Photos of teens of Columbus House with James Sarles and Rotary Club of GB Sunrise Big Brother / Big Sister mentor volunteers during weekly outings over the years.
Freeport, Grand Bahama - Grand Bahama real estate broker, James Sarles, was honoured on Saturday evening, March 28, 2015 at the 50th Anniversary Department of Social Services Gala for his pioneering work in founding the Big Brother / Big Sister youth mentoring program of the Rotary Club of GB Sunrise.
A long-time leader in organizing volunteer activities that bring life-enriching skills to the teens of the Columbus House for Boys & Girls, Sarles’ work gives the young residents opportunities to learn and grow and connect with the community. Weekly Ju Jitsu lessons with Professor Ivan Moss, and music lessons with master guitarist, Steve Persaud, add to ongoing outings such as snorkeling trips, picnics, visits to local businesses, boating excursions, Home for the Aged visits, and time spent with mentors that open new horizons for the youth.
President of the Rotary Club of GB Sunrise, Sarles is also actively involved in community work with the club’s Safe Swim buoy placement program, Cat’s Eye road safety program, Rotary exchange students, and Safety Vest for walkers program.
A successful Grand Bahama real estate broker and President of Coldwell Banker / James Sarles Realty, Sarles supports a number of civic-minded causes and also hosts an annual Basket Brigade food drive at Christmas. Charity organizations such as The Red Cross and The Salvation Army have also benefited from his ongoing enthusiasm for volunteer work in the community—which began shortly after arriving on the island in 1984.
Originally from Buffalo, New York, Sarles first came to The Bahamas at the invitation of the Ministry of Tourism to help market The Bahamas in his capacity as head of his own marketing and advertising agency in New York City. He met and married Marina Gottlieb, a physical therapist and author, whose father, Dr. Ejnar Gottlieb, was the first medical doctor on Grand Bahama—brought in by pioneer Wallace Groves for his lumber company’s outpost known as Pineridge. Sarles and his wife, Marina, have a son, Nikolai, who joined his real estate firm in 2012 and is also active in community service work.
Grand Bahama real estate broker, James Sarles, is presented with an award honoring his community work by The Hon. Melanie S. Griffin, M.P., Minister of Social Services and Community Development, at the 50thAnniversary of The Department of Social Services Gala Banquet March 28, 2015.
Sarles’ business success is built on hard work, a commitment to excellence, and a genuine love of people. “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”, if a favorite quote (attributed to Winston Churchill) that guides Sarles in his efforts to make a difference in the lives of Grand Bahama’s youth.
“To be able to be there for the Columbus House residents, and to meet up with some of them years later and hear how much our efforts and time spent together have positively impacted their lives is very heartwarming to me”, notes Sarles.
“I look forward to continuing our work with the Big Brother / Big Sister program as we look to add new transition facilities that will help residents live their best lives, and find jobs and housing when they age out of the program.”
