On May 15, my husband, son and I attended Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley’s annual Big Stories event at SteelStacks in Bethlehem.

“Big Stories is our annual celebration of our mentoring mission and a night of inspiration,” BBBSLV said in its email invite. “It is also where we honor our Match of the Year and Little of the Year.”

In addition to hearing about inspiring stories and new initiatives and meeting great people, attendees were also treated to hors d’oeuvres.

Another exciting part of the program for my family was when my son, Benjamin, walked up to receive his certificate for being nominated for Little of the Year by his Big Sister. He, among others, received a special document that included a copy of the nomination submitted to the board by the Big Brother or Sister for his or her Little.

“BBBSLV matches kids with caring mentors, transforming our communities,” the organization’s website continues. “We don’t create potential. We defend it.”

Here are a few words from his Big: “Ben is an intelligent, creative and passionate kid. ... I enjoy every moment seeing him be considerate, helpful and friendly. ... He knows something that took me years to understand - that not everyone will like you no matter who you are or what you do. ... I know Ben has a bright future ahead. He has made so much progress in just the short amount of time we have been meeting, and it will continue!”

Ben’s Big Sister is a junior at Whitehall High School. The duo have formed a bond unlike any other. After they meet once a week at school, he comes home excited to tell my husband, Joe, and I that they met, what they talked about and which game they played. He even is excited for her when she wins a game instead of him; losing a game is one aspect he struggles with. I think having a connection with a Big who is older than him - but not yet the age of Joe and I - is beneficial. He can experience appropriate social interactions and emotional responses from his Big and not just from his teachers or us. She has had a great influence on him.

For Easter, she gave Ben a holiday- and spring-themed basket filled with treats and toys. My husband and I can tell she included items based on his interests and personality, which shows us the bond they have. The thoughtfulness she includes in her meeting with him is very sweet and sincere.

We are glad they will stay together for at least another year when she is a senior and Ben moves up to Steckel Elementary School.

“She is a really good card player, and she also is good at marbles, too. I’ve gotten better at not being mad when someone else wins,” Ben said. “She likes to talk to me.”

To Ben’s Big, we deeply thank you for all you have done for and accomplished with him. I hope the excitement Ben expresses during your meetings is a sign of the impression you have made on him.

A public fundraiser for BBBSLV coming up is the John Walson Jr. Golf for Kids’ Sake event Sept. 9 at Woodstone Country Club, 3777 Dogwood Road, Danielsville.

“Each year, over 120 golfers and 50 corporate partners come together to raise critically needed funds to sustain not only our current Big and Little matches but to create new mentoring relationships for kids who are waiting,” the website states.

We are so glad to be part of BBBSLV. Thank you for defending our son’s potential. And to the Big volunteers, your time and passion is helping make kids’ lives a success.

For further information or to volunteer, visit bbbslv.org.

Stacey Koch

editorial assistant

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press