Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC Hosts

34^th Annual Sidewalks of New York Awards Dinner

Tonight's gala celebrated two honorees with deep roots in community service, whose leadership and hard work have empowered young people throughout New York City to succeed: Victor Cruz, 2012 Pro Bowl wide receiver for the New York Giants, and Tina Lundgren, philanthropist and board member of The Ronald McDonald House and Figure Skating in Harlem. BBBS of NYC also honored Verizon, a global leader in communication services, for setting a positive example through its commitment to improving education and to addressing other important social issues. Randy Milch, executive vice president of public policy and general counsel, represented Verizon.

"Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City plays a vital role in the lives of so many in our communities who need and deserve our support," said Nooyi. "The Sidewalks of New York Dinner recognizes community service at its finest, and the shining examples set by this year's honorees remind us of the power and responsibility we have to give back in ways that make a difference in the lives of others."

In the most successful Sidewalks of New York Dinner yet, more than 1000 attendees came together to watch three BBBS of NYC matches (a match is a 'Little' Brother or Sister and his or her 'Big' Brother or Sister) present awards to this year's honorees. Prior to the event, the matches had the opportunity to meet with the honorees they recognized, learn about their background and discuss common experiences and interests; they spent several weeks writing and rehearsing their remarks for the award presentation. Each delivered a touching speech that recounted their experiences in their own words.

Big Brother Eric DeLillo and his Little Brother Tamauri honored Victor Cruz with the Sports Award. Matched since 2011, Eric and Tamauri have been a great fit. Through the many activities they've enjoyed over the past two years from Tamauri's first baseball game to exploring cultural destinations like the American Museum of Natural History they've developed such a strong bond that Tamauri has been able to confide in Eric again and again. He has become increasingly confident and outgoing through his relationship with Eric, while his grades also continue to improve. Eric has thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to be a positive influence for his Little Brother.

Big Sister Ayanna Kerrison and her Little Sister Eliza presented Tina Lundgren with the Community Service Award. After two years in the Credit Suisse Workplace Mentoring Program, Ayanna and Eliza were matched in 2012 and have already discovered many common traits, including a love of traveling and desire to push themselves forward. Ayanna has helped Eliza identify and hone her skills and interests, while exploring career options. Eliza had taught Ayanna the power of a positive mindset and hard work through her infectious positive attitude and passion for excellence demonstrated by her commitment to swimming and strong performance in school.

Big Brother Fernando Luciano and his Little Brother Erik presented the Corporate Award to Randy Milch on behalf of Verizon. Fernando and Erik were matched in 2010, and in their two and a half years together have had a significant impact on one another. Their charismatic and energetic personalities along with a passion for sports ? have made the process of becoming close friends seamless. Fernando has focused their discussions on the importance of succeeding in school and has encouraged Erik to become more outgoing and concentrate on his studies, which has led Erik to receive academic performance recognitions and to pursue singing in his church choir.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City

Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC (BBBS of NYC), the nation's first and NYC's largest youth mentoring organization, has served the changing needs of New York City's most at-risk youth since 1904. The volunteer- and donor-based organization offers a variety of specialized mentoring programs to help children facing more complex challenges  including immigrant youth, teen mothers and children of incarcerated parents as well as the Workplace Mentoring Center, which helps businesses throughout New York City positively impact the lives of young people and build a foundation for professional success. Additionally, since 1992 BBBS of NYC has worked through its Center for Training and Professional Development to equip non-profit professionals throughout New York City to develop and enhance their own mentoring and youth-development programs and organizations.

Through the support of individuals, foundations and corporations, this not-for-profit agency has been able to change the lives of the city's most disadvantaged children, matching them with caring adult role models dependable friends who can help to expand their horizons, realize their potential and enrich their futures. To learn more, become a mentor and/or offer support, please visit www.bigsnyc.org.