Big Brothers Big Sisters honors 250

CRANSTON – The Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State honored more than 250 mentors at its annual Volunteer Appreciation event on Nov. 6.
Roxanne Trenteseaux, program director, said mentees benefit greatly from the gift of time that mentors make.
“Higher aspirations, better self-esteem and greater educational success are just some of the measurable results we see every day,” she said. “There are still over 200 children waiting for a mentor and now more than ever we need the men and women of Rhode Island to step up and volunteer their time.”
The event was held at Balise Toyota of Warwick, a longtime supporter of the nonprofit. Mentors were given thank you gifts that included a voucher for $500 off a vehicle, supplied by Michael O’Connell, general manager of Balise Toyota of Warwick, who also attended.
Balise has also donated $5,000 to the nonprofit for the past two years and provided a matching grant for $5,000 this year and $4,000 last year.
Katje Afonseca, director of development at BBBSOS, said Balise’s grant will support the organization’s Holiday Help Program.
“The holidays can be very stressful on a family who is working hard to make ends meet,” Afonseca said. “Through our Holiday Help Program we are able to go beyond mentoring and provide additional support to the entire family.”
“At Balise we feel it’s important to give back to the community,” said O’Connell. “The Toyota Dealer Match Program allows us to really ramp up our donation in a more meaningful way. Having participated in Big Brothers Big Sisters Holiday Party last year, I saw first-hand what a difference this makes.”
Gifts to mentors also included a bottle of wine and a free wine tasting for two supplied by Shela Lara, a winery in Coventry. Students from the Exeter Job Corps Academy catered the event.
To apply to become a mentor, visit www.BBBSOS.org or call 401-921-2434.

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