Big Brothers Big Sisters Hosts Fundraiser For Kosciusko Agency
October 14, 2022 at 12:28 a.m.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Hosts Fundraiser For Kosciusko Agency
By Staff Report-
The night featured dinner, a silent auction, speeches from Warsaw Big Brother Zane Hollar and his Little Brother Chris and a fashion show starring Kosciusko children enrolled in Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Matched seven years ago through the School Buddies program, Chris said he and Big Brother Hollar have become as close as family. Hollar chose to start with the School Buddies program because it seemed like a smaller step into service, he said – through the School Buddies program, he would meet with his Little Brother once a week at Chris’ school. For Hollar, who had just met the woman who would become his wife and started his career at Zimmer Biomet, this seemed like a natural first step.
“It was a way for me to enter the program without too much pressure,” said Hollar. “You’re showing up for lunch and recess. It was a lot less intimidating.”
Zane and Little Brother Chris formed a quick bond.
“We walked out after meeting at Washington (Elementary School) and I knew right then that I made the right choice, and that I was doing something that would have a big impact,” Hollar said. After two years of the School Buddies program, Hollar and Chris chose to transition into Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Community-Based program, where they could see each other outside of school.
“The first time I came out as a Community-Based match, I was overjoyed,” said Chris. “I have friends at school but it always goes into the habit where I never really communicate with them outside of that. After school’s over, I’m just kind of left by myself. Having him being there just every so often, that changes things.”
Hollar was raised by a single mother. He found a kindred spirit in Little Brother Chris, whose father was often away for work. Gradually, Hollar realized he could use his experience as a child to have a positive impact on his Little Brother.
“I had a father figure who was there, but wasn’t there all that much,” said Chris. “So Zane kind of stepped in to fill in the rest of the gap.”
More than 300 Warsaw community members came together to support Big Brothers Big Sisters in its youth mentorship mission at the Big Celebration Tuesday night. The silent auction raised over $10,000 for Littles in Kosciusko County. In the past year, Kosciusko County has seen 38 successful new matches between Bigs and Littles, with 88 total matches in the county and 86 volunteers currently in the application process.
Early in the night, Art Gakstatter took the stage to receive the Charles D. Smith Award. Established in 2015, the Charles D. Smith Award recognizes an individual or individuals who demonstrate passionate volunteerism, strong community leadership and a lifelong commitment to serving others. Gakstatter’s 40-year commitment to Big Brothers Big Sisters and his devotion to the community made him an obvious choice, said Big Brothers Big Sisters CEO Josette Rider.
Later in the night, the BIG Celebration fashion show featured a runway full of Kosciusko Bigs and Littles in sequined dresses and flashy blazers, and one Little Brother still on the waiting list. Little Brother Ricky is based in Kosciusko and enjoys chess, video games and kayaking. He is soft-spoken and reserved, and he has been waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister for three years.
Could you be the Big Brother that Ricky is looking for? Volunteer today at www.BBBSNEI.org.
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The night featured dinner, a silent auction, speeches from Warsaw Big Brother Zane Hollar and his Little Brother Chris and a fashion show starring Kosciusko children enrolled in Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Matched seven years ago through the School Buddies program, Chris said he and Big Brother Hollar have become as close as family. Hollar chose to start with the School Buddies program because it seemed like a smaller step into service, he said – through the School Buddies program, he would meet with his Little Brother once a week at Chris’ school. For Hollar, who had just met the woman who would become his wife and started his career at Zimmer Biomet, this seemed like a natural first step.
“It was a way for me to enter the program without too much pressure,” said Hollar. “You’re showing up for lunch and recess. It was a lot less intimidating.”
Zane and Little Brother Chris formed a quick bond.
“We walked out after meeting at Washington (Elementary School) and I knew right then that I made the right choice, and that I was doing something that would have a big impact,” Hollar said. After two years of the School Buddies program, Hollar and Chris chose to transition into Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Community-Based program, where they could see each other outside of school.
“The first time I came out as a Community-Based match, I was overjoyed,” said Chris. “I have friends at school but it always goes into the habit where I never really communicate with them outside of that. After school’s over, I’m just kind of left by myself. Having him being there just every so often, that changes things.”
Hollar was raised by a single mother. He found a kindred spirit in Little Brother Chris, whose father was often away for work. Gradually, Hollar realized he could use his experience as a child to have a positive impact on his Little Brother.
“I had a father figure who was there, but wasn’t there all that much,” said Chris. “So Zane kind of stepped in to fill in the rest of the gap.”
More than 300 Warsaw community members came together to support Big Brothers Big Sisters in its youth mentorship mission at the Big Celebration Tuesday night. The silent auction raised over $10,000 for Littles in Kosciusko County. In the past year, Kosciusko County has seen 38 successful new matches between Bigs and Littles, with 88 total matches in the county and 86 volunteers currently in the application process.
Early in the night, Art Gakstatter took the stage to receive the Charles D. Smith Award. Established in 2015, the Charles D. Smith Award recognizes an individual or individuals who demonstrate passionate volunteerism, strong community leadership and a lifelong commitment to serving others. Gakstatter’s 40-year commitment to Big Brothers Big Sisters and his devotion to the community made him an obvious choice, said Big Brothers Big Sisters CEO Josette Rider.
Later in the night, the BIG Celebration fashion show featured a runway full of Kosciusko Bigs and Littles in sequined dresses and flashy blazers, and one Little Brother still on the waiting list. Little Brother Ricky is based in Kosciusko and enjoys chess, video games and kayaking. He is soft-spoken and reserved, and he has been waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister for three years.
Could you be the Big Brother that Ricky is looking for? Volunteer today at www.BBBSNEI.org.
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