Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County raised $390K at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Déjà Vu Rock of Ages, presented by JM Family Enterprises, featuring multi-platinum global music superstar Bret Michaels.  Proceeds of the event, in celebration of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County’s 50^th anniversary, support its lifechanging one-to-one mentoring programs that ignite the power and promise of youth.

Déjà Vu Rock of Ages, attended by 370 guests in rock ‘n’ roll attire, was chaired by Seminole Hard Rock & Casino Vice President Susan Renneisen and I-LOV-ITT Events owner Alyssa Lovitt.

“We’re extremely grateful to Susan and Alyssa for chairing Déjà Vu Rock of Ages.  They brought amazing creativity to the table resulting in a celebration like no other, including the Rockstar magic of Bret Michaels and gourmet cuisine in a chic cocktail lounge setting,” said Malena Mendez, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County. “We also were so proud to honor individuals key to the success of our agency in celebration of our 50^th anniversary.”

The over-the-top Déjà Vu concert event celebrated the service of Ana Cedeno, who served as president and CEO at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward for 27 years, and Dan Schevis, a founding board member of the organization.  Both received Legacy awards at the event.  The Leslie L. Alexander Foundation, a generous, longtime supporter, was recognized with a Champion of Children award.

In addition, Darius Daughtry, who was a Little Brother in the program many years ago, recited a powerful spoken work piece.  Daughtry is the founder and artistic director of the Art Prevails Project dedicated to strengthening communities, particularly those that are underserved and historically disadvantaged by investing in people through literary and performing arts.

Title Sponsor Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was joined with Presenting Sponsor JM Family Enterprises and Something to Believe In sponsors Publix Super Markets Charities, Taggart/Baker and The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort; I Won’t Forget You sponsors Comcast, Moss Construction Management and Upchurch Management; Ride the Wind sponsors Ana G. Mendez University, BBX Capital, Cornerstone Solutions, Franklin Street, GMS Law PLLC, JetBlue, Miller Construction Company, MOWI, Team SCG, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, Stearns Miller Weaver, Spirit Airlines, Wells Fargo Advisors, Woodforest National Bank and WSVN; additional sponsors Centennial Bank, City of Miramar, Cleveland Clinic, Lewis Brisbois, MedPro Healthcare Staffing, Our Fund Foundation, Pearl Momma Studio Gallery, and Toshiba; and in-kind donors I LOV-ITT Events, Sixth Star Entertainment, Stephens Distributing Co, and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County has made a lasting impact on the lives of youth in the Broward County community for the past 50 years.  Mentoring relationships created by the organization build self-confidence and emotional well-being, empower young people on a path to graduation and higher education, and help them establish a plan for a successful future.  The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward is to ignite the power and promise of youth.  For more information, visit www.bbbsbroward.org.