NEENAH — Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Wisconsin supporters, volunteers and donors gather each year to celebrate exceptional individuals and community partners.
The Dream Big Gala was full of celebration on Oct. 10, 2024 at Bridgewood in Neenah as Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Wisconsin recognized their 2024 award recipients.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Wisconsin connects youth with adult mentors. They serve more than 400 youth annually in Winnebago, Outagamie, Calumet and Waupaca counties through community-based, school-based and workplace mentoring programs.
“Volunteer Mentors are at the core of everything we do.”, says Jaime Kriewaldt, Chief Executive Officer of BBBS. Without our mentors, the impact we strive to make would simply not be possible. They are the everyday heroes who create lasting connections, inspire growth, and open doors of opportunity for their Littles”.
The Bigs of the Year Awards honor the individuals who embody the spirit of mentorship and go above and beyond in their commitment to their Littles. They are shining examples of the life-changing impact that a caring, consistent mentor can have on a young person.
The process of choosing the annual award honorees is a humble and often challenging task. Recipients are nominated by their Program Specialist or Program Coordinator, and the winners are chosen by the Dream Big Gala Committee.
Andrea Manor, who has been matched with her Little for almost 3 years, was honored as the Big Sister of the Year. Steve Peters, who has also been matched with his Little for almost 3 years, was recognized as the Big Brother of the Year.
The High School Big of the Year, Ella Trampe, was first introduced to the High School Bigs program when she was in fourth grade and was a Little in the program.
“She remembers having a Big Sister and doing various things like coloring and board games,” said Kriewaldt. “Ella’s positive memories of being a Little helped shape her into the kind of mentor she wanted to be for her own Little Sister.”
In addition to the award, Ella received a $1,000 scholarship from Big Brothers Big Sisters.
The Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual or community partner who inspires change, makes a difference and takes the little things and makes them into big things.
The J.J. Keller Foundation was the 2024 recipient of the award. They have championed the power of mentorship, have embraced what it truly means to be an ambassador for BBBS and have left a legacy across the organization.
“The J. J. Keller Foundation and its board of directors have been a true partner to Big Brothers Big Sisters not only through their financial contributions but also their belief in our mission and moving us forward as an organization,” said Kriewaldt.
The Dream Big Gala is hosted every October and is the largest annual fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Wisconsin. More than $120,000 was raised during the 2024 event.
