Heat Charitable Fund Donates $350K To Big Brothers Big Sisters
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Miami Heat organization made a big donation to a local organization this week.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami announced on Monday that it has received a $350,000 donation from the Miami Heat Charitable Fund to establish 'The Miami Heat Big Fitness Center' at the planned new BBBS headquarters.
The facility, called the Carnival Center for Excellence, is in the process of undergoing several enhancements that are slated for an early 2016 completion.
"We are thrilled at the outpouring of support from our community's most influential charitable organizations for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami's work to improve the lives of at-risk youths," said Lydia Muniz, president and CEO of BBBS. "The Miami Heat Charitable Fund's generous gift enables us to provide an important resource aligned with our mission: a venue to help our Littles lead healthier, more active lives and build friendships to last a lifetime."
The Heat's donation follows the Carnival Foundation's $5 million gift earlier this year to BBBS which helped establish the donor and volunteer-supported organization's new home at 550 Le Jeune Road in Miami.
The 1,783 square-foot fitness center will feature a complete suite of exercise equipment including stationary bicycles, treadmills and free weights. It will also offer group classes, such as yoga, and special events including a 'Big Fitness: Go Healthy Challenge' to all Bigs and Littles during National Mentoring Month.
"Donating to create the Miami Heat Big Fitness Center for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami was a natural choice for the Miami Heat Charitable Fund," said Steve Stowe, executive director of the Miami Heat Charitable Fund. "We seek opportunities to support the betterment of South Florida's most vulnerable families, and providing a fitness facility, something out of reach for many members of our community, to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami's beneficiaries is a great way to make an impact where it matters most."