Pictured: Michele Mitchel Big Sister of the Year (In picture Michele Mitchell, Ashley Doyle (back), Emily Salazar (front), Ed Stokes)
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona Announces Big of the Year Winners and Recognizes Renewal by Andersen for their Partnership
On Thursday, over 120 volunteers, board members, staff, and alumni gathered
On Thursday, over 120 volunteers, board members, staff, and alumni gathered to honor National Mentoring Month at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona annual Big Event. This event honors the agency’s volunteers and the invaluable mentoring they offer to youth in our community. The time, energy, and guidance our volunteers provide are essential in helping our youth to navigate the challenges and opportunities of life and to become the best versions of themselves.
The evening was emceed by Brian Woods- former Board Chairman. Not only did attendees enjoy an evening of food and fun, but many awards were also presented.
Renewal by Andersen was named the Barry Starr Award winner. Barry founded Big Brothers in 1976 after serving as a police and probation officer for several years. He remained the director until 1983 when he began a career in politics. Renewal was recognized for their partnership throughout 2024 by playing a vital role in supporting various events, encouraging volunteerism and showing what it meant to lead with heart and purpose.
The highlight of the evening was when the volunteers were named the 2025 Bigs of the Year. Out of the more than 1,000 volunteers who serve as mentors to youth in Maricopa County, BBBSAZ have selected Big Brother-Jamal Galloway, Big Sister-Michele Mitchell, Site Based Big-Dennay King and Big Duo- Matt Manoogian & Natalie Emery as outstanding examples of volunteerism and the power of mentoring. Research has shown that children who have mentors are more likely to participate in extracurricular activities, volunteer in their community, and graduate from high school; and less likely to engage in risky behavior like underage drug and alcohol use.
For more information on how to become a Big in our program or to learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, visit www.bbbsaz.org or contact Eric Brown at ebrown@bbbsaz.org.
ABOUT BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CENTRAL ARIZONA:
For 70 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages six through 18. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people. For more information contact BBBSAZ at 602-264-BIGS orwww.bbbsaz.org