Events
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Event Announcement
Every voice matters. Join our next event and spread Kindness with us!
20
November 2025
Join MBBP during Give Miami Day 2025 💜
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.
🤗 Let’s come together to make Miami a better place for everyone, one buddy bench at a time.
Show your support at
https://www.givemiamiday.org/organization/My-Buddy-Bench-Project-Foundation
@miamifoundation
#GiveMiamiDay #ChooseKindness #KindnessAmbassador #KindnessInAction
13 - 15
November 2025
We’re incredibly proud to share that My Buddy Bench Project has been invited to speak at Florida’s largest mental health convention!
📍 Fort Lauderdale, FL
📅 November 13–15, 2025
Our co-founders, Victoria & Mary Portela, along with Buddy the therapy dog, will be presenting: “Small Bench, Big Impact: How a Youth-Led Buddy Bench Program Supports Mental Health and Peer Connection”
This session will explore the heart of our mission—creating friendly spaces, fostering inclusion, and encouraging children to lead with kindness and courage.
Being chosen to speak among leading voices in mental health is a true milestone in our journey. Thank you to the Florida Counseling Association for recognizing the impact of youth-led advocacy and emotional wellness.
💡 Follow along as we prepare to share our story—and inspire others to #BeABuddy!
14
October 2025
New Buddy Bench Unveiling!
We’re so excited to announce the unveiling of a brand-new Buddy Bench at AcadeMir Charter School of Math & Science! 💙✨
This special bench, sponsored by Monarch All Health & Dr. Rina S. Santiago-Guia, Psy.D., will serve as a symbol of kindness, inclusion, and mental health awareness for students and the community.
📅 Tuesday, October 14, 2025
⏰ 9:00 a.m.
📍 AcadeMir Charter School of Math & Science – Homestead, FL
Together, we’re creating safe and welcoming spaces where kindness always has a seat. 🪑💙
07
August 2025
Help Us Color the Future One Backpack at a Time!
The My Buddy Bench Project is kicking off its Back-to-School Crayon Drive, and we need your help to make sure every student starts the year ready to learn!
We’re collecting all essential school supplies—from crayons and pencils to notebooks and backpacks—to be shared at our Back-to-School Bash on August 9th and throughout our MBBP enrichment programs during the school year.
Donation Deadline: August 7th, 2025
🛒 Shop our Amazon Wishlist: https://a.co/5xMBbof
💛 Donate via Zelle – Scan the QR code
🎒 Have supplies to donate? Text 786-246-8626
We’ll come pick them up!
Let’s spread kindness, creativity, and confidence — one backpack at a time 💙🧡.
09
August 2025
Join us for a day of community and support!
🌟 MBBP will be there! Will you? 🎒📚
We’re honored to volunteer at the Back to School Bash at Agape—an incredible event bringing FREE backpacks and school supplies to families in our community.
Let’s come together, lend a hand, and help kids start the school year with confidence and kindness 💙
📅 August 9 | 10AM–3PM
📍 Agape Network Main Campus
🎒 Supplies are limited—come early!
👉 Join us as a volunteer, spread the word, and help us share this opportunity with those who need it most!
@theagapenetwork
09
August 2025
We’re excited to be part of the Back to School Bash hosted by Cristina’s Academy and Arthur & Polly Mays!
📅 August 9th, 2025
🕥 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
📍 Arthur & Polly Mays Campus
Join My Buddy Bench Project for a day full of kindness, connection, and back-to-school fun! 🎨💚
We’ll be spreading the #KindnessMovement with resources, smiles, and more.
🎁 Free school supplies, games, music & great community vibes!
Come say hi to Buddy and start your school year with kindness 💫
@cristinas_academy
@apmcotacps
29
July 2025
Calling all volunteers! Let’s make kindness go viral
📣 💛 Join My Buddy Bench Project this Tuesday, July 29th at Miami Vineyard Church for an evening full of kindness, creativity, and connection! 🎨✨
We need helping hands to:
📸 Take photos & video
🎨 Support kids with arts & crafts
💛 Spread positivity in our community!
⏰ 5:30–8:45 PM
📍 12727 SW 122nd Ave, Miami, FL
📲 Text 786-246-8626 to sign up!
🎁 Students can earn community service hours + gift cards!
30
April 2025
Buddy Bench unveiling at Laura C. Saunders Elementary School
🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 Join us for a new Buddy Bench Unveiling Ceremony at Laura C. Saunders Elementary School! 🎉
📅 Wednesday, April 30, 2025
⏰ 9:00 AM
📍 505 SW 8th St, Homestead, FL 33030
Together with Doing Good Together™, we’re bringing a Buddy Bench to this amazing school, creating a space where every child feels seen, supported, and included. 💙
Hear from inspiring guest speakers, learn about the impact of this initiative, and help us foster a kinder and empathetic community!
🔹 Save the date!
🔹 Spread the word!
🔹 Let’s make a difference together!
4
March 2025
A "Love Letter to Myself" activity for School Staff
Our enrichment activity was so successful that we also shared it with the school staff at Dr. Henry E. Perrine Elementary School. This time, Dr. Rina Santiago-Guia from Monarch All Health joined us to guide the activity while bringing insights on mental health & self-care ✨.
12
February 2025
Valentine's day at Pine Villa Elementary
We celebrated Valentine’s day at Pine Villa Elementary School by sharing our “Love Letter To Myself” enrichment activity with the students, promoting mental health wellness by empowering them to build a foundation of kindness and respect for themselves, which they can extend to others 
.
We were joined by Cristina Benavides, from Cristina’s Academy, a huge MBBP supporter 🥳.
24
January 2025
Career Day at Dr. Henry E. Perrine Elementary
My Buddy Bench Project was invited to join the Career Day at Unveiling event at Dr. Henry E. Perrine Elementary.
As January is self-love month, we shared an enrichment activity with the students to encourage them to recognize and celebrate their unique strengths and positive qualities, building self-esteem and self-love .
Buddy enjoyed spreading kindness around the classrooms!
7
December 2024
My Buddy Bench Project is unveiling a new Buddy Bench at Coral Reef Park & Palmetto Bay Park! 🤩
Buddy Bench Unveiling event at Coral Reef Park and Palmetto Bay Park 
Big thanks to everyone who joined us in bringing a beacon of kindness to The Village of Palmetto Bay Community 
and specially, big shout out to the Youth Community Involvement Task Force members for being part of the process of the design of these amazing buddy benches 
, your enthusiasm and commitment are key to spread kindness .
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 
.
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 
.
Special thanks to @miamiparks , @hollywoodkia , @djtheartiste & the Peacock Park after-school program for this wonderful design and making this possible! 🎨
And thanks to all the #KindnessAmbassadors that gave us their support to have an incredible Buddy Bench that will now serve as a tool to promote Kindness and Friendships 💙.
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
Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to make real changes.
Every little bit counts!
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: perrineaotapta@gmail.com
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 mybuddybenchproject@gmail.com 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!
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
Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to make real changes.
Every little bit counts!