Events
Event Announcement
Every voice matters. Join our next event and spread Kindness with us!
7
December 2024
My Buddy Bench Project is unveiling a new Buddy Bench at Coral Reef Park & Palmetto Bay Park! 🤩
Thanks to the Village of Palmetto Bay and the Youth Community Involvement Task Force for their genuine support! 🤝
SAVE THE DATE!
🗓 Saturday, December 7, 2024
⏰ 10:00 A.M.
📍 Coral Reef Park
7895 SW 152nd St. Palmetto Bay, FL
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🗓 Saturday, December 7, 2024
⏰ 11:00 A.M.
📍Palmetto Bay Park
17535 SW 95th Ave. Palmetto Bay, FL
Let’s spread kindness and celebrate community together! 🌈
3
December 2024
Save the date for #GivingTuesday 2024
After Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, join the global generosity movement on #GivingTuesday.
💙 Support the My Buddy Bench Project Foundation as we work to promote kindness and empathy among children in schools and public spaces through “Buddy Benches”.
🗓 Early giving: November 19th, 2024
✨ #GivingTuesday: December 3rd, 2024
Visit 👇
https://givingtuesday.mightycause.com/organization/My-Buddy-Bench-Project-Foundation
21
November 2024
Join MBBP during Give Miami Day 2024 💜
Give Miami Day is an annual online giving event that brings together a wide range of community organizations, both large and small . It’s all about encouraging generosity and highlighting the vital role these organizations play in our community.
*Studies have shown that the presence of Buddy Benches in schools or public spaces can counteract antisocial behavior, making kids feel connected, valued, confident, and shift their focus from bullies to friends 
.
Mark your calendars! 
Let’s come together to make Miami a better place for everyone, one buddy bench at a time.
Early giving: November 17th, 2024
#GiveMiamiDay : November 21st, 2024
Show your support at www.givemiamiday.org/organization/My-Buddy-Bench-Project-Foundation
*Source: “The effects of a buddy bench on elementary students’ solitary behavior during recess. IEJEE. 2017”
06
July 2024
MBBP Spreads Kindness at the Starbucks All-In Event
The Starbucks All-In event further highlighted our commitment to addressing community needs. 🤩 With Starbucks’ incredible efforts in food distribution and education support, our participation was met with enthusiasm and interest in our work.
We had an AMAZING time sharing Kindness and spreading the word about My Buddy Bench Project’s Mission 🤗
Thank you @wbhi for inviting us! 💙✨
01
July 2024
MBBP Spreads Kindness at UMatter Event
At the UMatter event, organized by Cristina’s Academy, we connected with a community focused on empowering youth through education. Attendees were eager to learn about our mission to spread kindness, and Buddy, our beloved mascot, was a hit, bringing smiles to everyone he met 
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Dr. Alecia Rodriguez talks about MBBP and its impact at UMatter Event.
19
April 2024
Pine Villa Welcomes Its Buddy Bench!
My Buddy Bench Project is thrilled to unveil a brand new Buddy Bench at Pine Villa Elementary! 🌟
Special thanks to Pine Villa Elementary and our wonderful sponsor, Hollywood Kia, for their heartfelt support! 🤝
Join us for a joyful event where children will witness the power of kindness and community. 🌈
🗓 April 19th, 2024 ⏰ 9:00 A.M.
📍 Pine Villa Elementary School,
21799 SW 117th Ct, Miami, FL 33170
Let’s come together to spread kindness and build bridges of friendship on this special day! 🌼
Press Release My Buddy Bench Project & Pine Villa Elementary School
12
February 2024
My Buddy Bench Project & City of Miami Bullying Prevention
Exciting news! 
My Buddy Bench Project is unveiling a new Buddy Bench during the Coconut Grove 60th Arts Festival at Peacock Park 
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Thanks to the City of Miami for their genuine support! 
Join us for a collaborative art installation with local kids and artist DJ Chery 
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Feb 12th, 2024
4:00 P.M.
Peacock Park in Coconut Grove
2820 McFarlane Rd, Miami, FL
Let’s spread kindness and celebrate community together! 
Press Release My Buddy Bench Project & City of Miami
25
January 2024
Yoga & Wine Night
Immerse yourself in a peaceful FREE yoga session guided by expert instructors, followed by a delightful wine tasting experience with @onehope . Special thanks to TLC Holistics for supporting My Buddy Bench Project 
!
Thursday, Jan 25th 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM @venturexpb 9555 Southwest 175th Terrace Palmetto Bay, FL 33157
28
November 2023
Be Part of #GivingTuesday 2023!
After Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, join the global generosity movement on #GivingTuesday. Support the My Buddy Bench Project Foundation as we work to promote kindness and empathy among children in schools and public spaces through “Buddy Benches”.
Save the Date for November 28th or donate early at www.givingtuesday.mightycause.com/organization/My-Buddy-Bench-Project-Foundation
16
November 2023
Save the date for Give Miami Day 2023
Be part of the year’s most thrilling giving event in South Florida! Support the My Buddy Bench Project Foundation by making early donations from November 13th to 15th, leading up to the official kickoff of Give Miami Day at 12:01 a.m. on November 16th
04
August 2023
My Buddy Bench Project is Volunteering at the Annual D9 Book Bag Drive
- Laura C. Saunders Elementary School
This event, created by School Board Member Luisa Santos and the District 9 Office, is aimed at providing students with book bags, school supplies, and food.
06
June 2023
MBBP first Buddy Bench Reveal
- Dr Henry E Perrine Academy of the Arts, Victoria's old Elementary School
“Be a Buddy. Not a Bully”: My Buddy Bench Project, a non-profit started by a 13-year-old and her mom, have their first Buddy Bench reveal at a local elementary school in Dade County. Miami, Florida- The My Buddy Bench Project is proud to announce the highly an^cipated reveal of the first Buddy Bench at Dr. Henry E. Perrine Academy of the Arts, an elementary school in PalmeDo Bay, Miami, Florida. The event will take place on Tuesday, June 6th, at 10:00 AM, in the school’s cafeteria located at 8851 SW 168 Street, PalmeDo Bay, FL 33157. The Buddy Bench serves as a symbol of kindness, compassion, and inclusivity, offering a safe space for children who may feel lonely or excluded.
This milestone event signifies a transformative journey inspired by a personal story of resilience and hope. “My daughter’s personal story of being bullied in this same elementary and now being able to offer a helpful tool to kids & teachers, makes this a full circle story from tears to joy. We believe that through the Buddy Bench, we can create an environment where children choose to be buddies, not bullies,” said Mary and Victoria Portela, Founders of the My Buddy Bench Project.
For further information about the Buddy Bench foundation, please visit the Buddy Bench website: https:// mybuddybenchproject.org/
The reveal event will feature key individuals who have supported the initiative, including:
Main Sponsor Panter, Panter & Sampedro, PA: Panter, Panter & Sampedro is a leading personal injury law firm that generously sponsored the My Buddy Bench Project afer hearing about Victoria’s story and the goals she has for her non-profit. Mitch Panter, representing the firm, recognizes the importance of creating safe and supportive environments for children.
PTA President Kelley Augi: Kelley Augi has been instrumental in the realization of the Buddy Bench installation at Dr. Henry E. Perrine Academy of the Arts. Her dedication and commitment to fostering a positive school environment have been invaluable. Email: [email protected]
School Counselor William Rehkamp: William Rehkamp, the school’s Guidance Counselor, has been actively involved in promoting kindness, empathy, and social-emotional well-being among students. His efforts align perfectly with the mission of the My Buddy Bench Project.
Principal Barbara Leveille-Brown: Principal Barbara Leveille-Brown’s leadership and vision have played a significant role in embracing the My Buddy Bench Project initiative and cultivating a culture of inclusivity within the school community. Website: http://perrineelementary.dadeschools.net/
Support Mayor Karyn Cunningham: Mayor Karyn Cunningham of Palmetto Bay has extended her support to the My Buddy Bench Project initiative from day one, emphasizing the significance of fostering kindness and inclusivity among youth. Website: https://www.palmeDobay-fl.gov/378/About-Mayor-Cunningham
The event will be a joyous celebration filled with heartfelt speeches, inspiring stories, and interactive activities centered around the theme “Be a Buddy. Not a Bully.” Attendees will have the opportunity to witness the Buddy Bench reveal firsthand and learn more about the My Buddy Bench Project’s mission and resources.
“We invite parents, educators, community members, and the media to join us in this remarkable occasion. Together, let’s cultivate a community where every child feels seen, heard, and valued. Be a buddy, not a bully,” added [Beverley Harris-Alvarez].
For further information about the Buddy Bench reveals event, please contact the My Buddy Bench Project at [email protected] or visit our website at mybuddybenchproject.org
Media Contact:
Mary Portela – 786-246-8626
12
April 2023
Doing Good Together
- Dr Henry E Perrine Academy of the Arts.
My Buddy Bench Project will be volunteering April 12th, 2023 with Doing Good Together at our local Elementary School!
Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to make real changes.
Every little bit counts!
16
August 2022
MBBP Co-Funder Victoria Portela was invited by Mayor Cunningham to School Backpack event
- Dr Henry E Perrine Academy of the Arts.
My Buddy Bench Project Co-Funder Victoria Portela was invited by Mayor Cunningham to participate in the start of school Backpack giveaway. And to meet the new Principal Barbara Leveille-Brown and former Guidance Counselor William Rehkamp. Who we credit with helping Victoria through those difficult times back in elementary school.
04
August 2022
1st Government official meeting - Victoria discusses
- Palmetto Bay Village Hall
My Buddy Bench Project was well received by the first Government Official Mayor Cunningham. The Mayor showed great interest in getting the word out to the local schools and community.
08
June 2022
Huge step - Our First official email on Buddy Bench Project to a school official - Very Promising
- Dr Henry E Perrine Academy of the Arts. Student Services - School Counselor
Response was “This is a great idea! Yes, we would love to be involved. ” by Bill Rehkamp, LMHC
