Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod & the Islands (BBBSCCI) has named its “Bigs” of the year, honoring people who are making a real difference in the lives of nearly 350 youth on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Plymouth by creating and nurturing transformational one-to-one mentoring relationships.
This year, Big Brother Alberto Gomez and Big Sister Kristen Gosselin are being honored and recognized as the Cape & Islands Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year for their immense impact on their Littles.
Every year, Big Brothers Big Sisters nominates one Big Brother and one Big Sister to be considered for their title of Big of the Year. In order to win the title, the mentor needs to exhibit superlative influence over his/her Little throughout their match, and both have done so for the past 15 years combined.
Gomez, a resident of Bourne, has been matched with his Little Brother, Jordan, from Falmouth, for almost seven years. Jordan, now 14, says Gomez has been one of the biggest supports in his life.
“Alberto taught me that even if things get bad, they can still be turned around,” he said. “He has always been there for me no matter what, and I know I can call him anytime and he’ll be there.”
Gosselin, a resident of Edgartown, has been matched with her Little Sister, Elaina of Vineyard Haven, for the past nine years.
“Kristen never gave up on me,” says Elaina, now 15. “When I was little and shy and in my own bubble, I wouldn’t always want to go out, but Kristen would always make it fun and helped me to break out.”
The agency will formally honor Gomez on Monday, June 5, at the annual Golf for Kids Tournament at the Cummaquid Golf Club in Yarmouth Port, and Gosselin on Friday, June 16, at the annual Blooming Bids for Kids event on Martha’s Vineyard at the Field Gallery in West Tisbury.
Golf reservations may be made on the tournament website: https://emassbigs.org/events/cape-golf-for-kids/ and Blooming Bids for Kids tickets and can be found on the events website: https://emassbigs.org/events/blooming-bids/
BBBS is always in need of volunteers to serve as mentors across the Cape, Martha’s Vineyard and Plymouth. The agency notes that the need for male volunteers is four times greater due to the large number of boys who are referred to the program. For more information, or to sign up, visit www.CapeBigs.org or call 508-771-5150.
