigtaste.net.

Discounted advanced tickets are on sale now at www.thebigtaste.net, BBBS offices at 5033 SE Federal Hwy, Stuart FL 34997 or any Martin County branch of Seacoast Bank for $30 each or two for $50. Tickets will be available at the door for $40 each.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties

BBBS provides at-risk children ages 6-18 with volunteer mentors who serve as positive role models. Since 1986, the organization has provided mentors to children in Martin County and since July 2010 in Palm Beach County. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) recognized the Martin County organization in 2007 as one of the 35 best performing agencies nationwide. BBBSA recognized CEO Bill Bee as “CEO of the Year – Small Agency Category” in 2007. South Florida Business Leader Magazine ranked BBBS Martin County in 2009 and again in 2010 as one of the top 100 South Florida small businesses. Visit www.mentorbig.org to learn more.