Thursday, April 16, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hanover & District held an evening of celebration, laughter, food and recognition, for the many volunteers, families and affiliates of the BBBS agency.
This year’s Honorary Big Brother and Big Sister are Gord and Sheena Becker. They were presented with gifts and certificates by last year’s Honorary couple, Deb and Bill Brown. Gord and Sheena began The Brad Becker Memorial Charity Golf Tournament in memory of their son Brad. Brad lost his life in 2003 while saving his young daughter’s life. Gordon and Sheena direct the funds from the golf tournament to BBBS of Hanover & District to assist families with the cost of participating in activities or organized sports registration as well as the necessary sporting equipment. This year’s Golf tournament will be held Thursday, Sept. 10.
Book early to reserve your spot. (To register call 369-5192)
The following Volunteers were acknowledged for their years of service: Clare Schwan for 20 years as a Big Brother, Laurie Huck, Jenn Woodhouse and Nora Newton, 5 years as Big Sisters/In School Mentors.
Our recent Bowl for Kids Sake raised almost $40,000.00. Thanks to the generosity of the surrounding communities and many individuals, we reached our goal. Presentations were made by our Honorary Bowling Chair, Ken Polfus, to the following: Peter Carter, who gathered $1755.00, the individual with the highest amount in pledges; CIBC, who won the bank challenge as well as the business trophy, raising $920.00; The ABC’s, consisting of Jerry/Joan Asling, Joyce/Wayne Benninger and Peter Carter, for the team bringing in the most pledges, that being $2709.50; Little Brother, Quinton Steward, who was the top "Little Brother", raising $507.00.
The special entertainment for the evening was The Grey Bruce Friends & Neighbours Puppeteers. (FAN Club) This is a program offered through the Canadian Mental Health Association. The FAN Club raises awareness of mental health by using child-sized puppets to deliver messages on self-esteem, bullying, attention deficit disorder and other issues. Everyone, young or old, enjoyed this amazing group which addressed serious matters in a fun, light-hearted manner.
The grand prize winners for BFKS draws
Lenore Hinsperger, Stepping Stone donated by Nolan’s Stained Glass
Tara Sottile, Blue Jay Tickets, donated by Advantage Hanover Travel and
Henry and Barb Lansink
Shane Wells won the Catered dinner for 4, with Gord Brown of Oodles of Noodles
Brad Unruh won the Gym Membership to New Heights Fitness and Wellness Center
Emmy McQuaid won the Neustadt Studio, Portrait Session and 20 x 24 portrait
The Kids’ Night Winner of the DVD Player was Brook Leask ; the MP3 Players were won by Savannah McGilveary, Quinton Steward, Miranda Emke and Alexander Kupferschmidt
Binoculars were won by Kailynn Moyer. The Hand Held Games went to Crystal Gray, Kyle Hart and Marc Homier.