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Community Corner

Be There Now: Big Brothers Big Sisters Celebrates 15 Years of Work from Bruce Fleming

People from all over St. Louis gather to show their appreciation for Bruce Fleming and his accomplishments.

At the celebration of Bruce Fleming’s 15-year anniversary with Big Brothers Big Sisters, St. Louis City officials Harry Kennedy and Maurice Falls, on behalf of Aldermanic President Lewis Reed, presented Fleming with a special proclamation to honor his service to at the agency. 

Current and former BBBS staff, family and friends also joined Fleming at his anniversary celebration to show their admiration and respect for all that he has given to the agency.

“Bruce is the soul of Big Brothers Big Sisters, and everyone here tonight is here for Bruce,” said Becky James-Hatter, president and CEO.

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Fleming first teamed up with Big Brothers Big Sisters by participating in the annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser. After recruiting multiple teams his first year to support the agency’s fundraising efforts, Fleming was invited back the next year to be a part of the Bowl for Kids’ Sake committee and later co-chaired the event.

After completing his bachelor’s degree in 1994, Fleming was hired on staff full time at Big Brothers Big Sisters to assist in fund development, concentrating on Bowl for Kids’ Sake and other fundraising events. Fleming continues to be especially proud of the fundraising goals and looks back fondly on the staff’s annual “Bowling Ball,” where hitting their goals was celebrated with style.

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Currently, Fleming serves as the agency’s chief hospitality officer, where he is the first face of Big Brothers Big Sisters for all who step through the doors of the agency. Bruce is consistently recognized by agency visitors and in the annual staff promoter satisfaction surveys for his warm presence. He makes sure everyone is welcome to the agency and receives the assistance they need.

Fleming continues to represent the agency brand even after he leaves the office.

“I’m a walking billboard for Big Brothers Big Sisters,” Fleming said, who recalls one evening when his wife asked if he could just wear a “plain” shirt that night. “I finally realized what she meant,” he said. “All of my clothes have the BBBS logo on them! I’ll wear the shirt, a jacket and even a baseball hat all with the logo. I like advertising for the agency. I hope people will say ‘Hey, I’ve always thought about doing that.’”

Bruce even turns it up a notch when the agency is in greater need of volunteers.

“The more kids need our help, the more I wear logo wear,” he said.

If you are interested in more information on how to become a Big Brother or Big Sister, or how to get your company or organization involved, call Vivian Gibson at 314-361-5900. Visit Big Brothers Big Sisters by clicking here.

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