2023 Dancing for Big Buddy Program

Dancing for Big Buddy Executive Director Welcome 2023

Welcome to the 15th Annual Dancing for Big Buddy. Dancing for Big Buddy is the signature fundraiser which supports the programmatic efforts of the Big Buddy Program, a local non-profit agency that has served youth in the Baton Rouge community officially since 1979, unofficially since 1969! Big Buddy works collaboratively to build a community of mentoring relationships that advance and inspire youth to create meaningful change. Our history tells us mentoring is the single most-effective strategy to ensure individual youth have access to the supports and opportunities they need to reach success in life.

Your support of Dancing for Big Buddy makes it possible for over 1,400 youth to connect to positive role models, participate in high quality out-of-school time programs, and gain experiences in the workforce through internships and career exploration initiatives. The efforts of our programs and services increase the economic output and the overall well-being of our community. Thank you for your contribution which makes these outcomes possible.

Just as making a difference in the lives of youth takes an entire community effort, delivering the Dancing for Big Buddy show takes the combined contributions of all the members of a team. Thank you to our Star Dancers, Professional Partners, sponsors, volunteers, and individual donors. We are grateful to be the recipients of such generosity of time, talent, and financial support.

We hope that the Dancing for Big Buddy inspires you to dance. Follow the lead of our Star Dancers and join our efforts to change the lives of youth in the community by sharing your gifts and talents with the youth of the Big Buddy Program. We promise you will not be asked to leave the dance floor.

Enjoy your evening,

Gaylynne M. Mack Proud Executive Director

Big Buddy is excelling in fulfilling its mission because of the overwhelming support from our community donors, our staff, and our board of directors. I feel blessed to be the board chair this year and look forward to being a part of Big Buddy supporters and staff in making sure every child has a positive role model and village to make good choices, resulting in a healthy and rewarding life.

Blake Fowler Big Buddy Program Board Chair

www.bigbuddyprogram.org

MISSION STATEMENT

Big Buddy’s mission is to build a community of mentoring relationships that advance and inspire our youth.

VISION

Big Buddy’s vision is that every child has a positive role model leading him/her to make good choices, resulting in a healthy and rewarding life.

Title Sponsor

Title Sponsor

Signature Sponsor

Signature Sponsor

Event Sponsor

Event Sponsor

Media Sponsor

Media Sponsor

Program 2023

Introduction

2023 Star Dancers and Professional Partners

Hosts for the Evening

Sylvia Weatherspoon and John Pastorek, WBRZ

Welcome

Gaylynne M. Mack, Proud Executive Director

Blake Fowler, Board President

Sponsor Presentations

Event Judges

Kris Cangelosi, John Spain, Kathy Victorian

Overall Top Fundraiser Winner 2020 Kim Sangari

Dancing for Big Buddy 2023 – Act I

Corey Wilson and Jerisse Grantham

Renada Deschamp and Walker Fleming

Jan Rivers and Van Vo

Lillian Derouen and Brian Watson

Rory Denicola and Avery Tate

Kathleen Bonaventure and Walker Fleming

Little Buddy Dancers

Choreography by Powell-Moїse School of Dance - Donté Phillips

Table Challenge

Intermission (15 Minutes)

Dancing for Big Buddy 2023 – Act II

Grace Kelly and Julian Guillory

James "Big Brown" Joseph and Ali Zagzoug

Jacelyn Wheat and Van Vo

Dr. Raymond Poliquit and Mason Bettis

Trisha Guidry and Erik Showalter

Corporate Pair Choreographed by Donté Phillips

Presentation of Awards

Closing

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We proudly support the Big Buddy program and the 15th Annual Dancing for Big Buddy event.

Congratulations to Blue Cross dancer Lillian Derouen and to all of the dancers in this year’s competition.

Rouge General is proud to support the Big Buddy Program. hosting kids during the summer to work in departments hospital to supporting after school programs and providing speakers, we’re working together to expose the youth to the types of jobs available in healthcare. We’re skills – and having fun, too!

Baton Rouge General is proud to support the Big Buddy Program. From hosting kids during the summer to work in departments across the hospital to supporting after school programs and providing career mentor speakers, we’re working together to expose the youth in our community to the types of jobs available in healthcare. We’re helping them gain skills – and having fun, too!

Baton Rouge General is proud to support the Big Buddy Program. From hosting kids during the summer to work in departments across the hospital to supporting after school programs and providing career mentor speakers, we’re working together to expose the youth in our community to the types of jobs available in healthcare. We’re helping them gain skills – and having fun, too!

Baton Rouge General is proud to support the Big Buddy Program. From hosting kids during the summer to work in departments across the hospital to supporting after school programs and providing career mentor speakers, we’re working together to expose the youth in our community to the types of jobs available in healthcare. We’re helping them gain skills – and having fun, too!

Kathleen Bonaventure

A 38-year veteran of the banking industry, Kathleen is the Treasury Management Sales Representative for Hancock Whitney Bank. Kathleen is the mother 2 sons, Tyler and Dylan. Tyler and his wife Audrey have 2 children, my granddaughter Blake (5) and my grandson, Baker (born on March 2nd).

Advice to 13-Year-Old Self:

My advice would be to not be so hard on yourself and don’t be afraid to try new things. Don’t compare yourself to other and always stand up for what is right. Remember, it’s not always about you and nothing lasts forever. Mind your business and crush your goals! You’ve got this!

Supporting Success:

I believe two of our most precious assets are our time and our knowledge. I will continue providing both of those to organizations like Big Buddy and Junior Achievement which share a common goal of cultivating supportive relationships with our youth to help them make positive and quality life decisions. With my career of banking, I enjoy sharing the financial knowledge that I’ve obtained over the years to promote financial stability. There is incredible value to raising funds through events like Dancing for Big Buddy, but there is equal value, if not more, to investing time with kids to share our experiences and help them navigate their future.

My Biggest Supporters:

My immediate family and my work family are my biggest supporters. They have encouraged me through this journey and helped promote Dancing for Big Buddy thru social media as well as word of mouth. My work family at Hancock Whitney has been so supportive of Dancing for Big Buddy that Hancock Whitney purchased additional tables to accommodate my hype squad!

Dance Type: Bachata and Rumba

Professional Partner: Walker Fleming

Rory Denicola

An advisor in the Public and Government Affairs department, Rory will celebrate 24 years at ExxonMobil this June. She and Chad, her husband of almost 28 years, have a 20-year-old daughter, Emily. Very active in the community, Rory has served on the Cancer Services Board and is currently on the board for Volunteers in Public Schools and Project 70805. She is also a member of the Echo Alliance and Junior League of Baton Rouge.

Mentoring Experience:

Through my role at work, education is one of the focus areas I help steward. For this role, I try to stay engaged in all decisions made for our students and teachers in the area to help our company build its educational strategy and focus. Our over 3,000 employees look to my group to keep them informed so they can be better advocates in the community. By supporting Big Buddy and other educational non-profits, we drive our company focus into the community resulting in more support for our future workforce, the children of today.

Advice to 13-Year-Old Self:

If I could back to 1987, last year of junior high in 8th grade, I would tell myself a couple of things. First, genuinely connect to your family. Don’t just be in the room, ask grandparents to tell you stories, learn to cook with your mom and tell all your secrets to your siblings. Second, I would tell myself to chill out, everything always works out. We spend so much time worrying about things we have no control over and not enough time over stuff we do. And lastly, I would make sure I did the very best I could in school. I was very fortunate that I made good grades without studying but can only imagine if I did study how different life could have been. No one can take your education away from you, so learn everything and anything!

My Biggest Supporters:

I have two groups of support for this event. My personal group is of course my family and close friends. They will be the loudest you hear when I am on stage. I am pretty sure my mom is more excited than me! They have supported me for every important event of my life, including this one. The second group is my work family. From my supervisor to my peers, these are the people that support me daily. I am representing over 3,000 employees for this, so it’s a pretty large family!”

Dance Type: Two-Step

Professional Partner: Avery Tate

Lillian Derouen

Mentoring Experience:

Growing up in a single parent home, I remember attending events often tagging along with friends and their parents. As a young girl though, an older couple took me under their wing, brought me to lunch, and spent time with me after church. Their mentoring left a lasting impression and showed me that words and actions can touch someone’s life in a big way. I’ve carried that with me and remind myself often that even the smallest gestures can mean so much to someone.

Advice to 13-Year-Old Self:

At age 13, I was so worried about the opinions of others and always tried to be perfect, which almost made me lose my joy. Back then, I never thought I would have the opportunities I’ve been given because my self-esteem was low. Today, I would tell my 13-year-old self that all people have opinions, but only you can give them meaning, and to hold my head high and the best is yet to come!

Supporting Success:

I’d like to be a positive role model to Big Buddy participants. I want to help them gain a positive view of their skillsets, create a sense of responsibility, improve their feelings of self-worth, and deepen their sense of compassion towards others.

My Biggest Supporters:

Special thanks to my always supportive husband, children, grandchildren, and my wonderful Blue Cross Family! They’ve voted for me, donated to this great cause, and will be there to watch me take the stage as I dance my heart out for Big Buddy!

Dance Type: Hip-Hop

Professional Partner: Brian Wilson

Renada Deschamp

Mentoring Experience:

One of my first experiences as a leader that taught me lessons I carry with me today was actually in high school. My senior year, I was elected Sr. Class Vice President. I ran for the office, but never really wanted the job. My reasons for running for the office were superficial, admittedly a little snide and selfish. While running, I never felt good about it. Something continued to nag me about it internally, and I couldn’t understand why. However, I did it anyway because I knew I would win. Oddly, this act actually bugged me for years afterwards. The experience taught me:

•Just because you can do something, does not mean you should. Always assess your motives before making any move.

•Real leadership is not at all about you, it is about others.

•Operating outside your values, leaves a mark.

Advice to 13-Year-Old Self:

I would say to my 13-year-old self, the future is yours to mold. Although you are a kid, you know the difference between right and wrong and you know can make good decisions. Trust your gut. There is no need to follow, you can lead. Find good counsel and allow yourself the opportunity to learn from others. Continue to pay attention in church. The lessons you learn there will ultimately be your north star through the biggest storms to come.

Supporting Success:

I envision supporting education and mentorship by making myself available as a mentor and helping in any way I can to pour into the next generation of leaders in this community. It is up to all of us to lend the best of ourselves and resources to positively impact the lives of others.

My Biggest Supporters:

My biggest supporters for this are my wonderful colleagues at Woman’s Hospital, my amazing family and supportive friends. My colleagues at Woman’s have been phenomenal! From supporting this very worthy cause financially, to encouraging me to do this in the first place. The passion the Woman’s family has for the Greater Baton Rouge Community is unmatched and I am grateful to work alongside such wonderful people every day who do incredible work for the women and infants of this community.

Dance Type: Cha-Cha

Professional Partner: Walker Fleming

With 20 pediatricians, 40 internists, on-site full-service lab and radiology, and numerous specialties, we have everything you need to keep you and your loved ones

James “Big Brown” Joseph

“My mom was very outspoken in the community,” says James Joseph, a UPS package car driver in Baton Rouge, La. “I’d call her an activist. If she saw something that needed to be fixed or made right, she didn’t wait for help; she did it herself. If she saw a child without shoes, she would get them shoes, clothes, food, whatever was needed. I’m just continuing the work she started long ago.”

Joseph has spread so much love around Louisiana in his 21 years at UPS that he just received the highest honor bestowed upon a UPS employee, the Jim Casey Community Service Award. The award, created in 1995, is named in honor of one of UPS’s founders and its long-time CEO.

This is ‘Big Brown’s’ town. Everyone in the Baton Rouge area seems to know Joseph as “Big Brown,” a nickname easy to decipher since he stands at 6 feet 8 inches tall and wears a lot of brown.

In college, Joseph played basketball at Abilene Christian University in west Texas. After graduating, he toured the world for two years with the worldfamous Harlem Globetrotters. He continued playing pro basketball for several more seasons overseas, then returned home and took a seasonal job with UPS. He’s never left.

His community service is far-reaching. In fact, it is so vast that he started a nonprofit, Big Brown Reaching Back, to bring order to all his work. He selflessly supports those around him, just as his mother, Lillie Joseph, did before she passed away in 2006. “We didn’t have much to offer,” Joseph remembers about his childhood, “but we shared all we had.”

In Pointe Coupee Parish in 2009, Joseph was inspired to launch Beat the Heat, a program that donates fans and air conditioning units to elderly and needy community members when he came across an elderly woman suffering in the heat of the Louisiana summer. To date, Joseph and fellow UPS volunteers have installed hundreds of units during off-duty hours, making life bearable for many residents.

“It means a lot that all the hard work is being noticed,” he says. “But for me, the most important reward is seeing the smiling face of a child who gets a toy for Christmas … or a homeless person who receives a mattress and blanket … or an elderly woman getting some air-conditioning for her hot house.”

Joseph’s Big Brown Reaching Back fund supports 20 different organizations, and has helped flood victims in Baton Rouge, delivered toys for needy children, equipped schools, and provided meals for those in need.

“James Joseph is bigger than life,” says John Spain, executive vice president for the Baton Rouge Area Foundation. “He has a constant smile, a constant laugh, a good word, an engaging personality. You like him the minute you meet him.”

“He knows everybody on a first-name basis,” Spain marvels. “If I were going to write a description of what the perfect employee ambassador for UPS would be in our community, it’d be James.”

“James is all about seeing a need, responding without reservation or weeks of advanced planning, and making a difference,” says his UPS manager, Jeff Hill. As Joseph’s list of community good deeds grows longer and longer, one thing’s for sure: His mom would be very proud.

*Taken from the UPS website article naming Big Brown as the 2017 Jim Casey Award Winner.

Dance Type: Lyrical

Professional Partner: Ali Zagzoug

MORGAN BANKSTON, MD CHARLES AYCOCK, MD JILL BADER, MD

BRITANI BONADONA, MD ALLYSON BOUDREAUX, MD REBECCA BOUDREAUX, MD FRANK BREAUX, MD THERESA BRIGNAC, MD RANDALL BROWN, MD NICOLE CHAUVIN, MD

PAMELA LEWIS, MD

NICOLLE HOLLIER, MD SHAWN KLEINPETER, MD CHARLES LAWLER, MD SHARON LEE, MD

LISA GAUTREAU, MD WENDY HOLDEN-PARKER, MD LIN DANG, MD SARAH DAVIS, MD RYAN DICKERSON, MD

LAUREN SANDERS, MD LAURIE WHITAKER, MD SUNSHINE WILLETT, MD CRYSTAL NHIEU, MD JAY PARENTON III, MD AMANDA PEARSON, MD MICHAEL PERNICIARO, MD SAMANTHA PRATS, MD JULIE MARTIN, MD KIRK ROUSSET, MD

Grace Kelly

Mentoring Experience:

One of my first experience as a leader was being the captain of my high school lacrosse team. In that role, I learned the valuable foundational skills of communication and motivation to inspire my team. I would often start and structure practices, deciding which drills we would perform and what areas needed improvement. Overall, this first experience in leadership prepped me for the future of all leadership roles, which is the ability to effectively and positively motivate and inspire the people I lead.

Advice to 13-Year-Old Self:

If I could give my 13-year-old self advice, it would simply be to SLOW DOWN. When we are young, we just want to catch up with the adults. The reality is that we are only young once, and you have to realize every mistake you make it a lesson you can learn from. So don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Instead, umbrage those mistakes as learning opportunities.

My Biggest Supporters:

My biggest supporters during this Dancing for Big Buddy experience have been my parents. They have always encouraged me to try new things, no matter the outcome. They also support my dreams no matter how big or small. Throughout this experience, they have reminded me that you’re never too old to try something new. My parents also sparked my desire for fundraising, especially for education and mentoring programs.

Dance Type: Fusion

Professional Partner: Jullian Guillory

Dr. Raymond Poliquit

Mentoring Experience:

My first experience with a mentor was with my uncle who was a doctor. He owned his own rural hospital in my ancestral hometown of La Castellana, at the foot of a volcano on the island of Negros in the Philippines. Growing up, whenever I visited, he would take me with him as he worked at the hospital. He was my role model. As a young teenager and a high school student, I strove to be like him. I wanted to follow his footsteps and hoped that one day, I would be able to help him out as a doctor in our small town. Eventually, he became the mayor of that town and helped a lot of people before recently passing away.

My Advice to Teens:

My best advice to the youth of would be to advise them to stay engaged in school, always be present at school, and always do your homework. For me, education was my ticket out of a difficult life in the Philippines.

Because of this experience I plan to continue my support of Big Buddy through regular financial contributions, as well as attending events and meetings when my schedule allows me to come to Baton Rouge.

My Biggest Supporters:

Healthy Blue is my biggest supporter through the leadership of Dr. Christy Valentine and her marketing team Peter Lambousy and Kathy Victorian. This is only strengthened by the support of my best friends who accompanied me in Baton Rouge at all the rehearsals (Katie Lee Hughes and Jeannie Thong) and the support from my family, friends and colleagues who voted for me and contributed their money to “Big Buddy.” I dedicate my dancing tonight to my late father Aniano B. Poliquit, Jr. He was always dancing and smiling around us when I was growing up.

Dance Type: Jive

Professional Partner: Mason Bettis

Jan Rivers

Born and raised in Alabama, Jan has lived in Louisiana for the last 14 years. She and her husband, Brandon, have a blended family of 5 kids –Tyler, Alex, Wyatt, Alexis and Olivia.

Jan has worked with Louisiana Heathcare Connections for 8+ years as the lead HR Business Partner, and also supports the Arkansas and Mississippi markets. Jan believes, employees are the most important part of any business, and she loves that she gets to influence all things people related in my role.

In addition to her full-time job, Jan owns a House of Colour franchise and has been busily making southern Louisiana and parts of Mississippi and Florida more colorful with color analyses for the last 9 months.

Mentoring Experience:

“I’ve had many great informal mentors throughout my youth that taught me a great deal of life lessons, but my first formal mentoring experience occurred when I was in college. I was trying to nail down a major but struggling with wanting to major in something that would lead to a big paycheck and accolades vs something that I would genuinely enjoy. My mentor encouraged me to go down the path of choosing a career that would give me fulfillment vs a bigger paycheck, and I’m glad that I did! When you are passionate about what you are doing, you will always perform better, which (hopefully) will lead to promotions and more money while still getting to do what you love. Another big lesson learned is not to be afraid to fail. Failure is a huge part of learning and growing and necessary for success. As someone who only likes to do things I know I’ll be the best at, it was a hard pill to swallow!

My Advice to Teens:

As a mom of twin middle school girls, this is more a reality than giving advice to my younger self! I want them to know that they are perfect just the way they are, and they don’t have to do what everyone else is doing. Comparison can be so hard at that age – especially with social media showing us everyone else’s perfect lives. We are all unique and shouldn’t measure our success, our looks, etc. against someone else’s. Life isn’t a competition, and we should be celebrating everyone’s success instead of envying it. It’s important to figure out what our values are and consider them with every decision that we make. Never settle for less than you deserve – in everything.

My Biggest Supporters:

My biggest supporters for this event have been my family, of course, however, I’m pretty sure they just don’t want me to embarrass them. My co-workers and friends have been the best throughout this experience – sending me encouraging words when I’ve expressed that I may have gotten myself in over my head, giving me suggestions on dances and songs, and of course, donating their money to this great cause. My dance partner has also been incredibly supportive – pushing me to try things that made me nervous and always reminding me to have fun!” .

Dance Type: Foxtrot

Professional Partner: Van Vo

Jacelyn Wheat

Mentoring Experience:

One of my first experiences as a leader and mentor was teaching summer camps in high school. I would teach musical theater and dance camps at Center Stage with kids of all ages. The biggest lesson I learned was to start each day fresh. Especially with children you never know what’s going on at home but at camp they should be greeted with a smile and it’s never to late to change a bad day to a good one.

Advice To Her 13-Year-Old Self:

If I had to tell my 13-year-old self anything it would be to trust the process. The challenges you face now will all turn into valuable lessons in life. The people who are you best friends now are in your life for a reason maybe a blessing or a lesson. It’s okay to not have everything figured out just yet, good things take time. Trust the process.

Supporting Success:

One of the biggest parts of my job is community outreach. I already have made it my goal to go to schools and speak, but I’m hoping with connections through Big Buddy I will be able to do more school talks and educate and inspire the young people in our community. Especially being a young woman in a male dominated field I hope that I can inspire young women to just follow their dreams no matter how big.

My Biggest Supporters:

My family and friends have been my biggest supporters throughout this whole experience. I have deep roots here and my family and friends have been my #1 supporters since day one. They have helped continue to grow as a young professional and supported me every step of the way in any way they could. WBRZ and my co-workers, thank you for being mentors and leaders. They give me more opportunities than I ever imagined I would have, and I know this is just the start for the great things I will do around my community with their help.

Dance Type: Cha-Cha

Professional Partner: Van Vo

Corey Wilson

Mentoring Experience:

Mentoring has always shaped my life. From my pre-teen years, when I emerged as a leader of team sports at my neighborhood park, to being mentored by my uncle as a child born under challenging circumstances, mentoring helped me become the person I am today. The biggest lessons I learned are to be present and consistent because you never know how much of an impact you can have on others.

Advice To 13-Year-Old Self:

Your limitations are solely based on your mindset. You can be whoever you want to be and do whatever you want to do.

Supporting Success:

I’ll continue to serve as a board member for BR Youth Coalition, an organization focused on helping teens get in college, as well as remain an active member of the 100 Black Men where the motto is “They will be what they see.”

My Biggest Supporters:

My family, friends, and co-workers are my biggest supporters. They will vote for me, share the news with others, buy tickets, and show up to scream for my performance.

Dance Type: Freestyle

Professional Partner: Jerisse Grantham

year-old Enjoylifeas were quickly and shouldenjoyeverystagefully. I the lessonsandadvicethatherparents ofitisusedin a small town andhavebeen livinginPrairieville,LAforthelast17 of 20 amazing and atMonroewith 2001. I spentmyearlycareerinHouston,TX during warattheHoustonVeterans Rouge 2012andamcurrentlythe and the free timeIenjoytravelingwithmyfamily,

Corporate Combo

Corporate Combo

Trisha Guidry

Trish Guidry

Advice to 13-Year-Old Self:

If I could give advice to my 13-year-old self I’d say, SLOW DOWN!! Enjoy life as a teenager and stop wishing you were old already. Life goes by so quickly and you should enjoy every stage fully. I would tell her to listen closely to the lessons and advice that her parents gave her as so much of it is used in your daily life as an adult and as a parent.

Advice to 13-Year-Old Self: IfIcouldgiveadvicetomy13 selfI’dsay,SLOW DOWN!! Enjoylifeas a teenager and stop wishing oldalready. Life goes by so quickly you shouldenjoyeverystagefully. would tell her to listen closely lessonsandadvicethatherparents gaveherassomuch ofitisusedin your daily life as an adult and parent.

Mentoring Experience:

Mentoring Experience:

My first opportunity to be a Mentor was as an 18-year-old college freshman. Using my experience as a softball player, I coached 9- and 10-year-old girls fast pitch softball and was served as pitching coach for the all-star team. It was incredibly rewarding to be a positive role model for those young girls and to aid them in becoming better softball players as well as better teammates. I learned that your actions and your words have a significant impact on the youth you are leading.

My first opportunity to be a Mentor was as an 18-year-oldcollegefreshman. Usingmy experience as a softball player, I coached 9- and 10-year-oldgirls fast pitch softballandwas servedaspitchingcoach fortheall-starteam. It wasincrediblyrewardingtobeapositiverole modelforthoseyounggirlsand toaid themin becoming better softball players as wellas better teammates. I learned that your actions andyourwordshavea significantimpacton the youth you are leading.

I also had the privilege of working with several students from the Big Buddy Program as part of their summer program this past summer. It was a wonderful experience and I look forward to continuing to foster this relationship between Baton Rouge General and Big Buddy to promote workforce engagement and training for the future of Baton Rouge.

Ialsohadtheprivilegeofworkingwith several studentsfromtheBigBuddyProgramaspartof theirsummerprogramthispastsummer.Itwas a wonderful experience and I look forward to continuingtofosterthisrelationship between Baton Rouge General and Big Buddy to promote workforce engagement and training for the future of Baton Rouge.

I was born and raised in the small town of Luling, Louisiana and have been living in Prairieville, LA for the last 17 years where Quinn, my husband of 20 years, and I are raising our 3 amazing children, Karsyn (16), Parker (14) and Dax (11). I graduated from The University of Louisiana at Monroe with a BS in Occupational Therapy in 2001. I spent my early career in Houston, TX working with soldiers injured during the Iraq war at the Houston Veterans Association. I joined Baton Rouge General in 2012 and am currently the COO for the Mid-City Campus and the Administrator for Baton Rouge Rehabilitation Hospital. In my free time I enjoy traveling with my family, reading and being my children's biggest cheerleader at all their extracurricular activities.

I was born and raised in the small of Luling,Louisiana andhavebeen livinginPrairieville,LAforthelast17 years where Quinn, my husband years, and I are raising our 3 children,Karsyn (16),Parker Dax (11). I graduated from The UniversityofLouisiana atMonroewith a BS in Occupational Therapy spentmyearlycareerinHouston,TX working with soldiers injured theIraq warattheHoustonVeterans Association. I joined Baton Rouge Generalin 2012andamcurrentlythe COO for the Mid-City Campus AdministratorforBatonRouge Rehabilitation Hospital. In my timeIenjoytravelingwithmyfamily, reading and being my children's biggest cheerleader at all their extracurricularactivities.

DanceStyle: Mashup - Hip - Hop, Jive, Salsa

DanceStyle: Mashup - Hip - Hop,Jive,Salsa

Corporate Combo

Corporate Combo

Erik Showalter

Erik Showalter

Mentoring Experience:

Mentoring Experience:

When I was 20 years old, I had the opportunity to be the head lifeguard and pool manager at Shreveport Country Club. That experience taught me a lot, especially, listen to your customers, staff and your boss when they provide you with feedback, critiques and areas where you can grow. My first professional mentor was Jim Bowers who was an executive fundraiser at Scripps Hospital in San Diego, CA. He taught me the same thing, always listen when people give you advice whether it is good or bad, there is always something to learn and there is always something to improve…

WhenIwas20yearsold,Ihad theopportunitytobe theheadlifeguardandpoolmanager atShreveport Country Club. That experience taught me a lot, especially, listen to your customers, staff and your bosswhentheyprovideyouwithfeedback,critiques and areas where you can grow. My first professional mentorwasJimBowerswhowasan executive fundraiser at Scripps Hospital in San Diego, CA. He taughtmethesamething,alwayslistenwhenpeople giveyou advicewhetheritisgoodorbad,thereis always something to learn and there is always somethingtoimprove…

Erik Showalter is President of the Baton Rouge General Foundation. In his role, Erik oversees all fundraising and development activities for the General Health System’s three main campuses. He lives in Baton Rouge and is married to his wife, Brook and has two daughters Maggie (10) and Virginia (13).

Throughout his career, Erik’s capital campaign, annual giving and other special fundraising projects have raised over $100 million in support of non-profit organizations ranging from higher education, religion, social services and healthcare.

Erik Showalter is President of the Baton Rouge General Foundation. In his role, Erikoverseesallfundraisingand developmentactivitiesforthe General Health System’s threemain campuses. livesin Baton Rougeandismarriedtohis wife, Brook and has two daughters Maggie (10) and Virginia (13). Throughouthiscareer,Erik’scapital campaign,annualgivingandotherspecial fundraisingprojectshaveraisedover $100 million in support of non-profit organizationsrangingfromhigher education,religion,social servicesand healthcare.

Advice to 13-Year-Old Self:

Advice to 13-Year-Old Self:

I would tell myself to take everything that's coming your way one step at a time, and always remember, this too shall pass. If you feel on top of the world and that you have it all figured out, this too shall pass. If you feel down and you can't get back up, this too shall pass…. Just keep going. One step at a time.

Iwouldtell myselftotakeeverythingthat'scoming your way one step at a time, and always remember, thistooshallpass.Ifyoufeelontop oftheworld and thatyou haveitallfiguredout,thistooshallpass.If you feel down and you can't get back up, this too shall pass…. Just keep going. One step at a time.

Erik’s recent successful campaign for Baton Rouge General exceeded its $10 million goal in December 2019. The funds raised helped to build a new state-of-theart Regional Burn Center, the hospital’s new Center for Health and the new Baton Rouge General Ascension Hospital. Campaign funds have also helped purchase $3 million in new equipment and technological innovations at the Baton Rouge General Pennington Cancer Center.

Erik’s recent successful campaign for Baton Rouge General exceeded its $10 milliongoalinDecember2019.Thefunds raised helped to build a new state-ofart Regional Burn Center, the hospital’s new Center for Health and the new Baton Rouge General Ascension Hospital. Campaignfundshavealsohelped purchase $3 million in newequipment andtechnologicalinnovationsatthe Baton Rouge General Pennington Cancer Center.

Biggest Supporters:

Biggest Supporters:

My biggest supporter for this experience without question is my family. Most importantly, my wife Brook who let me spend so many evening hours away from home to practice. It also means so much that the hospital supported Trisha and me for this event and showed up tonight to support us. Baton Rouge General is a family and for them I am forever grateful.

My biggest supporter for this experience without question is my family. Most importantly, my wife Brook wholetmespend somanyeveninghoursawayfrom home to practice. It also means so much that the hospitalsupportedTrisha andmeforthiseventand showed up tonighttosupportus.BatonRougeGeneral isa familyandforthemIamforevergrateful.

DanceStyle: Mashup - Hip - Hop, Jive, Salsa

DanceStyle: Mashup - Hip - Hop,Jive,Salsa

Choreographer: Donte

Baton role, General campuses. He Rougeandismarriedtohis campaign,annualgivingandotherspecial servicesand $10 milliongoalinDecember2019.Thefunds thehospital’s Baton newequipment Cancer

WE c!') TEACHING OUR LITTLE BUDDIES TO DANCE!

Thankyoutoour

2023 Little Buddy

Dancers!

Elizabeth Brown

Sanaa Collier

Lydia Davis

Mariam Davis

Jer'Mya Davis

Elaisjah Dodd

Magnum Domino

Deshawn Hinton

Nyla Howard

Dalilah Johnson

Tevin Joseph

Kamyri Joseph

Kentrell Lewis

Tranece Lewis

Chy'Ann Lewis

As'Ton Martin

Jayla Mccray

Jhiree Miller

Paul Miller

Laila Nash

King Orange

Caleb Orange

Charlie Paul

Cayden Paul

Charles Paul, Jr.

David Range

Samiiah Robinson

Isabella Sharper

Aubree Simmons

Choreography by Donte' Phillips

Little Buddy Dancer Relations: Chyla CollinsandAllieYoung

Rayden Tackno

Christian Valentin

Makenzie Williams

Dequincy Williams, Jr.

De'Layne Womack

Judges

Hosts

John Spain Baton Rouge Area Foundation

Kris Cangelosi Cangelosi Dance Project

Sylvia Weatherspoon WBRZ Anchor

John Pastorek WBRZ Anchor

Kathy Victorian Healthy Blue

largest in and $300M to Kim (10 Officer Price is the and of sounding

2020 Dancing for Big Buddy Winners

2020 Dancing for Big Buddy Winners

Kim Sangari

Kim Sangari

2020 TOP FUNDRAISER

2020 TOP FUNDRAISER

Louisiana her embraced envisioned love and death many the good hercurrentroleas values She believes it child! Elif’s found than more. also

2020 VOTERS' CHOICE

2020VOTERS

Kim Sangari is the CEO of Louisiana Women’s Healthcare – the largest Obstetrics and Gynecology private practice in our state, with the leadership style of “Servant Heart, Warrior Spirit”. Kim has 25 years’ experience as a senior executive and management consultant in the Healthcare Industry. She has worked in 30 states across the country in mergers, acquisitions, interim management, financial turnarounds and strategic assignments for hospitals and health systems ranging $300M to $3B+ in revenues.Prior to joining Louisiana Women’s Healthcare, Kim served LSU Health as the Chief Administrative Officer of the system (10 hospitals and two health sciences centers) and the Chief Executive Officer for Earl K. Long Regional Medical Center. She began her career with Price Waterhouse Coopers in Houston. Kim holds a Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Houston and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas in Austin. She is the mother of one daughter, Morgan Oktavec, who is senior at Parkview and will be a proud LSU Tiger in the fall.

forEarl K.Long daughter,Morgan ,

Kim Sangari is the CEO of Louisiana Women’s Healthcare – the Obstetrics and Gynecology private practice in our state, with the leadership style of “Servant Heart, Warrior Spirit”. Kim has 25 experience as a senior executive and management consultant Healthcare Industry. She has worked in 30 states across the country mergers, acquisitions, interim management, financial turnarounds strategic assignments for hospitals and health systems ranging $3B+ in revenues.Prior to joining Louisiana Women’s Healthcare, served LSU Health as the Chief Administrative Officer of the system hospitals and two health sciences centers) and the Chief Executive forEarl K.Long Regional Medical Center. She began her career Waterhouse Coopers in Houston. Kim holds a Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Houston and a Bachelor Business Administration from the University of Texas in Austin. mother of one daughter,Morgan Oktavec, who is senior at Parkview will be a proud LSU Tiger in the fall.

Why Big Buddy:

Why Big Buddy:

Big Buddy is an opportunity for “The Triple T” level of support to give of my: Time, Talent & Treasure! I enjoy serving as a professional sounding board and an active Big Buddy for my little buddies, and attending Dancing for Big Buddy for many years.

Big Buddy is an opportunity for “The Triple T” level of support my: Time, Talent & Treasure! I enjoy serving as a professional board and an active Big Buddy for my little buddies, and attending Dancing for Big Buddy for many years.

2020VOTERS' CHOICE

Elif Chiasson

Elif Chiasson

A native of Istanbul, Turkey, Elif has claimed Baton Rouge, Louisiana her home since 1988 and in turn, this community and country has embraced her! When Elif was looking at graduate schools, she never envisioned coming to Louisiana, alas life had other plans. Over the last three decades here she has found success as an engineer. She found love and became a mother to two beautiful individuals. Elif shares that death found her, cancer found her, painful trials made her stronger; in many ways, she says the results are better! Life brought her love again in the form of the most amazing life partner and husband.

foundher,cancerfoundher,painful trialsmadeherstronger;in formofthemostamazing lifepartnerandhusband.

A native of Istanbul, Turkey, Elif has claimed Baton Rouge, Louisiana home since 1988 and in turn, this community and country has her! When Elif was looking at graduate schools, she never envisioned coming to Louisiana, alas life had other plans. Over the last decades here she has found success as an engineer. She found became a mother to two beautiful individuals. Elif shares that foundher,cancerfoundher,painful trialsmadeherstronger;in ways, she says the results are better! Life brought her love again formofthemostamazing lifepartnerandhusband.

fortuneofworking notableanduniqueprojects.In hercurrentroleas

Over her engineering career, she has had the opportunity and the good fortune of working on notable and unique projects. In her current role as an executive at CSRS, while no longer an engineer, she immensely values the time she has to mentor younger engineers and professionals. She loves the culture of servant leadership cultivated at CSRS. She believes it is the essence of personal growth and the growth of society.

Over her engineering career, she has had the opportunity and fortuneofworking on notableanduniqueprojects.In hercurrentroleas an executive at CSRS, while no longer an engineer, she immensely the time she has to mentor younger engineers and professionals. loves the culture of servant leadership cultivated at CSRS. She is the essence of personal growth and the growth of society.

Elif had never danced up until 4 years ago. Not even ballet as a child! Although she always loved it and wanted to dance.Growing up, in Elif’s days, was filled with schoolwork and playing the piano. She has found that learning new skills such as dancing is much harder as an adult than as a child. However, she is enjoying and appreciating the journey more. She has also been told that dancing keeps not only your body, but also your mind young

Elif had never danced up until 4 years ago. Not even ballet as Although she always loved it and wanted to dance.Growing days, was filled with schoolwork and playing the piano. She has that learning new skills such as dancing is much harder as an as a child. However, she is enjoying and appreciating the journey She has also been told that dancing keeps not only your body, your mind young

Cangelosi Dance Project

Cangelosi Dance Project

Cangelosi Dance

Cangelosi Dance Project

Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, Jazz, Tap, andAcro

Accepting Ages 3-18

Holiday Nutcracker, Performing Arts Company and Competition Team

www.cangelosidanceproject.com

Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, Jazz, Tap, and Acro

Accepting Ages 3-18

Holiday Nutcracker, Performing Arts Company and Competition Team

Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, Jazz, Tap, andAcro

Accepting Ages 3-18

www.cangelosidanceproject.com

Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Accepting

Holiday Nutcracker, Performing Arts Company and Competition Team

www.cangelosidanceproject.com

Holiday Nutcracker, Performing Competition

Cangelosi,Artistic Director

Cangelosi,Artistic Director

Kris Cangelosi, Artistic Director

Thank You for 15 Successful Years!

Star Dancers 2020

Elif Chaisson

James “Big Brown” Joseph

Katie Shellack

Johnston von Springer

Chad Brossett*

Lillian Derouen*

Dr. Steven & Danielle Kelley*

Dr. Matt & Dr. Mimi Lee*

Dustin Loveless*

Julia Pleasant*

Dr. Raymond Poliquit*

Dr. Gunjun Raina*

Kim Sangari*

Erin Monroe Wesley*

Corey Wilson*

Star Dancers 2019

Branden Barker

Sarah Fautheree

Lauren Fowler

Brad Grundmeyer

Brandi B. Harris

Cate Heroman

Dr. Tina Holland

Aaron Lambert

Sherry Mockler

Larry Munson

Chris & Trula Remson

Scott Taylor

Michael Valluzzo

Vishal & Namisha Patel-Vasanji

Raedtha “Rae” Vasquez

Star Dancers 2018

Stephen P. David, Jr.

Dr. Johnnie Hunt Bond

Antoinette King Patterson

Mathew Laborde

Gina Laird

Kristy McKearn

Rubin and Manisha Patel

James Peltier

Brandon Saho

Dr. Steve Sherman

Dawn Starns

Melissa Terito

Michael Uffman

Star Dancers 2017

Brittany Allphin-Smith

Marsha Baker

Aaron Bayham

Dr. Rebecca Boudreaux

Donald Chube, Jr.

Courtney de la Bretonne Hart

Ashley Fruge

Jeff Johnson

Christopher K. Jones

Chadwick Kenney-Possa

Nial Patel

Drs. Samir and Tatiana Patel

Vanda Refermat

Amanda Rothrock

Ann Tillage

Star Dancers 2016

Pam Bordelon

Paula de la Bretonne

Lillette Delahaye

Dr. Jennifer Greeson

Melvin Hardnett

Sandra Holub

Josh Howard

Natalie Laborde

Wendy Lipsey

Dixon McMakin

Jordan Piazza

Chris Price

Wayne Talbot

Kathy Victorian

Justin Vincent

Corey Webster

Star Dancers 2015

Reid Bateman

Dr. Jerry Dynes

Liz Firesheets

Vanessa Graham

Leo Hamilton

Melvin Hardnett

Shelly Ripple Johnston

Heather Kirkpatrick

Adam Knapp

Rhonda Loy

Travis McLavy

Russell Mosely

Terrie Thomas, MD

Brittany Weiss

Sharon Weston Broome

Candy Wright

Star Dancers 2014

Stephanie Anderson

Allison Collins

Renea Duffin

Darrin Goss, Sr.

Ashley Hebert

Melanie Hebert

Michael Marsh

Dr. Aimee Russo-Mounger

Tracy Donovan Smith

Lonnie Stockwell

Michael Tipton

Patrick Valluzzo

Star Dancers 2013

Shelly Beall

Nikki Caldwell

Rosa Flores

Scott Kaiser

Heather Kleinpeter Savoy

Nanette McCann

Dr. Douglas & Kelli Mendoza

Michelle Pricer

W. Ob Soonthornsima

Ralph Stephens

Wayne P. Talbot

John Tyler

Jim Urdiales

Dr. Ann C. Zedlitz

Star Dancers 2012

Dr. Susan Bankston

Armond D. Brown

Lindsay Chustz

John B. Fabre

Kristie Genzer

Victor Howell

Jared Loftus

Tiffany D. Magee

Amy Mitchell-Smith

Chris Nakamoto

Dawn Perret

Candy Picou

Trudy M. White

Clay Young

Star Dancers 2011

Janice Barrios

Ty Hingle

Gerri Hobdy

John Lee

Debra Lockwood

Claire Major

Beverly Brooks Major

Sherry & Julio Melara

Christi Dominque Rangle

Chad Sabadie

Michelle Southern

David St. Romain

Collis Temple III

Leo Verde

Allison Young

Star Dancers 2010

Pam Bordelon

Dr. Jay & Vicki Brooks

Beth Courtney

Louis DeAngelo

Matt DeVille

Michael “JMichael” Francois

Sandra Holub

Brinkley Maginnis

Tony Minnis

Dave Nussbaum

Christy Reeves

Dr. Rani Whitfield

Star Dancers 2009

Verge Ausberry

Rebecca Bernhard

Shelton (Dennis) Blunt

Michael Cauble

Yvonne Dorsey

Todd Graves

Ann & Rob Guercio

Claire Hatty

Dejeanne (Dee) Keller

Tony King

Terri LeBlanc

Bill Profita

Dot Rumfellow

Dr. Kenyatta Shamlin

Ralph Slaughter

Star Dancers 2008

Chris Russo Blackwood

Kristy Davis

Robert Delarosa

BeBe Facundus

Dede Ferrara

E. Eric Guirard

Rose Hudson

Michael Jackson

Denise Johnson

Laurie Lipsey-Aronson

Layne McDaniel

Sam McGuire

Rock Rockenbaugh

Ruffin Rodrique

Suzie Toups-Adler

Star Dancers 2007

Arminta & Laddie Bolden

Jodi Carson

Glen (Big Baby) Davis

John Davis

Paula Pennington de la Bretonne

Wilson Fields

Alice Greer

Victor Gregoire

Melvin “Kip” Holden

Brandon Landry

Charles Landry

Kevin Lyle

Joe Macaluso

Michael Paul

Patrick Shingleton

Whitney Vann

Jacqui Vines

*-Dancer was not able to perform due to COVID-19

Thanks for a Wonderful Evening

Big Buddy Program wishes to thank each individual and group who contributed to tonight’s success. To all in attendance, your presence is a great gift to Big Buddy Program. We look forward to seeing you next year!

Big Buddy Board of Directors

Blake Fowler, President

Beau Bourgeois, Treasurer

Sissy Stephens, Secretary

Adam Beary

Terrell Kent

Lindsay Marquette

Jareth Rossman

Kim Sangari

Bo Miller

Nick Pentas

Julia Udoessien

Justin Hutchinson

Co-Chairs, Judges, Host, Production

Kris Cangelosi

John Spain

Kathy Victorian

John Pastorek

Sylvia Weatherspoon

American Audio Visual

Premier Sound Services

Program Book Design and Content

Blue Cross Blue Shield of LA

Downtown Duplicating

Erin Roy

Laurie Hardison

Ann Tillage

Photography & Videography

Alpha Media, Todd Sterling

David Humphreys

FantomLight Productions

Kevin McQuarn

WBRZ Productions

DFBB Big Buddy Team

Aubrey Barrett

Allie Young

Bridget Conrad

Chyla Collins

Jasmine McClendon

Laurie Hardison

Avery Malatesta

Charlie Soprano

Courtney Scott

Evan Mulderig

Evelyn Stewart

Jay Pack

Jordyn Baker

Lauren Godard

Maliah Mathis

Naiya Turner

Stephanie Calvaruso

Stefani Wheeler

Title Sponsors

Hancock Whitney

Louisiana Healthcare Connections

Signature Sponsors

Baton Rouge General

Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Healthy Blue

Woman's Hospital

Event Sponsors

ExxonMobil

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Kelly Cares Foundation MercedesBenz of Baton Rouge

Table Sponsors

Achord Eye Clinic

Allied Sales & Service

Louisiana Lottery

Louisiana Women's Healthcare

Renada Deschamp

The Baton Rouge Clinic

WBRZ

Friends of Big Buddy

Billy Heroman’s Florist

Blue Cross Blue Shield of LA

Cangelosi Dance Project

City Group Hospitality

Coca Cola

Community Coffee

Crescent Crown Distributing

Evolve 26

Forum 35

Fran Kelly

Guaranty Media

Hip-Hop X

Jeffie Jean Studio

LSU PMAC

Providence Road

Republic National Distributing

Powell-Moise School of Dance

Rhythm Nation

WBRZ

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96% of people say that VOLUNTEERING enriches their sense of purpose.

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96% of people say that VOLUNTEERING enriches their sense of purpose. Level-UP! gives high school youth the opportunity to learn valuable life and work skills which promote a successful future. Join more than 50 local organizations representing local businesses, government offices, nonprofits, and educational institutions who serve as Host Sites for over 100 Scholars.

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Level-UP! gives high school youth the opportunity to learn valuable life and work skills which promote a successful future. Join more than 50 local organizations representing local businesses, government offices, nonprofits, and educational institutions who serve as Host Sites for over 100 Scholars.

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Level-UP! gives high school youth the opportunity to learn valuable life and work skills which promote a successful future. Join more than 50 local organizations representing local businesses, government offices, nonprofits, and educational institutions who serve as Host Sites for over 100 Scholars.

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