In 2023, as part of our initiative to increase our impact, Law Rocks began offering a new award for each Law Rocks show: The Hustle & Heart Award. This award is given to the band that has the highest number of unique donors contributing to the “Donation” category (separate from sponsorships or ticket sales). Law Rocks makes an additional donation to the winning band's charity of choice.
Law Rocks celebrates grassroot, community efforts, and The Hustle & Heart award is meant to encourage donations for each band’s nonprofit pick. We are thrilled to increase our support of small, local nonprofits who would otherwise not be receiving this funding.
Today’s spotlight is on BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF MIAMI, winner of the Hustle & Heart Award at the Second Annual Law Rocks Miami last November. BBBS of Miami was the chosen nonprofit of Hustle & Heart Award Winners The Meltones, featuring legal talent from Greenberg Traurig.
The Meltones strong community of supporters rallied to raise over $40,500 in support of BBBS of Miami, including the $2,000 granted from winning the Hustle & Heart Award. This exceptional fundraising effort will have a lasting impact on the youth and community it serves. A standing-O to The Meltones for their hard work!
Burt Bruton of The Meltones sat down with Gale Nelson, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami prior to the Second Annual Law Rocks Miami last November for a fantastic interview you can watch on The Game of Life Mentoring Podcast.
Read on for our spotlight interview with Gale Nelson to learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami and some of their upcoming initiatives.
Representatives from Greenberg Traurig and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami on stage at the 2nd Annual Law Rocks Miami
📸: OSmany Torres | OS Photography Studio
1) Can you tell us a little about your organization and its mission?
BBBS was founded in 1904 by a court Clerk who came up with an innovative approach to preventing kids from entering the juvenile justice system…a mentor for a child. 120 years later, we are still helping our “littles” succeed in life. Our mission is to ignite the power and promise of youth is stronger as we carry out our vision of all youth can achieving their full potential.
2) What is one success story you’re really proud of?
Little Brother Jefferson was matched with big brother, Paul Berkowitz, at Greenberg Traurig in Miami. They developed a friendship and a bond that will last a lifetime. Jefferson is now a high school graduate and enrolled at Meharry Medical college studying dentistry.
3) What programs and initiatives do you have scheduled for the upcoming year?
The overall goal for this year is to increase the number of littles served. For the upcoming year, we will engage more corporate and community partners to become Bigs through our workplace mentoring program, community-based mentoring program, and site-based mentoring in schools and at our headquarters. We will thank and cultivate donors through a variety of events including our Golf Classic (Oct. 11th), Jazz at Joes (October 29th), Girls and Guys Night Out (2025), and our Gala in May 2025.
Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami here.