The impact an adult can have on the life of a child through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kosciusko County was expressed throughout the 11th Annual The Big Celebration Tuesday night.
It was stated when Michelle Smith Hansen presented the 2024 Charles D. Smith Award to the late Esther Pfleiderer. It was shown when Big Briana and Little Makia shared their story. And it was declared in the “unforgettable” fashion show with Bigs and Littles.
“This evening is all about honoring big hearts in the room,” said emcee Bill “Woody” Zimmerman, CEO/GM of Kensington Digital Media. “Each of you have shown up here tonight to show your support for the youth in our community and to make a real big difference.”
The Charles D. Smith Award celebrates individuals who have made a lasting impact through volunteerism and community leadership, Zimmerman said in introducing Hansen, Smith’s daughter, to present the award.
Hansen said, “On behalf of myself and our entire family, I’d like to thank Josette, Shelly and the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization for establishing this prestigious award to keep the memory and legacy of my father, Charlie Smith, moving forward.”
She said her dad valued people - family, friends and relationships - above all else. He was generous and intentional with his time and resources, she said, and he invested in others and in the community he called home.
“The Charles D. Smith Award was established in 2015 and recognizes an individual or individuals who demonstrate passionate volunteerism, strong community leadership and a lifelong commitment to serving others - qualities that define Dad’s remarkable legacy,” Hansen said.
As an avid supporter of BBBS and the children in the community, she said, “Charlie’s efforts led to a 100% increase of children served in Kosciusko County. His altruistic gifts and his strong leadership skills provided the agency with invaluable resources to make Big Brothers Big Sisters one of the top mentoring organizations in the Midwest. Most of all, his genuine down-to-earth nature and his contagious smile brought new light to the countless organizations and individuals that he helped. And he is truly missed.”

    Big Briana (L) and Little Makia (R) share their Big Brother Big Sisters story Tuesday night at The Big Celebration at Warsaw Community Church. Photo by David Slone, Times-Union
  

After a short video played about the late Pfleiderer and her charitable trust held at 1st Source Bank, BBBS of Kosciusko County Director of Development Tammy Smith announced the award was going to the late Esther Pfleiderer.
Pfleiderer’s commitment to BBBS began nearly a decade ago when her investment helped launch The Big Celebration. Beyond her contributions to BBBS, she was an educator for 39 years within the Warsaw Community Schools system. The Robert and Esther Pfleiderer Scholarship has awarded over $2 million to Warsaw Community High School graduates. She established her charitable trust to support charitable organizations across Kosciusko County.
Tom Tearney, trust administrator with 1st Source Bank, thanked the community “for so many generous people that do so much to improve the lives of others. One of those generous people is Esther Pfleiderer. She was thinking of others when she created her charitable trust. She cared so deeply that she dedicated her life savings to improving this community and we are very fortunate to continue sharing her desire to help people.”
Over the last 20 years, he said the trust has given away over $2 million and her account keeps growing. “Her generosity will continue to help people for many generations to come, and thank you for honoring Esther Pfleiderer this evening. We appreciate it,” Tearney stated.
Following the award presentation, Tammy Smith told event attendees, “It’s an honor to stand before you and share the incredible impact your support has made. The stories of how mentoring changes lives are countless.”
She mentioned she and her Little Sister, Jessica, have been matched for over 12 years and her life has been changed by her Little for sure. Smith pointed out that 82% of BBBS’ matches last longer than the original one-year commitment.
“It’s because relationships go beyond hanging out a few times a month. They become family,” she said.
The 2024 Northeast Indiana Bigs of the Year included Big Sister of the Year, Alma Jimenez, and Big Couple of the Year, Nick and Alyssa Utter, who Smith recognized. Trace Hansen was a nominee for Big Brother of the Year.

    During the 2024 Fashion Show at The Big Celebration Tuesday, Big Brother Russell and Little Brother Dustin show off their attire. Photo by David Slone, Times-Union
  

In 2023, Kosciusko County BBBS had 152 matches served and 49 new matches made, according to The Celebration program. “But remember, those aren’t just numbers. Each represents a child in our community who needed somebody to believe in them, and the great people in this community stepped up to do just that,” Smith said. “This year, we’re on track to take another 50 more kids off the waiting list thanks to the support of everyone here tonight. We’ve been able to add two new local staff members to the team, a reflection of the incredible demand for mentors in our community.”
She gave a plea for not only financial gifts to BBBS, but also for more volunteers to be mentors. The video of Big Briana and Little Makia was then shown.
After the video, Briana thanked BBBS for allowing her to be in Makia’s life. The two were matched Dec. 19, 2014. Makia will be graduating high school and the two won’t be a part of BBBS at that time, Briana said, but they’ll still be a part in each other’s lives.
“More Bigs are needed. The biggest excuse is, I don’t have time. There’s no such thing as not having enough time to be a blessing to somebody. So, please, if it’s in your heart one little inkling, try it, please. We only ask for your commitment. If you absolutely can not be a Big, please support Big Brothers Big Sisters financially and with prayer. That’s very important, too,” Briana said.

    During the 2024 Fashion Show at The Big Celebration Tuesday, Big Brother Brendan and Little Brother Devyn walk the catwalk. Photo by David Slone, Times-Union
  

Makia also thanked BBBS for their endless support, as well as her other supporters.
“And then, lastly, I want to thank my Big for everything. Next month, we’ll be celebrating 10 years together, and through the bad and the good, she’s been there,” Makia stated, adding that BBBS has “completely” changed her life.
She said not only do the kids need people, but the adults need the kids, too.
“I don’t think the adults realize how much the kids can help as well,” she stated.
The Fashion Show featured Littles and their Bigs, showing off fashions from Glam Boutique and Male Fashions.
In wrapping up The Big Celebration, Tammy Smith said, “Every child should feel unstoppable in reaching whatever dreams they have for themselves. And just like adults, having a mentor will help them achieve it.”
She said as of Tuesday, 94 children are on the waiting list.
For more information on volunteering or donating, call 260-456-1600 or visit the website at bbbsnei.org.