Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC announces ‘Big of the Year’ nominees

Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Western North Carolina chapter has announced members Frank Wolfe, Ann Geers and Amy Hall as nominees for “Big of the Year.” The volunteers, who have been participating with the mentoring program for various lengths of time, were selected for several attributes critical to the organization’s efforts and may go on to represent the organization nationally pending results in a NC competition this spring.

“The criteria for selection is based upon the degree of positive impact the mentor has had on the young person, involvement in recruitment of volunteers, promotion of Big Brothers Big Sisters in the community and/or workplace, and support of fundraising efforts,” reads a press release from the organization. “Each State Association Chairperson is in charge of selecting the Big of the Year based on the Little’s improvement in academic performance, relationships with family and peers and an overall confidence in reaching future goals.”

More from Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC has announced that Frank Wolfe, Ann Geers, and Amy Hall have been nominated as “Big of the Year” in Western North Carolina. Both Frank and Ann have been Bigs for almost four years while Amy has been a Big Sister for almost seven years! All three matches highlight the strong dedication and consistency illustrative of our Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteers.

Frank was selected to represent Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC at the state level in the North Carolina Big of the Year competition. The Big Brother winner and Big Sister winner from NC will compete in the national competition this spring.

These mentors have provided their Littles with immense support and opened their eyes to new experiences. Ann has involved her Little Sister Megan in family outings and sponsored her to attend summer camp. She has also helped get her Little Sister involved in singing lessons and gymnastics. Amy has played a vital role in Megan’s academic life and has helped her increase her confidence by learning to recognize her strengths. Frank has supported his Little’s creativity and encouraged his compassion for others through time spent volunteering at a retirement facility.

“I had my son, Tyler, in this program waiting for a Big Brother for about a year. Then Frank, who was one of the program’s Advisory Council members, heard what a tough time the program was having getting guys to volunteer to be Big Brothers. Frank stepped up to be my son’s Big Brother,” says Wayne, the father of Frank’s Little Brother. “After about the third time Frank took Tyler out, I began to see a change in Tyler. He was starting to be a much better behaved young adult. Since Tyler has been seeing Frank, he is more generous, calmer, patient, and more social and helpful with the family. After I met Frank a couple of times, I could see why Tyler liked him so much. He is just an overgrown teenager himself. I guess that just goes to prove the old saying that you’re only as old as you feel. I cannot express my gratitude enough for the changes in my son that Frank has established in him.”

The criteria for selection is based upon the degree of positive impact the mentor has had on the young person, involvement in recruitment of volunteers, promotion of Big Brothers Big Sisters in the community and/or workplace, and support of fundraising efforts. Each State Association Chairperson is in charge of selecting the Big of the Year based on the Little’s improvement in academic performance, relationships with family and peers and an overall confidence in reaching future goals.

Robin Myer, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC, appreciates the contributions that volunteers have made over the years. “In the 32 years that I have been associated with Big Brothers Big Sisters there has been one constant – how amazing the volunteers are who serve as the Big Brothers and Big Sisters! Each and every one of them is taking the time out of their busy schedules to include a child in their life. All of them are dedicating themselves to changing a life, one child at a time. My hat is off to all of you!”

Besides their commitment as a mentor, Amy, Frank, and Ann have also served Big Brothers Big Sisters in other ways. This group of dedicated volunteers have helped with fundraising efforts, member recruitment, and attended group match activities. Frank serves as the Chair of the Haywood County Advisory Council. These individuals continue to play a valuable role in the ongoing success of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC:
For more than 100 years nationally and 30 years locally, Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a volunteer-driven organization that makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”). Youth in the program are ages 6 through 18, in nine counties across western North Carolina: Buncombe, Burke, Cherokee, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson (Cashiers area), Macon (Highlands area), Polk, and Swain. BBBS of WNC develops positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC strives to achieve positive youth outcomes, by partnering with parents/guardians, volunteers and others in the community, in the areas of:  higher aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships; avoidance of risky behaviors; and educational success.