Thank you to the Companies & Organizations Supporters

Thank you to these great organizations & companies for a GREAT 2017! 

See you in 2018! 

End of the Year Fundraisers 2017

N.Y.C.F.C. Soccer Games
On October 22, 2017 N.Y.C.F.C. played at Shea Stadium.  Thank you to our supporters we raised $94 with a ten supporter turnout.

On November 5, 2017, we returned to Yankee Stadium raising $90 with a 30 supporter turn out.  Our supporters were given a tour of the field and given the best seats in the house.

         Thank you again to all our soccer & S.M.B.S. Inc. fans for joining us 

for all our soccer games this year! :) 

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Annual Bowling Event
Our annual bowling event at AMF, on 34th Street, Woodside Queens, was held on Saturday, November 18, 2017.  Along with tons of fun and a wonderful turn out we raised $130.89 in sales, $200 for our holiday basket raffle and $163 in donations, total of $493.89 for the event.

Thanks again to everyone who supported this event!

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JETS Football Game
Our very first football game fundraiser was held on Sunday, Dec. 3 at Met Life Stadium in New Jersey as we rooted for our home team, the JETS.   It was an exciting game and as always surrounded by great company.   On this event we sold 35 out of 40 tickets and were able to raise $396.  We did it all, including tailgating to chanting for the home team.

As always, thank you to our sports games supporters!

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ANNUAL HOLIDAY RAFFLE
Our Executive Director, Diana Diaz Torres, decided to go LIVE on Facebook for the first time to draw the three lucky winners on Friday, December 16, 2107.  It was described as "fun to watch" as noted by one of our nine online witnesses.  With four present (Diana Diaz-Torres, Alexandria Agrinsoni, David Torres and Nicolas Torres) at the drawing. The drawing was a success raising $1,123 plus a $100 donation.  This is always our highest fundraising event of the year and greatly appreciate the support of our board members, their families and friends for the support.  A special thanks to our generous donors who provided these amazing prizes to raffle off.

                                                 Congratulations to all our winners!!!

**Please LIKE & follow our Facebook page.  You will find more pictures 

and updates on upcoming events!!!!**

https://www.facebook.com/The-Stephanie-Marie-Burgos-Scholarship-Inc-340889992613806/

2017 Annual Board Meeting

Annual Board Meeting 2017

On Thursday, September 21, 2017, our wonderful board members united for our annual board meeting at Union Pizza Works in the Bushwick area of Brooklyn, New York.   In attendance included returning board members: Diana Diaz Torres (Executive Director), Alexandria Agrinsoni (Treasurer), Kenny Lozano (Sports Event Director), Jeanette Aquino (Secretary), Charmaine Mayers, Fanny Mera, Jessica Thomas, Areta Gjicali (Scholar Alum 2010), Alex Martin (Scholar Alum 2012) and Sue Roye.  Evelyn Mosquea was unable to attend but granted her proxy to Diana.   Christine Rivas (2008) and Richard Bohan (2009), both former Scholars themselves were not present but were missed.

During this meeting, our board discussed vital items that needed to be decided for the future of our organization's fundraising efforts and distribution of funds to our current and future scholars.

Serving as a board member is a rewarding but time consuming volunteer opportunity.  It is a wonderful experience to be able to share ideas and provide assistance in developing and facilitating activities that not only raise funds for the organization but spread awareness of our efforts and mission.  We service underprivileged college students the emotional and financial assistance to fulfill their undergraduate goals for their four years of college.  The process of selecting, following and creating programs to engage our scholars are truly hard work and a labor of love.

Thank you to all those current board members, who continue to serve in this capacity.  Your work does not go unnoticed. 

If you interested in joining this amazing team of dedicated and caring group of people please send your resume with a letter of intent to SMBS2010@aol.com.

2017 Scholar Updates

Lewinski Lopez (2017) - First Year Scholarship Recipient      

My first week living at St. Lawrence University has been exciting and nerve wracking at the same time. Professors wasted no time to give assignments and a long list of future expectations but each of them were extremely welcoming. They each encouraged questions and for you to come visit them during office hours which was nice but if there is one thing I didn’t expect from college was how relatively easy it would be to ask for help not just from the professors but from the students as well. The assignments thus far have been easy thanks to the support I’ve received from the people around me. I have spent more money than anticipated on textbooks for most of my classes and still need to spend more money on books later in the semester so I am grateful to be a recipient of  the Stephanie Marie Burgos Scholarship will allow me to afford the books and not be behind in my class work.

Jennifer Van (2016) - Second Year Scholarship Recipient

Dear Stephanie Marie Burgos Scholarship Board,

This past academic year, I have matured exponentially. My first two semesters in college were filled with many enlightening experiences even though heavy courses filled up my schedule. Organic Chemistry and Biology proved to be more difficult than what I was used to. I spent countless hours in the library staying up until the early morning hours, even pulling all-nighters for finals week. A few important things I’ve learned from these courses are time management, dedication and support. I’ve realized that making friends and creating a network are crucial to success. Not only do they support me in times of stress, but they also serve as advocates for scholarship and education. I can say the same about SMBS members who constantly check up on me and make sure I am excelling in both my academic and social life. Having said that, I am ready to embrace my second year at Stony Brook University. 

Over the summer, I worked at JFK Airport as an airport greeter for incoming international students. I had the opportunity to converse with people in my age range from all over the world. I met someone from Morocco for the first time and he told me how different the school system was over there. I would try to explain, but it was a bit confusing. I made friends from Italy who have a great fashion sense and study the same subjects I do at their own university. Overall, it was a great experience and I have a greater appreciation for culture and language. I hope to work there again next summer or maybe even during the school year if I have the time. 

Though my interests lay in the health sciences, I still yearn to engage in the social sciences. Being around such a diverse group of students has furnished my decision to pick up a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies. I thought I wouldn’t have time to add courses that didn’t pertain to my major, but I think it’s important to have a well-rounded education and I eagerly want to take upper division courses like Feminine Spirituality. This exploration can only bring exciting things into my career, so I am confident that my decisions will be rewarding in the future. I want to give a huge thank you to SMBS’s support and efforts. I wouldn’t be able to consider opportunities like these without them.

Sincerely, 

Jennifer Van

Shakira Delacruz (2015) - Third Year Recipient

Shakira had taken a semester break from school due to some familial issues and distractions.  She transferred this past academic year from Albany to Lehman College to finish her undergraduate studies and is eager to continuing her education.  Here is her update written in the summer 2017:

            Hi my name is Shakira De La Cruz and I was the eighth winner to The Stephanie Marie Burgos Scholarship. I am writing this letter in order to update you on my college experience.  I can’t wait to go back to Lehman College. I miss school and I miss getting the grades that I used to get my first semester in College while I was upstate. I am planning to apply for my major which is social work this junior year and hopefully receive financial aid.  I am no longer eligible for funding from FASFA and this is to update you with this news because I am in need of the funding from my scholarships more than ever. 

                                                                                                            Thank You,

                                                                                                       Shakira De La Cruz

NYC Subway Series Fundraising Game 2017

Yankees Vs. Mets meets S.M.B.S. Inc. 

We were able to quickly organize and assemble a group of 28 S.M.B.S. Inc. supporters at Yankee Stadium for a baseball fundraiser on Tuesday, August 15th, night.  It was not only a fundraiser but a peer/mentoring event led by our board member, Alexandria Agrinsoni, where scholars had the opportunity to meet each other and meet our supporters. 

It was an exciting and engaging game.  Everyone in attendance had an amazing time chanting for both the Yankees and the Mets.  Our group consisted of fans from both teams but united in laughter and good sportmenship supporting not only their teams but our cause.  

We raised $175 from tickets sales and donations. 

Thank you again to our amazing board; Kenny Lozano, Alexandria Agrinsoni, Fanny Mera and Diana Diaz Torres for this magnificent night of unity and fun.  Most importantly thank you to our supporters.  

Jennifer Van (Scholar #9, 2016) & Shakira DeLaCruz (Scholar #8, 2015)

Former board member, James Carroll, and current Board member, Fanny Mera

Yankee and Mets fans in the mix :) 

Board members (Left to right)
 Diana Diaz Torres, Alexandria Agrinsoni, Kenny Lozano & Fanny Mera
photo bombed by Nicolas Torres 

To our greatest supporters, the Ferro, Mancini, Napolitano & Padilla families.
Thank you for your support! 

Another Winning Soccer Fundraiser 2017

A GOALLLLL of a Fundraiser - N.Y.C.F.C. vs. Redbull 2017

On Sunday, August 6th, night we walked out of Yankee Stadium winners not because N.Y.C.F.C. won the Redbulls 3:2 but we raised $230 from ticket sales and donations with 30 in attendance.

The game kept both team fans on the edge of their seats but it was certainly a great win for the N.Y.C.F.C. team.  

Thank you to everyone who came out for our annual soccer fundraiser game and those who generously donated to the event.  

It was truly an exciting and fun filled evening.

Until next year!

Board member/Sports Director of SMBS Inc., Kenny Lozano,
with his daughter Sheaya

No division with this group of friends,
Red Bulls vs. NYCFC 2017

Chilis & Online Fundraisers Results 2017

S.M.B.S. Yankee Fundraiser 2017

S.M.B.S. Inc. ran its first four month long online only Yankee Candle Fundraiser campaign this year from March to June 2017. 

With simple orders online sales we were able to raise $101.20.  

Thank you to all of our supporters for always making our events possible with your generous participation.

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FaceBook Page Fundraiser 2017

For the first time, we set up an online FaceBook page fundraiser where FB assisted in the advertisement of our organization and people were able donate to S.M.B.S. Inc.  A total of $180 was donated online with a small charge of $10.65 by FB for the use of the service.   We raised a total of $174.35.  Aside from the monetary gain we were able to brining awareness of our efforts as an organization using social media.  

Thank you to everyone who took advantage of donating to us using this service. 

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Chilis Give Back Night 2017

Another successful event on Wednesday, April 5th!  Chilis informed us we had a big turn out as every year and raised $250 plus $50 donation for the evening.   

Thank you again to all of our supporters.  

Congratulations to the Henschke Family for being second time winners of our annual Chili's picture contest.  They were able to capture one of the best family pictures of the night.  Thank you! 

 

Mary and Carolyn joyfully accepted their family's prize.

Congratulations Again!!!

SMBS Milestone: The Selection of Our 10th Scholar 2017

This year we reached a milestone in our organization.  We selected our TENTH scholarship recipient.

Board members, Alexandria Agrinsoni and Diana Diaz Torres, served as the application review committee this year and made the very hard decision of selecting the best candidate for the scholarhsip.  With the help of another board member, Sue Roye, selection was finally made.   A senior of Discovery High School, who exemplified hard working and dedicated student, was chosen out of 26 applicants from schools throughout the five boroughs.

We are proud to announce our 10th Scholar, 

Lewiski Lopez!  

Ms. Lopez graduated from Discovery High School in the Bronx this past June and will be entering St. Lawrence University in the Fall 2017.

Let's all welcome Ms. Lopez to our S.M.B.S. Inc. family and wish her well in her first year of college.

Congratulations!

Annual Chili's Give Back 2017

Another Chili's Give Back Success!

Thank you to everyone who came out on Wednesday, April 5th to support our annual event at Chili's Restaurant in Atlas Mall, Middle Village area of New York.

There were many familiar faces and plenty of new ones throughout the day.   Again, thank you for the support.  This year's totals are yet to be announced but please take note we received $50 donated by a couple of supporters, who were unable to come out that evening.  Thank you!

We had our annual Chili's Selfie Challenge and selected our winner.

The Henschke Family! 

This is not the first time they are winners as their little ones won a couple of years ago.   This time the selection was based on the large outcome.  This family has lots of love to share.  Thanks for sharing it with us.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Thank you to Our Special Lil' Guy

For a couple of years, our Nicolas started generously donating part of his birthday money to charities of his choice, most of the time our organization.   When we asked this year Nicolas 'who do you want to donate to?', he thought about it for a split second and made a firm decision.

Truly, if it was up to him his whole birthday money would have been evenly distributed to all in need. Have a giving and loving heart is truly what any parent strives for but a very grateful child is far more rewarding than anything else.   Nicolas says he blessed and we all believe he is.

This is indeed a lesson for all in giving and being grateful, especially during this period of Lent.  

A portion ($250) was not only donated to our organization, his cousin's memorial scholarship, but another percentage was donated to his school, Queen of the Rosary Catholic Academy, for needed equipment.  He says the money will be used for a good cause and trusts that it will directly help kids simply striving to obtain a good education.  We love you Nicolas!!! You are truly phenomenal as you say you are!

Thank you Nicolas and Happy Blessed10th Birthday!

2017 SMBS Yankee Candle Fundraiser

Last year was a success.   Now, let's make this year one too!

This is our second year selling yankee candles to raise funds for our organization.  It is an easy way to support our great organization and you can have your home, work and/or car smelling terrific.

Please make your purchase online at the following link:

https://www.yankeecandlefundraising.com/store.htm

Make sure to enter our organization Group # 990091588 and SMBS Inc. will receive 40% of the sale. 

Thank you for the support!

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