Big Brothers Big Sisters names mentors of the year
Individuals will be recognized at reception held at Fish in Asbury Park
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth and Middlesex Counties has named their 2014 “Big Brother” and “Big Sister” of the year.
Ray Patsky of Long Branch and Big Sister Christine Krawczuk of Holmdel were chosen for their exceptional commitment to their “littles” they mentor, according to a news release from the agency.
“These individuals have given tirelessly of themselves to mentor children who need a positive person to spend time with and guide them,” the release stated.
Patsky was matched with his Little Brother, Christian [shown at right], in 2006 when Christian was just 9.
“These seven years of knowing and being part of Christian’s life has been fun, fulfilling and meaningful,” Patsky said. “I have watched Christian grow up and have been there for him. What I was not expecting from this mentoring experience was the joy I would receive from our friendship.”
Krawczuk has been matched with her Little Sister Briana since she was 8 years old —now Briana is a sophomore in high school. Christine said that if she were to give advice to someone considering becoming a mentor, she would “emphasize that it is not necessary to have experience with children in order to be a successful mentor,” she said. “You become a mentor because your passion and dedication is to inspire a child to believe in who she or he is.”
“Christine is a good influence on me and I respect everything she does,” said Briana [shown at right with Krawczuk]. “I strive to be like her when I grow up, an ambitious, well mannered, intelligent, and strong young woman.”
Patsky and Krawczuk are two of 297 volunteers who mentor children in the BBBSMMC program. They are also two of 5000 mentors who have been nominated for the New Jersey Big of the Year award.
“Just four to six hours a month can make a measurable impact on a child’s life and put them on a path to success” said William Salcedo, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth & Middlesex Counties.
The agency will recognize Patsky, Krawczuk, and all of their volunteer Big Brothers, Big Sisters and supporters at Fish Urban Dining restaurant located at 601 Mattison Ave. on Jan. 28. The public is welcome to attend. Send an email to pnurhan@bbbsmmc.org by Jan. 25 to reserve a space.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth & Middlesex Counties currently has a list of over 40 children waiting to be matched with a caring adult volunteer mentor. The agency is promoting volunteer recruitment in an effort to match more children with their own Big Brother or Big Sister. Agency staff and volunteers are available to make presentations to area service groups, companies, or other interested parties, the release said.
BBBSMMC is a donor-supported, volunteer organization that is funded through individual gifts, grants and special events. The agency currently provides mentoring to over 550 children through its traditional community-based program, as well as through local schools, colleges, and companies. For more information, call 732-544-2224 or visit www.bbbsmmc.org.
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