Big Brothers Big Sisters holds dinner

Big Brothers Big Sisters news

On January 22, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer, Auglaize, & Van Wert Counties held its Big Dinner. Donors, volunteers, Bigs, Littles, board members, and many others attended the dinner to help Big Brothers Big Sisters recognize its donors and volunteers.

During the dinner, Abby Balster, executive director, announced the 2012 “Volunteer of the Year”, 2012 “Big Couple of the Year”, 2012 “Big Brother of the Year”, and 2012 “Big Sister of the Year.”

Eldon Montague, founder of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer/Auglaize Counties Inc. and current member of the Board of Trustees, was announced as the 2012 “Volunteer of the Year”. He accepted the award for the year 1989 and also, on behalf of Jim Geiger (agency founder) and Joan McPheron (first executive director of the agency). They all spoke about the history of the agency, and the impact it has many on so many youth. In addition, Geiger explained the program as being simple but not easy.

The 2012 “Big Couple of the Year” Award went to Chuck and Lisa Howe, who were matched with Little Brother Andrew.

“Being Andrew’s Big Brother & Sister has brought us a great deal of joy and satisfaction,” the Howes wrote. It is amazing and rewarding to see him evolving into a fine young man, making the honor roll, participating in drama and the band, and coming so far in service through Boy Scouts. Andrew has goals, aspirations, and confidence of success with a college education and subsequent career.

The 2012 “Big Brother of the Year” nominees were Larry Honigford, Brian Huelsman, and Jeremy Sneed. Huelsman, matched with Little Brother Josh, received the 2012 “Big Brother of the Year” Award.

“Little did I know, but this child would teach me more about living life to its fullest than I had ever expected a child to,” Huelsman said. “As the weeks turned into months and months to years, Josh and I became extraordinary brothers. He has brought more smiles, laughter and new experiences into my life which have all helped make me into the person I am today.”

The 2012 “Big Sister of the Year” nominees were Ruth Brickner, Ashley Heiby, and Kerri Masonbrink. Keirstin, Masonbrink’s Little Sister, accepted the award on her behalf the night of the event.

“Becoming a high school buddy means mentoring younger students to help them accomplish a common goal of graduating from high school and having a friend to turn to,” Masonbrink wrote in her nomination. “Becoming a big sister means teaching and guiding your ‘little’ through school, life’s challenges, and more.

“Keirstin’s family is like a second family to me, we may not see each other every day, but we are here for each other,” Masonbrink added. “We look out for one another and most of all we created a bond of love and friendship that will never be broken.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to thank everyone that has donated and volunteered in the past. Without them, the agency would not be where it is today, and making the impact it is. The organization was able to serve 180 youths, have an average match length of 25 months, have the longest match anniversary be nine years, and have a match cost of $738 (national average is $1,000).