On December 6, 2018, Family Biz Builder held its 2nd Annual Community Fundraising Luncheon at the Tunica National Golf and Tennis Center. Sponsors, donors and supporters enjoyed a festive atmosphere where they were presented with an informational presentation on the remarkable success of the organization since its inception in 2014. One of the highlights of the event was receiving a $24,000 Blue Print for Success Grant from the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Foundation. Family Biz Builder was one of eight exceptional National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) organizations chosen to receive the grant and was the 6th from across USTA’s 9 state Southern Section.
The NJTL network is a nation-wide group of community tennis organizations which seeks to develop the character of young people through tennis and education. NJTL's network offers a variety of on-court tennis programming as well as educational and life skills components which were designed to enhance the overall development of participants.
According to Executive Director, Peggie Henderson, FBB provides three training programs for children who attend the Tunica County School District ranging from ages 7 through 17:
1. Biz Builder Sports and Fitness Program (BBSFP): Provides professional instruction in tennis and golf while connecting character and life skills.
2. Biz Builder Literacy Program (BBLP): Provides educational and training activities that leverage technology. The program was developed to support the social, intellectual, and physical development of underprivileged elementary through high school children within reading and math.
3. Biz Builder Workforce Training Program (BBWTP): Provides employment training services to participants ages 13-17. The youth receive employment opportunities and assist the administration team while mentoring others and assisting coaches in both tennis and golf.
“Our success as an organization depends on the citizens in the community. Family Biz Builder is building relationships with the community to educate them about our vision so we can change the future for the children. We are so thankful for the people who believe in the mission and who continue to support FBB and the children of Tunica County and the north Mississippi delta,” says Henderson. “We welcome anyone who would like to volunteer to come see what these amazing children are capable of. When given an opportunity to develop the life skills, it is crucial for success.”
For more information about Family Biz Builder, visit their website at www.familybizbuilder.com. To learn more about the USTA and the USTA Foundation, please visit www.usta.com.