Community Corner
Little Jan for Big Mayor Campaign Races Toward its Close
Big Brothers, Big Sisters Tampa Bay benefits from this Wesley Chapel Honorary Mayor candidate's efforts.
Jan Roberts doesn't believe in doing things in a small way. She prefers to make as big a splash as possible.
Take her Wesley Chapel Honorary Mayor campaign as an example. For months, Roberts has been playing host to some to raise money for two organizations that have more than a small place in her heart: the Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce and Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Tampa Bay.
The chamber stages the mayoral race each year as a fundraiser. Proceeds raised by candidates count as "votes." The person with the largest pot collected at the end of the campaign wins. That person also gets to give a portion of the money raised to their charity of choice.
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Roberts is the director of partnership development in Pasco County for Big Brothers, Big Sisters Tampa Bay. Through her campaign, she's been raising money for that nonprofit organization while also raising awareness for its needs.
Roberts has been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters since 1985 when she became a Big Sister to 7-year-old Michelle. Jan said she wanted to give back because of the people who touched and changed her life in youth ministry.
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“Being a Big Sister is a lifelong commitment for me,” she affirmed. “I am still in contact with Michelle, who is now 31.”
New Year’s Eve 2007 was the pivotal point in Robert’s life. She was looking for a more rewarding job where she could realize her goal of giving back, and found an ad for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. She applied and was offered the position which established her career with Big Brothers Big Sisters in 2008.
“It’s a heartwarming job and I am thankful to have it,” Jan expressed.
The Little Jan for Big Mayor Campaign has one more fundraiser on its schedule. On Dec. 6 at 6 p.m., Roberts will play host to a at 10550 Regents Park Dr. The cost is $30 per person or $50 per couple.The ticket price includes dancing, dinner, dessert, iced tea, funny money to play casino games and more. There will be a cash bar available, too.
To learn more about Big Brothers, Big Sisters, call Roberts at 813-997-6881.
