Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Monmouth and Middlesex Counties celebrated an evening of wine, raffles and humble chit chat about the positive impact the organization has had on the youth that it serves.
The May 10 event was held at Buona Sera in Red Bank.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth & Middlesex Counties is a volunteer supported nonprofit organization that has been matching children facing adversity with positive role models since 1976, according to a press release.
The organization currently provides big brothers and big sisters for more than 700 children, according to the organization.
Helene Boedart, an evening attendee, said William Salcedo and his partners are the “backbone” of the mentor-based organization. Salcedo is the executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth and Middlesex Counties, she said.
“I just feel that he and his staff make a tremendous effort toward the projects that they have for the children. I am all for that,” Boedart said.
Boedart is a professor of art at New Jersey City University. She said her experience as an educator has allowed her to recognize the needs of children and its relevance in individual development. She said children are the sole priority of the organization – and always should remain at the forefront.
“There are a lot of children who don’t have a home or even someone to depend upon,” she said.
Boedart said she has observed the support that is offered by the community and said it remains unmatched. She said the same people attend the event each year and give generously toward a good cause.
“If you want to support anything, this organization is the winner,” Boedart said.
Big brother Andrew Mahnken and his little brother, Ethan Rosa, celebrated two years of friendship at the annual event.The duo said their relationship is defined by trips to the movies, baseball games and Marvel comics.
Mahnken said becoming a big brother has allowed him to reconnect with his youth.
“I went full-blown adult for awhile. I have gotten back to having fun,” Mahnken said.
Mahnken said the duo meets once a month to spend time together.
“I thought there were better things that I could be doing, rather than sitting at home watching the Mets every night,” Mahnken laughed. “I thought it would be really cool to have a little guy to mentor.”
Ethan said he cherishes the conversations he has with Mahnken the most.
To enroll a child in the program or to become a child’s mentor, visit http://www.bbbs.org/.
