Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast mentor honored as Florida's 'Big of the Year'
Carlos Bates, a member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, has been named "Big of the Year" for 2023 by the Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida.
“Carlos’ match relationship exemplifies the positive impact that long term one-to-one mentoring has on our children, said Dan Prinzing, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida. "Carlos will represent Florida for the National Big Brother of the Year Award to be announced in June.”
Bates has been a long-time Big Brothers volunteer, joining the organization in 2010.
"He is no stranger to mentoring, having a wealth of experience with both children and young adults," said Joy Mahler, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast. "He genuinely cares about the success of his Littles and is willing to go out of his way to help them achieve it.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast helps youth thrive by providing transformational, one-to-one relationships with caring adult mentors.
“I was fortunate to have people in my life growing up who recognized my talents and saw possibilities in me long before I would – or could – see the potential in myself," Bates said. "I remember the pangs of uncertainty and doubt that challenged me as a young person and will never forget what it felt like to have someone I respected tell me that they believed I would undoubtedly achieve my goals. I developed self-confidence and my self-esteem boosted with the help of the mentors in my life. I knew early on that it would be a lifelong mission of mine to give some of that back."
Bates was matched with Mihretu, "my second Little Brother," in 2017, when Mihretu was 7 years old.
"I will never forget how he sized me up. While he may be small in stature, Mihretu makes up for it with a huge personality," Bates said. "He conducted his own interview of me during that hourlong match meeting and I was so relieved that I got the job!”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast provides mentoring relationships for children ages 6-18 throughout Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, Highlands, Hardee, Charlotte, Lee, Hendry and Collier counties. For information and to volunteer, visit bbbssun.org.
Submitted by Gina Taylor
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Longtime Suncoast mentor honored as Florida's Big Brother of the Year
