On November 10, 2016 Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) recognized four remarkable volunteers and honorees at their 10th annual Big Night of Thanks. The event was generously co-sponsored by Glens Falls Hospital, NBT Bank and Adirondack Technical Solutions and was hosted by the Tower Event Center in Glens Falls.
While welcoming guests to the event, Bill Moon, Executive Director for BBBS said, “Tonight is all about thanking each and every one of you for the valuable part you play in the dynamics of our agency. You help our agency to continuously move forward and strive to assist as many children who need our help as possible.”
Warren Cutler, of Wilton, was named Big Brother of the Year. His dedication to children in our community spans over the better part of two decades. Warren was first matched in 1998 and during this time has mentored four children in our program. He has been collectively matched for 19 years. Warren’s former Little Brother, whom he was matched with for 8 years, was in attendance and credited Warren for inspiring him to attend College. His current Little Brother, Zach (age 11), also spoke fondly of the mentoring relationship he entered into with Warren, a little over a year ago. In addition to being a BIG Warren is our longest standing member of our Board. Matt Baker, Program Specialist said fondly that “Warren IS Big Brothers Big Sisters.”
“I would not be attending college if I was not influenced to do so by him and everyone else that he brought into my life.”
–Little Brother Dakota
Sherry Giacobbe, of Queensbury, was named Big Sister of the Year. Sherry, has been matched with Little Sister, Hailey, since February of 2014. Hailey’s mom, Nicole said she was looking for a Big Sister who was an “independent woman who could model self –confidence.” She certainly found this in Sherry. Sherry has helped Hailey’s discover a love of nature, and they like to go out by Sherry’s coy pond for stillness or just to talk. While introducing Sherry, Shannon Morrison, Program Specialist said “Thank you Sherry, we get to do what we do, because you chose to do what you do.”
Jennifer Piccirillo, General Manager of the GAP Outlet in Lake George, was named Honorary Big sister of the Year. Jennifer has been an incredible supporter of ours for our 6 years. During this time, she has helped us by volunteering at events, collecting school supplies, and fostering a relationship with the GAP foundation. Jennifer truly embodies the spirt of giving. Thank you Jennifer, for as you said it best, “Even the little bit we do as a team or as an individual makes a big difference in the end.”
Elizabeth Miller, President and CEO of Miller Mechanical Services, Inc. in Glens Falls and Chairman of Doty Machine Works in Fort Edward, was the recipient of the David J. Capron Humanitarian of the Year Award. Active in her community, she currently serves on the boards of the Prospect Center, the Glens Falls Business Improvement District, the SUNY Adirondack Foundation, the Adirondack Civic Center Coalition, Inc., and is a former board member for the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce. Elizabeth proudly accepted the honor to be in the likes of David J. Capron, a longtime supporter of ours.